Organizer Information

The Ino‑cho Paper Museum in Kochi, Japan, hosts the Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints, an internationally recognized art event dedicated to advancing print culture and celebrating traditional Japanese papermaking (Tosa washi). Established in 1990, the exhibition invites global artists to present 2D paper-based artworks, combining contemporary artistic practices with traditional craftsmanship. The museum collaborates with the Tosa-Washi International Committee and has a long history of fostering cultural exchange and excellence in Visual Arts and Paper-based Art.

Title & Description

13th Kochi International Triennial Exhibition of Prints (2026)
This global Exhibition welcomes artists worldwide to submit original 2D prints on paper, preferably using Tosa Washi, for the 13th Kochi Triennial. Submissions must be original works produced after 2024 and not previously exhibited publicly. The exhibition emphasizes both technical skill and innovative use of paper-based media, offering a platform to display works in Kochi, Japan, alongside other international printmakers. Artists can submit up to three works, and AI-generated content is not eligible.

Categories

  • Visual Arts
  • Paper-based Art
  • Printmaking (mapped under Paper-based / Visual Arts)
  • Craft
  • Traditional Media

Eligibility

  • Open to all artists internationally
  • No age restriction
  • Submissions must be original, 2D works printed on paper
  • Works can be partially digital, but AI-generated works are not allowed
  • Each artist can submit up to 3 works
  • Works must be produced after 2024 and not previously awarded in public exhibitions

Program Benefits & Awards

  • First Prize: 1,000,000 JPY
  • Second Prize: 500,000 JPY
  • The Museum of Art, Kochi Prize: 300,000 JPY
  • Takao Hiwasaki Prize: 300,000 JPY
  • Tosa Washi Prize: 200,000 JPY + approx. 100,000 JPY worth of Tosa Washi Paper
  • Excellence Awards & Honorable Mentions: several prizes (200,000–100,000 JPY)
  • Selected works gain international exposure and recognition in a curated Visual Arts / Paper-based Art exhibition
  • Winners’ works may also be sold or retained by the museum for social contribution

Application Fee

None

Application Requirements

  • Complete Application Form online (QR code or link on official site)
  • Digital images of artworks with registration number labels
  • Personal information and artist CV
  • Artwork details (title, dimensions, material, Tosa Washi usage)
  • Each piece of paper counts as one work
  • Only works produced after 2024 and not previously exhibited publicly

How to Apply?

Online Application

Key Dates

  • Application Deadline: 25 April 2026
  • Exhibition Dates: 19 September – 15 November 2026 (tentative)

Location

Ino-cho Paper Museum, Kochi Prefecture, Japan

Additional Details

  • All works from outside Japan are non-returnable, regardless of award status
  • Organizers reserve the right to sell, donate, or retain works for exhibition/social contribution
  • Photography or video recording of exhibited works is prohibited without permission
  • Organizers are not responsible for damage, loss, or customs duties during shipping
  • Artists should ensure compliance with Japanese customs regulations and shipping procedures

Website Link: https://kamihaku.com/triennial-en