IMA next - International Photo Competition

ABOUT IMA next

IMA next is thrilled to announce a special photo contest to select exhibiting works for the Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. The submission theme is "Open call." We invite you to participate with your most creative and unrestrained ideas.

Launched in 2018 against the scenic backdrop of the Mount Asama foothills, the Asama International Photo Festival is a global platform for celebrating and sharing photographic culture. The theme for 2026 is "After the Image." This year, the festival expands its exhibition footprint beyond the main venue, MMoP in Miyota Town, into various vibrant areas across the community. Visitors can immerse themselves in an enriched photographic experience while deeply connecting with the breathtaking nature and local pulse of the Asama region.

IMA next serves as a launchpad, helping a single photograph take flight from your hands into the wider world. Whether it’s a masterpiece captured with your favorite camera or an unexpected, brilliant shot from your smartphone, we welcome entries of all kinds. We look forward to discovering the next inspiring works from IMA next that will bring new color to Miyota.

COMPETITIONS
OPEN FOR ENTRIES

STEPS FOR ENTRY

Entry Form

Please provide the necessary information and upload you're images for your entry. See guidelines for more details.

Confirmation of Entry

Once the upload of your work image is complete,you will receive a entry confirmation email.

Judging

It will take about one weeks until the result announcement. This may vary depending on the number of entries and the availability of the judges. Note that we will not be communicating on an individual basis about the state of the judging process.

Result Announcement

The Grand Prix and shortlists will be announced on this website, All relevant participants will be informedbeforehand via the email address provided during the entry process.
Please be aware that we will not be responding to inquiries about the result.

PRIZE

Grand Prix (1 award)	Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA
Second Prize (2 awards)	Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA ※The number of exhibited works varies depending on the prize.
Third Prize (3 awards)	Exhibition of your work at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA ※The number of exhibited works varies depending on the prize.
Shortlist	Featured on the IMA next website.

GUIDELINES

IMA next is a photo competition that aims to support emerging photographers to succeed in the art photography world.

How to apply	IMA next is a photo competition that aims to support emerging photographers to succeed in the art photography world. How to apply – From the “ENTRY” button on the application theme “Open call” page, proceed to the dedicated form. – One entry allows you to upload 6 photos, however in that case, all your photographs in the entry will be judged as 1 series. If you would like to submit multiple series, please make another entry. There is no limit to the number of entries per theme. – Please read theTerms of Use before applying. By submitting your application, we will assume that you agree to the Terms of Use.
Who can apply?	– Applicants under the age of 18 must obtain the consent of a parent or guardian before applying. If an applicant under 18 applies, it will be deemed that they have obtained such consent. – Otherwise, anyone is welcome! We have no restriction in terms of your nationality, age, gender or experience (Professional/Amateur).
Submission period	July 3, 2026 – July 12
Image requirements	– All submissions need to be still photographs, no moving images will be accepted. All sorts of post-production processes are allowed. – DVD/Blue-Ray submissions will be rejected. – If the submitted work is deemed non-photographic, it may not be judged. – One entry can include up to six files, each up to 10 MB in size. – Any work that violates the rights of a third party (copyright, trademark right, portrait rights) cannot be submitted. If the work includes anything created by a third party (art work, films, photographs, music…etc.) and if it may concern any other rights, there is a need for you to have gotten permission from all party involved before you enter. ーAfter the winners are decided, they may be asked to submit high-resolution image data for printing large works to be exhibited at Asama International Photo Festival 2026 PHOTO MIYOTA. A long side of 12,000 px or more is recommended. ーYou may submit 6 photos per entry; however, the number of works that can be exhibited may vary depending on the exhibition location.