Inspired by Edo
National Student Art
Competition 2027


Submissions open in January 2027!
Get notified

You'll receive an email when submissions open.

Carp, Shibata Zeshin / National Museum of Asian Art,
Smithsonian Institution, Freer Collection, Purchase—Charles Lang Freer Endowment, F1963.11 (Detail)
Atrium in Ginza Tsutaya Books, Tokyo

50 finalists will each be awarded $250 for their original artwork.

Their art will be exhibited in Japan at Ginza Tsutaya Books in Fall, 2027.

What is Edo?

Edo was a period of Japanese history (1603~1868) when artists innovated new ways to paint the natural world as stunningly alive.

Because artists saw themselves as part of nature, not above it, they opened their eyes and their hearts to all living creatures, bringing birds and fish, even plants and waves to enchanting life.

Discover A World of Edo Art and submit student art to Inspired by Edo 2027.

Wild Boar, Mori Sosen

What is A World of Edo Art?

A World of Edo Art is the online resource for Edo art that explores the art of Japan’s Edo era (1603~1868), with Videos, Activities and Readings for teachers and students to explore.

Browse over 200 masterpieces of Edo art, by subject, theme, artist, artistic techniques and museum.

A World of Edo Art will inspire students of every age to create their own art depicting nature.

All the resources are free!

Submit your art to Inspired by Edo 2027.

Call for Student Art

All students grades 1 ~ 12 who create art inspired by an artwork in A World of Edo Art are invited to submit their best work online.

Students can create the art in class, with their friends, or on their own.

To Enter:

  • Students must have an email address, either their own, a teacher’s, or a guardian’s.
  • Fill out this Google Form with your full name and grade and upload a clear photo of the art (no larger than 10MB) and write 2~3 sentences about how an Edo artwork inspired your art.
  • Here are the rules, please follow them!

Submissions open in January 2027!
Get notified

You'll receive an email when submissions open.

Gamboling Puppies, Maruyama Ōkyo
Tiger Family and Magpies, Tani Bunchō

How the Competition Works

  • All art must be original, not a copy, created on 11" X 14" paper,
  • Only students in grades 1 ~ 12, residing in the U.S. are eligible.
  • No school affiliation is required.
  • Each student may submit only one artwork.
  • Any 2D drawing or painting tools that allow the artwork to be rolled up for shipping are acceptable.
  • Art made using AI will be disqualified.
  • Only art inspired by an artwork in A World of Edo Art will be considered.
  • Art will be judged for Creativity, Thoughtfulness and Effort.
  • Three judges will select 50 Finalists.
  • Each finalist will receive $250 for their Artwork.
  • The finalists’ art will be exhibited in Japan and the U.S. in Fall 2027.
  • By filling out the form and uploading your art you are agreeing to the submission terms.

Inspired by Edo 2024 Finalists

See all finalists here ->

See you at the 2027 NAEA National Convention in NYC!
Please visit us at:
    Americas Hall Level 2, Booth #2219

Inspired by Edo gratefully acknowledges UCLA’s Japan Past and Present.