Kyogashi Exhibition 2026
- Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll Application

This Year's Theme

Miniature art inspired by
the Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll

Kyoto confectionery has a long history of drawing inspiration from traditional court customs and the spirit of ancient times, elevating them into symbolic forms. We are seeking Kyogashi works which reflect on the scenes and worldview depicted in the "Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll" and express them with a contemporary sensibility.

< Application Period >
May 1, 2026 (Fri) - must reach by July 10, 2026 (Fri)

Selected works will be exhibited at the "Kyogashi Exhibition 2026 - Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll"

Categories

Kyogashi Design Category

Kyogashi Design Category

In this category, the applicants are asked to provide an original Kyogashi design. Entries will be judged based on the sketch on the application form, and the selected designs will be turned into real confections by professional craftsmen and displayed during the exhibition.

* A production fee (20,000 yen) will be charged for the selected designs. Students under the age of 25 are free of charge. Please see [Schedule]for details. below.

Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator Category

Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator Category

In this category, the applicants are asked to provide actual tea ceremony sweets. The judgment will be based on photos of the sweets and the physical works, and the authors of the selected works will be asked to provide actual Kyogashi for evaluation and display at the exhibition.

The dates and required number of pieces will be announced when the winners are announced.

Points of evaluation

  • - The applicant must have their own perspective on how they perceive Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll, and how they capture the unique characteristics of Kyogashi.
  • - It is said that Kyoto sweets are to be eaten with one’s ears, which means that the poetic name (go-mei) of the sweet is an important element. We are looking for works in which the design of the sweet and the poetic name complement each other.
  • - It is important that the designs are created with the intention of eating in mind.

Please note

  • - Submissions must be original works which have not been previously shown in Japan or abroad.
  • - Entries are limited to one entry per application form, with a maximum of two entries per person (both categories combined).
  • - If the sweets become discolored or damaged during the course of the exhibition, they will be replaced, so authors of the selected works in the Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator’s Category will be asked to make around 30 sweets for evaluation, display, and photography.
  • - The selected works in the Kyogashi Design Category will be produced based on the design drawings. Although the design drawings will be respected as much as possible, the confections will be produced based on the craftsmen’s judgment considering technical possibilities.
  • - Applications will not be returned. Personal information will be managed responsibly and will not be used for any purpose other than this contest.
  • - In principle, all intellectual property rights relating to the selected works (including domestic and international copyrights, patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks) will be transferred to the Yuhisai Kodokan.
  • - If you plan to create, exhibit, or sell the works after the Kyogashi Exhibition, please contact Yuhisai Kodokan.
  • - The selected works, applicants' names, and school names may be made public for the purpose of publicizing the activities of the Yuhisai Kodokan, including the Kyogashi Exhibition.
  • - Depending on the situation, the Kyogashi exhibition may be held online.

Schedule

  • First round of judging

    For the "Kyogashi Design Category," works will be selected from design concepts. For the "Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator Category," works will be selected from photos of prototypes. The applicants of the winning works in the "Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator Category" will be notified by phone or email in late-July.

    *For the Kyogashi Design Category, the craftsmen will supervise and create the final work only after receiving the production fee (20,000 yen). In order to ensure a smooth process, please make payment within one week of receiving the results (students under 25 years old are free of charge).

  • Delivery of the works

    Works which pass the first round of judging in the "The Kyogashi Design Category" will be produced and delivered under the supervision of a confectioner. For the "Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator’s Category," the selected contestants will be asked to deliver their works in person or by mail. Details of the delivery date, time and method will be announced at a later date.

  • Second round of judging

    During this round, the jury will decide the winning works and prizes (works from the Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator’s Category will also be evaluated on their taste). The results will be announced on this website after mid-September. The selected works will be exhibited at the "Kyogashi Exhibition 2026 - Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll"

  • Awards Ceremony

    Scheduled to be held on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

Application requirements

Submission period May 1, 2026 (Fri) - must reach by July 10, 2026 (Fri)
Requirements
[ Eligibility requirements for both categories ]
Applicants of any age, nationality, professionals or amateurs are welcome.
[ Kyogashi Design Category ]
Those interested in Kyoto sweets, Japanese culture, Kan'ei Imperial Visit Picture Scroll.
[ Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator Category ]
Those with the ability to create tea ceremony sweets.
Awards
● Grand Prize
One work from each category. As a bonus, the author will be able to hold a solo exhibition at Yuhisai Kodokan or hold a tea ceremony using the Kyogashi they have created (date and content will be decided after consultation).
● Prize for excellence
Several works from each category.
● Kyoto Mayor's Award
One work from both categories.
● Classics Day Promotion Committee Award
One work from both categories.
● Kyoto Prefectural Governor's Award
One work from both categories.
● Yawata Mayor's Award
One work from both categories.
● Special Jury Award
Each judge will select one work from both categories.
● Special Student Award
One work from student participants.
Jury members
Isao Kumakura
(Director of MIHO MUSEUM) ◎Chief judge
Tomoko Iezuka
(Director of the Uji City Museum of the Tale of Genji)
Shoko Kawata
(Mayor of Yawata City)
Ryuho Sasaoka
(Head of the Mishoryu Sasaoka School of Ikebana)
Yoko Sanekata
(Director of the Curatorial Department, Sen-oku Hakukokan Museum)
Sohaku Suzuki
(Confectionery Researcher)
Tsuyoshi Nishiyama
(Chief Curator, Museum of Kyoto)
Takatoshi Nishiwaki
(Governor of Kyoto Prefecture)
Takanori Nozaki
(General Producer of the Classics Day Promotion Committee)
Chisako Hirose
(Professor Emeritus at Doshisha Women's College of Liberal Arts)
Koji Matsui
(Mayor of Kyoto City)
Jun Rekimoto
(CSO, Sony Computer Science Laboratories)
Kanako Hamasaki
(Director of the Yuhisai Kodokan Foundation)
How to apply
[ Using the online application form ]
On the "Application Form" , please attach an image of your design for the "Kyogashi Design Category," or a photo of the sweets you have made for the "Tea Ceremony Sweets Creator’s Category", fill in the necessary information and submit.
[ Using a paper form ]
Download the application form, fill in the necessary information and email us the PDF file, or send the paper application by post using the contact information below.
[ Contact Information ]
Yuuhisai Koudoukan Foundation (closed on Wednesdays)
524-1 Mototsuchimikado-cho, Kamichoja-machi dori Shinmachi Higashi-iru Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto, 602-8006 Japan
TEL： 075-441-6662
E-mail： kyogashi@kodo-kan.com