The submission must be appropriate to each theme of the A, B, C, and D categories. While the choice of expressive techniques and materials is up to the entrant, the work must be original and previously unpublished. If a work is judged to be similar to another work, it may be disqualified from the award or selection process. *Do not use existing company names, product names, logos, or other trademarks.

Category A: Free Theme/Poster
B1 size, free theme poster expression
•Text must be included to define the poster expression. 

Category B: Special Theme/Poster
B1 size, poster expression on the following special theme
Japanese Regional Cuisine - Treasured Flavors to Pass on to the Next Generation



In December 2013, “Washoku: Traditional Dietary Cultures of the Japanese” was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, there is a growing interest in Japan worldwide, in particular, the high expectations of overseas visitors to Japan to enjoy Japanese cuisine. At the same time, changes in food preferences and lifestyles are threatening the legacy of Japanese food culture and local dishes within Japan. To reaffirm and raise awareness of the diverse regional food cultures that have been preserved in various parts of Japan and passing on this valuable food culture to future generations, the 109th Nika Art Exhibition Design Section is inviting entries for a poster design competition on the theme of “Japanese Regional Cuisine – Treasured Flavors to Pass on to the Next Generation.”
*Supported by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan.

Category C: Free Theme/Illustration
B2 size, self-expression through illustration
Full B2-size expression through hand-drawn, CG illustration, semi-3D, etc.

Category D: Freestyle
Layout of two or more works on a B2 size medium.
•Illustrations, manga illustrations, characters, postcards, picture postcards, picture books, book bindings, typography, emblems, signposts, fictional flyers, and other graphic expressions.

●Entry qualifications
15 years of age or over.
●Size
Category A = B1 size (103x72.8cm)
Category B = B1 size (103x72.8cm)
Category C = B2 size (72.8x51.5cm)
Category D = B2 size (72.8x51.5cm)

Each item should not exceed 10kg in weight and 105mm in thickness (including the panel and cover).

●Presentation
Entries for categories A, B, C, and D must be mounted on wooden panels.
The orientation of the work (portrait or landscape) is not restricted. For two-dimensional works and prints, please laminate or cover with plastic to prevent soiling or damage. Framed works will not be accepted.

●Protective Frames
Frames limited to protecting three-dimensional works will be accepted, but frames that appear to be part of the work will not be accepted. Works with weak or easily removable frames or works with nails, screws, or other protruding fixtures that pose a hazard will not be accepted. It is not necessary to mount display fittings.
(Limited only to protective frames and not to be used as part of the art or as a picture frame, etc.)

●General
Up to 2 items per person: 8,000 yen, +4,000 yen for each additional item

●University/Vocational College Students
Up to 2 items per person: 5,000 yen, +3,000 yen for each additional item

●high school student
Up to 2 items per person: 3,000 yen, +2,000 yen for each additional item

*At the time of delivery, please submit the work together with the Entry Form.
*Students must present their student ID upon delivery. 。

■Exhibition application form

Please fill in all fields in this [Entry Application Form] except those marked with ★. When filling out, please pay particular attention to the following:
◎In the [Record number on envelope] field, please fill in the 7-digit record number written on the envelope in which this entry application form was sent. If the record number is not written on the envelope, such as if this is your first entry, or if you do not know the record number for some other reason, you do not need to fill it in.
◎In the [Selection history] field, even if you have been a runner-up in the past, if you have never been selected, please circle [None].

■Exhibit work sticker

◎Attach the work number sticker to the submission attachment slip, fill out the entry form accurately in block letters, and attach the slip to the upper left corner of the back of the work panel.

The entry fee must be transferred to the postal transfer account below (a copy of the receipt is acceptable) • Place all entry forms in a single envelope, securely attach it to the back of Work No. 1 and send it directly to the address below, specified to arrive between Monday, July 14 and Friday, July 18, 2025. *It is strictly prohibited to attach cash to the work. Please note that any work for which the return option has not been selected on the Entry Form will be returned by payment on delivery.

*Please download the application form here.


■Postal transfer account
Account number: 00210-9-50673
Account name: 一般社団法人二科会デザイン部 (Ippan Shadan Hojin Nikakai Design Bu)

★Attention: Please note that if you do not complete the entry process and pay the entry fee prior to delivery of the work, the entry fee will not be refunded.

Sending address [map on reverse]
Yamato Transport Co.,
Ltd. Tokyo Art Branc
Nika Art Exhibition Design Section, Artwork Reception Des
Shinonome Building 2F
2-2-3 Shinonome, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-0062 
TEL.（03）3527‐6683

★Please note that all reasonable care will be taken in the handling of the works, however, the organizer will not be liable for any damage or loss of the works (including frames) due to natural disasters, transportation, exhibition, or other acts of force majeure.

 The delivery and reception location for the 109th exhibition is the National Art Center, Tokyo in Roppongi.
The building is large and there are many regulations, so please read the precautions carefully before bringing items in.

●受付日時=Attention: Date and time of reception = Thursday, July 24, 2025 From 10:30 am to 6:00 pm.
●受付場所=The National Art Center, Tokyo, 7-22-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
(1-minute walk to the left after exiting Exit 5 at Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line) 
•3-minute walk from Exit 5 at Nogizaka Station on the Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line
•8-minute walk from Exit 4A at Roppongi Station on the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line
•5-minute walk from Exit 7 at Roppongi Station on the Toei Oedo Line


Enter via the outer gate, fill in the visitor’s log at the Security Office, and receive a “visitor pass.”
▼

Please follow the “red line” and “direction signs” on the hallway floor. Proceed to Room A1, the reception area for the Nika Art Exhibition Design Section.
▼

After delivery, return to the Security Room by following the “red line” in the opposite direction and return the “visitor pass” before leaving.
★Please make sure to take all packaging materials with you.

Screening Members of the Nikakai Designers General Incorporated Association will serve as jurors.

All entrants will be notified of the screening results by early August. Please note that phone inquiries will not be accepted.

The selected and award-winning works will be published in a collection of works, requiring a publication fee of 5,000 yen.

In the event that an entrant is awarded, selected, or selected as a runner-up for multiple works, in principle, only one certificate will be awarded for the highest-ranking work. However, in the case of multiple works awarded in multiple categories, a certificate will be awarded for each category.
In principle, works selected as runners-up in each category will not be displayed at the exhibition venue. Only the entrant’s name will be published in the collection of works.

Please present your collection slip and pick up the work on the following date and at the following location.

Runner-up and un-selected works
Date and time: Sunday, August 24, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Location: Yamato Transport Co., Ltd., Tokyo Art Branch,
Nika Art Exhibition Design Section Artwork Removal Section


Selected works
Works will be removed from the venue after the exhibition closes on the final day, Monday, September 15. Further details will be provided in the results notification.


※Selected works cannot be removed during the exhibition period.
※Works selected for the nationwide tour will be notified to the entrant, and the method of removal will be communicated after completion of the tour exhibition (scheduled to be around April 2026).
※Please notify the nearest regional office if your address details have changed from the Entry Form.


Please be aware that any work that is not collected on the designated date and time will be returned to the entrant by payment on delivery (packaging and handling charges will be invoiced separately).
※Depending on the shipping address, additional costs may be incurred.

■Restrictions on materials used
Natural materials (plants and animals) that may attract or harbor insects or may decay cannot be used, except for processed materials that have been treated to prevent insect infestation and decay.
The following are specific examples of such natural materials (materials)

Natural plant and animal materials (ingredients) that cannot be used
●Natural materials, either fresh or dried
(Plant-based: Grains, fruit, cut flowers, leaves, grass, cut branches, waste wood, driftwood, etc.)
(Animal-based: Insects and animals themselves, or parts of them, regardless of size)

Natural plant and animal materials (ingredients) that can be used
●Processed natural materials or natural materials that have clearly been treated to prevent insect damage and decay.
(Plant-based: Textile products, processed wood, plywood, etc.)
(Animal-based: Wool products, leather products, etc.)