The Executive Committee of the International Ceramics Festival Mino, Japan, officially commenced the call for entries for “The 14th International Ceramics Competition Mino, Japan” on February 2, 2026. This prestigious global competition will accept applications exclusively through its online portal until the submission deadline at 5:00 pm on January 29, 2027.

Since its inaugural event in 1986, the competition has served as the central event of “The International Ceramics Festival Mino, Japan,” aiming to support the development of the ceramics industry and to promote cultural enrichment through the global exchange of ceramic art, design and culture. Today, it is recognized as one of the world’s most significant contemporary ceramic competitions. The previous 13th International Ceramics Competition Mino, Japan attracted 3,890 entries from 2,128 participants representing 77 countries and regions.

The theme for this 14th edition is “The Potential of Ceramics.” The organizers are seeking works that go beyond traditional concepts and employ creative, open-minded approaches to pioneer new possibilities within the medium. As the field of ceramics continues to evolve rapidly — driven by new materials, innovative technologies, and increasingly borderless practices — the committee anticipates even more daring and original proposals than in previous years. The competition features two primary categories: the Ceramic Arts Category and the Ceramics Design Category, the latter further divided into Factory and Studio fields. Participation is open to individuals of any nationality, age, or level experience, provided the submitted work is an original creation centered on ceramics.

There is no entry fee required for registration. A variety of honors will be awarded, including the Grand Prix, Gold, Silver, and Bronze awards, as well as Special Judges’ Awards. The recipient of the Grand Prix will receive a cash prize of five million yen. In additionally, the Sakazaki Shigeo Ceramics Award will be presented to one exceptional work in each category in order to encourage and highlight the next generation of talented artists.

The selection process will take place in three stages, beginning with two rounds of image-based screening, followed by a final physical inspection of the actual works. The final results — including all award winners and selected entries — will be announced in early August 2027.

Approximately 200 award-winning and selected works are scheduled to be exhibited at Ceramics Park MINO in Tajimi City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, from October 8 to November 7, 2027.

Detailed application guidelines and registration procedures are available on the official website.

Related information

“The 14th International Ceramics Competition Mino, Japan”
Official website: https://www.icfmino.com/iccm

Schedule

Application Deadline: January 29, 2027, at 5:00 pm (JST)
1st Screening: February 2027
2nd Screening: Early April 2027
Final Screening: Early August 2027
Awards Ceremony: October 7 or 8, 2027
Exhibition Period: October 8 – November 7, 2027

Contact

Executive Committee Office
International Ceramics Festival Mino, Japan
Email: info@icfmino.com

* Please note that inquiries are accepted in Japanese or English only.