40th Anniversary Photo Contest

As part of the JET Programme 40^th Anniversary celebratory events, CLAIR is holding a photo contest. All current and former JET Programme participants are welcome to submit photos taken during their time on the programme! We aim to help current and former participants rekindle and continue their connection to Japan, while also promoting the appeal of the programme through photography that captures the essence of it.

Eligible Participants

• Current and former JET Programme Participants (irrespective of where they currently reside)

Submission Criteria

Theme: My JET Life in Japan
We are looking for photos taken during your time on the JET Programme.

Submission Period

• From 1 May 2026 (Friday) until 31 July 2026 (Friday) 17:00 (JST)

How to Submit

Please submit your photos using the form linked below.
Note: Each participant may make up to 3 submissions.

Regarding Submissions

Please fill out the application with the following information:

• Title of the photo
• A story behind the photo explaining the title
• Your name (for groups, please include the group name and names of participating members)
• Current country of residence (or prefecture if residing in Japan)
• What years you were on the JET Programme
• Your contracting organisation
• E-mail address
• Phone number

Note: If you are submitting a past photograph taken with a film camera for which there is no digital data available, please either re-shoot the photo with a camera you currently own or scan it using a multifunction printer or similar device and submit the digital file.

Submission Guidelines

Please make sure to read the submission guidelines thoroughly before submitting your photos.
Note: By submitting an application, you are deemed to have read and agreed to all terms, conditions and information detailed in the photo contest submission guidelines.

Awards

• One entry will be awarded with the "Best Photo Award"
• Four additional entries will be awarded the "Outstanding Photo Award"

Award recipients residing in Japan will be invited to attend the awards ceremony. For group applications, only one representative will receive an invitation.
Note: For recipients residing overseas, comments and remarks will be shared during the awards ceremony.

Award Ceremony

Date: 2 November 2026 (Evening)
Venue: Hotel Grand Arc Hanzomon
Address: 1-1 Hayabusacho, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 102-0092

Inquiries

Inquiries regarding the photo contest can be sent via e-mail to contest@clair.or.jp.

Contest Organiser: The Council of Local Authorities for International Relations
Partner: The Photographic Society of Japan

Example Submissions

Past Issues