Open Call for 2026 ITAMI International Craft Exhibition

Shuki (Sake vessel) – vessels that enrich the pleasure of sharing a toast with Japanese sake. Shuhaidai (Sake Cup Stands) – creations that enhance and enliven the atmosphere of a sake gathering.
“Shuki” is a general term for vessels used to drink Japanese sake. “Shuhaidai” does not simply refer to stands alone; they encompass anything that adorns, wraps, or carries—indeed, anything that enhances and colors the sake setting. As a theme, they invite broader expression and open the door to new interpretations.

In this competition, we are seeking works that are truly suited to drinking Japanese sake—not wine or whisky, but Sake.

Application Conditions:

• Requirements: This is an open competition. Both individual and group entries are welcome.
• Terms and conditions on https://itami-im.jp/craftexhibition/overseas-residents/
• Application Deadline: Friday, 24th July, 2026
• How to apply: Submit the Application Form, and please send us the original artwork. Judging will be based on the physical artwork.
• Delivery period of Works: Tue. July 28 – Sun. August 9, 2026
• Application fee: General: 13,000 yen / Under or equal to 25 years old *as of 31st July 2026: 8,000 yen (both including return delivery fee of ¥4,000).

>> Guidelines for Overseas Residents (from outside Japan)

>> Guidelines for Domestic Residents (from inside Japan)


Awards:
Grand Prix: 500,000 yen
2nd Best Overall Award: 400,000 yen (Shirayuki Itami Morohaku Award presented by Konishi Brewing Co., Ltd.)
Itami Award: 350,000 yen
Gold Award: 250,000 yen (Shirayuki Award presented by Konishi Brewing Co., Ltd.)
Awards for Promising Talent: 200,000 yen for each of 2 awards (Oimatsu Award presented by Itami Oimatsu Brewing Co., Ltd., Koyosha Award presented by Koyosha Inc.)
Best Material Award: 100,000 yen (Satake Glass Award presented by Satake Glass Co., Ltd.)
Juries' Choice: 50,000 yen (Itami Shuzo Association Award presented by Itami Shuzo Association)

Jury:
KAWAKAMI Tomoko: Executive Director, Tajimi City Cultural Atelier gallery VOICE
KIM Jung-Suk: Glass Artist / Professor, Ceramics & Glass Dep. College of Fine Arts, Hongik University (Korea)
KONISHI Shinuemon: CEO Konishi Brewing Co., Ltd.
KOSHIMIZU Susumu: Sculptor / Professor Emeritus, Kyoto City University of Arts
TANAKA Nobuyuki: Lacquer Artist / Professor Emeritus, Kanazawa College of Art
TODATE Kazuko: Craft Historian / Professor, Tama Art University
YAMANAKA Genbei: Pewterer / Head of Seikado

Award Ceremony: Saturday November 14, 2026
Exhibition of Selected Work: Dates: Saturday, November 14 to Sunday, December 20, 2026
Place: Itami City Museum of Art, History and Culture Room 6.

Organizer: Itami City Museum of Art, History and Culture.

Sponsors: 
Konishi Brewing Co., Ltd.
Itami Oimatsu Brewing Co., Ltd.
Koyosha Inc.
Satake Glass Co., Ltd.
Itami Shuzo Association

Support:
Hyogo Prefecture / DAS Designers Association / Bay Communications Inc. / Itami Machimirai Co., Ltd.