1-1 Instruments

Violin, Viola, Cello, Double bass
Click each instrument to view the repertoire.

1-2 Application period

Tuesday, February 10, 12:00 noon–Tuesday, February 17, 2026 18:00 (online only)
Please note the following:
- All dates hereafter are in Japan Standard Time (UTC+9).
- There is a limit to the number of participants.
- Applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

1-3 First Round

Wednesday, April 29–Friday, May 1, 2026

1-4 Second Round

Thursday, August 20

1-5 Final Round & Awards Ceremony

Tuesday, August 25
TSUNODA Kosuke, conductor
New Japan Philharmonic

1-6 Entry Fee

JPY 30,800 (tax included / First, Second, and Final Round included)
* only for the accepted applicants

1-7 Venue

First Round: Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall
Ueno Koen 5-45, Taito-ku, Tokyo, Japan (by the Park Gate of JR Ueno Station)
Second Round: Sumida Triphony Hall Recital Hall
1-2-3 Kinshi, Sumida-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Final Round: Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall
1-8-1 Nishi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan

1-8 Jury

• AOKI Atsuko, Va
• KATO Yuta, Db
• KAMIO Mayuko, Vn*
• KAMIMURA Ayano, Vc
• KAWAKUBO Tamaki, Vn
• SANO Nakako, Db
• TAKIMOTO Maiko, Va
• YOKOSAKA Gen, Vc
• Michael VAIMAN, Vn (Former Professor of Cologne University of Music and Dance)

*Chairperson of the section

General Jury

SUGIYAMA Yoichi (Conductor)

Advisor

HORI Masafumi (Honorary Concertmaster; NHK Symphony Orchestra, Tokyo)
Philippe MANOURY (Composer)

General Chairperson

NODAIRA Ichiro (Music Director of Tokyo Bunka Kaikan)

2-1 Eligibility

Age 15–30 (Born between May 31, 2011 and June 1, 1995)
Open to all nationalities
* The first prize winners of the previous editions cannot apply for the same section.
* The second and third prizewinners from the 22nd edition shall be exempted from the first round if they apply for the same section; however, they should also apply during the application period.

2-2 Maximum Entry Number

approx. 120

* In case we receive a large number of applications, we will accept them on a first-come, first-served basis.
* If the application number reaches the limit before the deadline, the notice will be posted on our website and the application will be closed. We do not accept any inquiries about this matter.

2-3 Submit Application

The application is accepted online only.
Applicants must complete the entry form on the Competition’s official website, which will open on February 10 at 12:00 noon, and upload the following materials (1) and (2).
We will notify the opening of the entry form on News page. The application form can be modified during the application period (February 10, 2026, 12:00 noon–February 17, 2026, 18:00). We do not accept any change once the application period is closed.

1. (1) An image file of your recent photograph with following specifications:
   　- In color
   　- Taken within the last 6 months
   　- Front faced including your head, shoulders and upper body
   　- 300 dpi or higher recommended
   　* The photo is for use in program booklet and other publicity materials.
2. (2) A copy of the applicant’s passport or an official document in images or in PDF format that contains the applicant’s name, nationality, and date of birth. The acceptable documents include driver’s license and residence certificate. For applicants residing abroad, a passport is recommended.
   
   * These two documents mentioned above, which you must upload online, can be sent by post as well.
   ⁃ If you send them by post, select the option for sending materials by post on the application form, and send them to the secretariat office. The documents must arrive no later than Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
   ⁃ The following information must be clearly marked on the sending envelope: your login account ID for the online application, your name, section, and instrument.

Postal address for sending documents:

Secretariat of the Tokyo Music Competition
c/o Production Section, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan
5-45 Ueno Koen, Taito-ku, Tokyo 110-8716, Japan

Please note:

• Any inappropriately-filled applications, including an incomplete application form in a significant manner may be rejected.
• The Secretariat has no responsibility for missing mails of application materials during the delivery.
• Submitted materials will not be returned.
• The application form must be accessed with a stable internet connection. The Secretariat has no responsibility for any errors or failures related to applicants’ network connection, browser, or devices.
• Supported browsers for the application form are as follows.
  • Microsoft Edge (latest version)
  • Google Chrome (latest version)
  • Firefox (latest version)
  • Safari (latest version)
• The application form may not work properly with unsupported browsers.
• The application form, however, may not work with the supported browsers depending on the security settings or security software installed on your browser.

3-1 Notification of Acceptance/Rejection for the competition

The notification is to be posted on My Page on Tuesday, March 3 at 12:00 noon.
* Please make sure to check the notification, as the first round performance date is included for the accepted applicants.

3-2 Entry fee

The entry fee (JPY 30,800) must be paid within the specified period following the instructions on the application acceptance notification.

Conditions of Payment:
Online credit card
Convenience store payment (only in Japan)

3-3 Payment period

Tuesday, March 3, 12:00 noon–Tuesday, March 10, 2026 18:00
Please STRICTLY follow the schedule.
(The payment is only accepted during the specified period.)

3-4 Notification of Meetup Time for the First Round

The time contestants should arrive at the venue for check-in will be notified on My Page around Thursday, March 19, 2026, 12:00 noon.

4-1 First Round (closed to the public)

1. (1) The first round will take place at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan Recital Hall, closed to the public. Piano accompaniment is allowed when needed.
2. (2) The results of the first round will be posted on certain media such as our website once the judging process is completed.
3. (3) The first prize winners of the previous editions cannot apply for the same section.
4. (4) The second and third prizewinners of the String and Brass sections from the 22nd edition, and the Piano section from the 23rd edition shall be exempted from the first round. Applicants who will be exempted from the first round should also apply during the application period.

4-2 Second Round (open to the public)

1. (1) The second round will take place at the Sumida Triphony Hall Recital Hall, open to the public. Piano accompaniment is allowed when needed.
2. (2) The results of the second round will be posted at the same venue (TBD) and on certain media such as our website once the judging process is completed.

4-3 Final Round (open to the public)

1. (1) The final round will take place at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall with the orchestra, open to the public.
2. (2) The results of the final round will be announced at the Awards Ceremony at the same venue and on certain media such as our website once the judging process is completed.
3. (3) The finalists will rehearse with the orchestra the day before the final round and a dress rehearsal will take place on the day of the final round.

4-4 Notes on Performing

1. (1) All performances shall be performed from memory unless otherwise stated.
2. (2) During performances at the first and second rounds, contestants may be stopped by the jury.
3. (3) Changes in the submitted repertoire pieces of any rounds are not permitted once the application is closed. The performance order of repertoire pieces shall be as it is written on the application guidelines unless asked to change the order.
4. (4) Each contestant shall be responsible for arranging a piano accompanist and a page turner at their expense.
   * For the contestants residing abroad, please refer to the section 6-6.
5. (5) Changing the accompanist is not allowed.
6. (6) It is not allowed to play the piano with extended techniques (such as plucking strings).
7. (7) We do not accept any inquiries about the details of the evaluation for the first and the second round.
8. (8) Regarding the performance date and time, we cannot meet any requests made by the contestants. The contestants must follow the designated schedule.

5-1 Prizes

For each competition section, the first, second, and third place will be stated as a prizewinner, and they will receive the following prizes according to their rank. Other finalists will be awarded diploma as well. Also, the finalist who obtained the largest number of votes from the audience at the final round will receive the Audience Award.

• First Prize: JPY 1,000,000 and Diploma
• Second Prize: JPY 600,000 and Diploma
• Third Prize: JPY 400,000 and Diploma

In case of a tie between prizewinners, the total amount of prize money for the winner’s position and the immediately next winning position shall be divided equally among the tied winners.

5-2 Support for the Winners

(1) Engagements for the performances organized by the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan

① The first prizewinners or the top prizewinners will perform at the winners concert on Monday (national holiday), January 11, 2027 at the Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre Concert Hall (presented by the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and the others). The rehearsal will take place on Sunday, January 10, 2027.
② The winners will become candidates to perform at the various concerts and operas presented or co-presented by the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
③ We will recommend the winners to the concerned organizations for performing with orchestras based in Tokyo at the “Classical Concerts with Emerging Artists” held by the Tokyo municipalities.

(2) Recital Support

If a winner holds a recital during the next 5 years (excluding the period during our building closure for major renovations) from the competition, the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan will co-present the recital once per winner, providing the Recital Hall at half the cost (excluding adjoining facilities fee, piano tuning, and such) and supporting through public relations and advertisement.
(Note that once a winner applies for the recital at the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan, there will be a screening process, examining the winner’s career after the competition. Only a qualified winner can obtain support from the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.)

(3) Promoting the Winners

① The Tokyo Bunka Kaikan will distribute the Tokyo Music Competition Report, which contains prizewinners’ detailed profiles, to the organization involved such as music management offices and the press.
② The winners’ profiles and other information will be posted on the Tokyo Music Competition-List of Winners of the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan website.

(4) Introducing the Winners as a performer to the related events

The winners will be recommended as a performer of various events including concerts organized by other institutes of the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture.

6-1 Copyright

The copyrights and related rights of the contestant to all performances during the competition, and to all performances contained in the audio and visual recordings created by the organizers as well as the right of portrait of the contestant in the records of any official event shall be assigned to the Tokyo Bunka Kaikan operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture who is the organizer, free of charge, and the contestant agrees to such assignment.

6-2 Protection of Personal Information

Personal information obtained from the application form will be managed by the 24th Tokyo Music Competition, and will be used only for the purpose of operation of the competition unless the contestants are asked.

6-3 Visa

Each contestant is responsible for applying for and acquiring their visa into Japan. Contestants can contact the Japanese Embassies or Consulates in their respective countries of residence for more information. The Secretariat should be contacted if a written guarantor is necessary.

6-4 Insurance

Whether or not insurance is purchased on the occasion of participating in the competition is entirely the responsibility of the contestants. This applies to health and injury insurance, as well as loss or damage to the instrument or to luggage, in case of accident, fire, or theft during travel.

6-5 Accommodation and Travel Expenses

Each contestant is responsible for their travel and accommodation expenses in Japan.

6-6 Contestants residing abroad

1. If the contestants wish the secretariat to arrange their accompanists, the check box “I request to have my accompanist assigned by the secretariat.” must be checked in the application form. Each contestant must bear all costs for accompanist.

6-7 Withdrawal from the competition

If a contestant has to withdraw from the competition after submitting the application documents, they must contact the secretariat as soon as possible. Please note that the entry fee is not refundable.

Violin

Repertoire

Contestants shall perform ■ marked pieces from memory:
⁃ in the order as written at the preliminary rounds.
⁃ by selecting one of the listed at the final round.
⁃ with the repetitions as written in the scores unless there are specific instructions about them along the following repertoire list.
Please note the jury might stop the performance at the preliminary rounds.

First Round

■ Select one from the pieces below.
N.PAGANINI: 24 Caprices, Op.1 (without repetition/Only No.24 must be performed with repetition.)

■ Select one piece from the following and perform the 1st movement. (without cadenza)
W.A.MOZART: Violin Concerto No.1 in B-flat major, K207
W.A.MOZART: Violin Concerto No.2 in D major, K211
W.A.MOZART: Violin Concerto No.3 in G major, K216
W.A.MOZART: Violin Concerto No.4 in D major, K218
W.A.MOZART: Violin Concerto No.5 in A major, K219 “Turkish”

Second Round

■ Contestants must perform an 18–19 minute program of a combination of the following pieces. The number of pieces is up to the contestants. The performance time range does not include pauses between pieces or the time taken for going on/off the stage.

- Virtuoso pieces within 8–14 min
- J.S.BACH’s Sonatas and Partitas for Solo Violin by free choice of movements
J.S.BACH: Sonata for Solo Violin No.1 in g minor, BWV1001
J.S.BACH: Partita for Solo Violin No.1 in b minor, BWV1002
J.S.BACH: Sonata for Solo Violin No.2 in a minor, BWV1003
J.S.BACH: Partita for Solo Violin No.2 in d minor, BWV1004
J.S.BACH: Sonata for Solo Violin No.3 in C major, BWV1005
J.S.BACH: Partita for Solo Violin No.3 in E major, BWV1006

Final Round

■ Select one piece from the following.
F.MENDELSSOHN: Violin Concerto in e minor, Op.64
P.I.TCHAIKOVSKY: Violin Concerto in D major, Op.35
J.SIBELIUS: Violin Concerto in d minor, Op.47
S.PROKOFIEV: Violin Concerto No.2 in g minor, Op.63
BRAHMS: Violin Concerto in D major, Op.77
A.DVOŘÁK: Violin Concerto in a minor, Op.53

Viola

Repertoire

Contestants shall perform ■ marked pieces from memory:
⁃ in the order as written at the preliminary rounds.
⁃ by selecting one of the listed at the final round.
⁃ with the repetitions as written in the scores unless there are specific instructions about them along the following repertoire list.
Please note the jury might stop the performance at the preliminary rounds.

First Round

■ G.Ph.TELEMANN: Fantasia No.2 in C major, TWV40:15 (Gerard Billaudot edition)

■P.HINDEMITH: Sonata for Solo Viola, Op.25-1; 1st mov., 2nd mov. (Schott edition)

Second Round

■ Select one piece from the following. (Performing from memory is not obligatory.)
R.SCHUMANN: Märchenbilder, Op.113; I. Nicht schnell, II. Lebhaft (Henle edition)
J.BRAHMS: Viola Sonata No.1 in f minor, Op.120-1; 1st mov. (Henle edition)
J.BRAHMS: Viola Sonata No.2 in E-flat major, Op.120-2; 1st mov. (Henle edition)

■ Select one piece from the following.
P.HINDEMITH: Sonata for Solo Viola, Op.11-5; 4th mov. (Schott edition)
G.LIGETI: Sonata for Solo Viola; 1st mov., 6th mov. (Schott edition)

Final Round

■ Select one piece from the following.
B.BARTÓK: Viola Concerto (Boosey & Hawkes edition) *completed by T.SERLY
P.HINDEMITH: Der Schwanendreher (Schott edition)
W.WALTON: Viola Concerto (Oxford University Press edition)

Cello

Repertoire

Contestants shall perform ■ marked pieces from memory:
⁃ in the order as written at the preliminary rounds.
⁃ by selecting one of the listed at the final round.
⁃ with the repetitions as written in the scores unless there are specific instructions about them along the following repertoire list.
Please note the jury might stop the performance at the preliminary rounds.

First Round

■ Select one piece from the following.
J.S.BACH: Cello Suite No.2 in d minor, BWV1008; Sarabande
J.S.BACH: Cello Suite No.4 in E-flat major, BWV1010; Sarabande
J.S.BACH: Cello Suite No.6 in D major, BWV1012; Sarabande

■ J.HAYDN: Cello Concerto No.1 in C major, Hob.VIIb:1; 1st mov. (without cadenza)

Second Round

The performance order is up to the contestants. (The performance order must be filled in the application.)
■ Perform one piece from a free choice of 7–8 minute unaccompanied pieces written in the 20th century or later. (Selecting by movements of the piece is accepted. Only pieces for which sheet music has been officially published are accepted.）

■ Select one piece from the following. (without repetition)
L.v.BEETHOVEN: Cello Sonata No.3 in A major, Op.69; 1st mov.
J.BRAHMS: Cello Sonata No.1 in e minor, Op.38; 1st mov.
F.SCHUBERT: Arpeggione Sonata in a minor, D821; 1st mov.
D.SHOSTAKOVICH: Cello Sonata in d minor, Op.40; 1st mov.

Final Round

■ Select one piece from the following.
J.HAYDN: Cello Concerto No.2 in D major, Hob.VIIb:2 (Henle edition/Free choice of cadenzas)
R.SCHUMANN: Cello Concerto in a minor, Op.129
P.I.TCHAIKOVSKY: Variations on a Rococo Theme in A major, Op.33 (Fitzenhagen edition)
A.DVOŘÁK: Cello Concerto in b minor, Op.104
S.PROKOFIEV: Sinfonia concertante for Cello and Orchestra in e minor, Op.125
D.SHOSTAKOVICH: Cello Concerto No.1 in E-flat major, Op.107

Double bass　

Repertoire

Contestants shall perform ■ marked pieces from memory with the repetitions as written in the scores unless there are specific instructions about them along the following repertoire list.
* Please note the jury might stop the performance at the preliminary rounds.
* All repertoire must be performed in solo tuning.

First Round

■C.D.v.DITTERSDORF: Double Bass Concerto in E major; 1st mov. (Cadenza: H.GRUBER)

Second Round

■ Select one piece from the following. (Performing from memory is not obligatory.)
A.MÍŠEK: Double Bass Sonata No.2 in e minor, Op.6
F.HERTL: Double Bass Sonata
KAWAKAMI Tetsuo: Double Bass Sonata
V.MONTAG: Double Bass Sonata in e minor

Final Round

■ Select one piece from the following.
G.BOTTESINI: Double Bass Concerto No.1 in f-sharp minor
G.BOTTESINI: Double Bass Concerto No.2 in b minor