24 Jul 2026
Now Accepting Entries for the 2026 Sogetsu Excellence Award!
You can download the entry sheet and entry rules from the links below.
We are pleased to announce that entries for the "2026 Sogetsu Excellence Award" are now open!
The selection results will be announced at the Sogetsu 100th Anniversary Celebration "Soryu-Sai" to be held on Sunday, April 18, 2027, at TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO (Odaiba area, Tokyo)!
We look forward to receiving many applications again this year.
What is the Sogetsu Excellence Award?
The Sogetsu Excellence Award is a recognition that honors the efforts and achievements of individuals and groups in their Sogetsu Ikebana activities. Multiple recipients of the Sogetsu Excellence Award will be selected by the Iemoto from among the entries.
It is an open-entry system eligible for all members in Japan and overseas.
The selection results for the 2026 Sogetsu Excellence Award will be announced at the monumental Sogetsu 100th Anniversary Celebration “Soryu-Sai” (TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO / Odaiba area, Tokyo) on Sunday, April 18, 2027!
We highly encourage everyone to actively participate.
Eligibility for Entry
The activities eligible for entry are Sogetsu Ikebana activities (including works and exhibitions) carried out by individuals, groups, or classes (Shachu) during the target period from January 1, 2026, to December 20, 2026.
Photos and videos of the submitted works will be showcased on our official Instagram account dedicated to the Sogetsu Excellence Award.
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*Please Note:
- Activities organized by Sogetsu Branches are eligible for the “Sogetsu Excellence Branch Award” and therefore cannot be entered for this award.
- Works exhibited in, or activities related to, exhibitions hosted by the Headquarters, Branches, or other Ikebana organizations (e.g., Sogetsu Ikebana Exhibition, Japan Ikebana Art Association, Ikebana International, or joint exhibitions of various schools) are not eligible for entry.
For more details, please check the “Entry Sheet / エントリーシート” and “Entry Rules / エントリールールズ.”
How to Apply
- Record your works, exhibitions, or ikebana activities in photos or videos, and send them along with the completed Entry Sheet (エントリーシート) to the General Affairs Department.
- The entered works, exhibitions, and activities will be posted on the “Sogetsu Excellence Award Official Instagram” (run by the General Affairs Department, Sogetsu Foundation).
- The Iemoto will select the winners of the “Sogetsu Excellence Award” and the “Sogetsu Excellence Award of the Year” (Sogetsu Saish優秀賞) from the submitted entries.
*For details, please make sure to read the “Entry Rules / エントリールールズ.”
Eligible Period
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Sunday, December 20, 2026
Submission Deadlines (Japan Standard Time / JST)
- First Deadline: Monday, August 31, 2026, by 13:00 (Must arrive by this date)
- Second Deadline: Monday, November 30, 2026, by 13:00 (Must arrive by this date)
- Third Deadline: Monday, December 21, 2026, by 10:00 AM (Must arrive by this date)
*You may apply during any of the first to third deadline periods as long as the activity took place within the eligible period.
Announcement & Award Ceremony
- Announcement: The selection results (recipients of the Sogetsu Excellence Award / nominees for the Sogetsu Excellence Award of the Year, as well as the winner of the Sogetsu Excellence Award of the Year) will be announced at the venue of the Sogetsu 100th Anniversary Celebration “Soryu-Sai” (TOYOTA ARENA TOKYO / Odaiba area, Tokyo) on Sunday, April 18, 2027!
- Award Ceremony: The winners will be honored at the “Flower Thanks Day 2028” ceremony in March 2028.
