The Adachi UKIYOE Award is an international art competition organized by the Adachi Foundation for the Preservation of Woodcut Printing. Now in its 18th edition, the Award seeks artists with distinctive visual expression and fresh ideas to create new ukiyo-e for today. In traditional ukiyo-e production, the eshi (artist) creates the original design, which is then carved and printed by professional artisans. The Award invites contemporary artists to take on the role of the eshi. No previous experience in woodcut printing is required. Applicants submit images of 3–5 works they have created previously. These works are reviewed to understand each artist’s style, individuality, and potential for contemporary ukiyo-e; the submitted works themselves will not be reproduced as woodcuts. The first- and second-prize winners will each create a new original design and collaborate with professional carvers and printers at the Adachi Institute of Woodcut Prints. Their designs will be produced by hand using traditional Japanese woodcut printing techniques. The competition is open internationally to applicants aged 15 and over. The application fee is JPY 2,000.
