We are proud to announce that a participant in our Nengajo Workshop, which was hosted by JASH JOI Program Coordinator Mai Oashi, has been recognized as a winner in the Most Traditional Adult Category of the JICC Nengajo Contest 2026.
The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC), Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC, revealed the winners of its 15th Annual Nengajo Contest as part of its New Year celebrations. The contest honors the Japanese tradition of nengajo—New Year’s greeting postcards that are customarily delivered on January 1 to mark fresh beginnings and express gratitude.
Held from October 20 through December 17, 2025, this year’s contest attracted over 400 nengajo submissions from participants around the world. Entries were reviewed and voted on by local staff and diplomats from the Embassy of Japan. Rui’s work stood out for its exceptional craftsmanship and faithfulness to traditional nengajo aesthetics, earning top recognition in the Most Traditional Adult category.
Rui K. developed her winning illustration after participating in our Nengajo Workshop, where she explored classical sumie Japanese ink-painting techniques and the cultural symbolism embedded in nengajo design. Her award reflects both her artistic dedication and a deep respect for traditional Japanese visual language.
The selected works, including Rui’s winning piece, are currently featured in the JICC’s seasonal Oshōgatsu exhibition, on view from Wednesday, January 7 to Friday, January 23, 2026, at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC. The exhibition highlights nengajo submissions from this year’s contest and celebrates the enduring cultural significance of this New Year tradition.
Established in 2010, the JICC’s annual nengajo contest was created to introduce the tradition of New Year’s cards to the Washington, DC–Maryland–Virginia area and has since grown into a global cultural exchange. Over the years, the contest has showcased hundreds of works, bringing joy and cultural connection to audiences worldwide.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Rui on this well-deserved honor and our sincere thanks to the Japan Information & Culture Center for its continued commitment to promoting Japanese culture through the arts. We are delighted to see our workshop participants receiving international recognition and contributing meaningfully to cross-cultural understanding.