Celebrating the 130th Anniversary of Xu Beihong
China-Japan Youth & Children's Original Art Exhibition
In celebration of the 130th anniversary of Xu Beihong’s birth in 2025—and with 2026 marking the Year of the Horse—China and Japan proudly present a special international event: the “China-Japan Youth & Children’s Original Art Exhibition – In Commemoration of Xu Beihong.”
Jointly organized by the Xu Beihong Cultural and Art Center (Shenzhen) and the Reiwa Japan-China Cultural & Art Exchange Association, with strong support from the Kyoto City Government, Japan-China Friendship Associations in Osaka and Kyoto, and co-organized by Toto Co., Ltd. / Qiming Art School and the Kyoto City International Foundation, this exhibition bridges cultures through the power of youth creativity.
Open to participants from preschool to adulthood, the event features six age-based categories—encouraging young artists to express originality, emotion, and imagination through art.
Spotlight on the 5 Key Features
- Official Support from Kyoto City – Featuring the “Mayor of Kyoto Award”
- Japan-Designated Event by Xu Beihong Art Center
- Judged by Professors from Tokyo, Tama, Osaka, and Kyoto Art Universities
- Finalist Exhibition & Invitation to Japan
- Elegant Original Certificate · Commemorative Medal · Art Catalog
“与你对画 (Face to Canvas)”
Registration Form
Download the application form
Please download the application form. After completing it, upload the form together with a compressed file containing all participants' materials
Submission Requirements
① Theme: “Face to Canvas”
② Categories: Painting (Ink, Oil, Printmaking, Mineral Pigment, Watercolor, Gouache, Acrylic, Marker, Colored Pencil, Mixed Media, Digital Art, etc.)， Calligraphy (Brush Pen, Hard Pen)
③ Size: A3 (297mm × 420mm) or 8K (270mm × 390mm) Free horizontal/vertical composition
④ Quantity: One piece per person (Only original, unpublished works)
Works Not Eligible for Judging
① Plagiarized or copyright-infringing works (including derivative works)
② Collaborations by two or more artists
③ Works containing explicit, violent, or politically sensitive content
Registration Method and Details
The exhibition adopts online registration, divided into Individual Registration and Group Registration. Participants must submit digital images of their works according to the specified requirements.
① Individual Submission:
Participants must submit the registration form and upload digital images of their work through the official channel designated by the organizing committee.
② Group Submission:
Participants must submit the registration form and upload digital images of their work through an officially recognized group designated by the committee.
Digital image requirements:
Accepted formats: JPG, JPEG, PDF (high-resolution color scans only).
Mobile photos or mobile-scanned images will not be accepted.
Judging Timeline and Process
The selection will be conducted in 2 phases: Preliminary Review and Final Review.
① Preliminary Review (Online Phase)
Participants submit required registration materials.
Chinese and Japanese judges will be randomly assigned anonymous works for cross-evaluation.
Entries with composite scores above the average will be notified by the organizing committee.
Shortlisted participants (individuals/institutions) must mail the original artwork to the designated location.
The committee will then forward all qualifying works to Japan for the Final Review.
② Final Review (Offline Phase)
Judges will evaluate each shortlisted work individually and assign scores.
Awards will be determined based on ranking against predefined score benchmarks.
③ Deadline for Shipping Final Review Works & Payment
November 15, 2025 (Saturday)
Judging Criteria
Originality: 60%
Relevance to Theme: 20%
Completion Level: 10%
Technique: 10%
Results Announcement Timeline & Method
Final Results Release Date: December 15, 2025 (Monday)
① The judging results will be officially published online through the exhibition committee’s designated media platforms.
② For group registrations, the designated group organizers will additionally notify participants based on the above announcement.
Fees
The total fee for judging and materials is:
￥350 RMB / $380 HKD / 7,500 JPY / $50 USD
Fee Includes:
① Final review judging costs
② Certificate, medal, and catalog production costs
③ Round-trip international shipping from the designated committee location to Japan
Award Ceremony & Exhibition Schedule
I. Award Ceremony: “Xu Beihong’s 130th Birth Anniversary Commemoration – China-Japan Youth & Children’s Original Art Exhibition Awards”
① Date: Saturday, February 7, 2026
② Venue: Kyoto International Community House
II. Art Exhibition: “Xu Beihong’s 130th Birth Anniversary Commemoration – China-Japan Youth & Children’s Original Art Excellence Exhibition”
① Duration: Tuesday, February 3 – Sunday, February 8, 2026
② Venue: Kyoto International Community House
III. Side Events (Details to be announced during final review phase):
① “Masterclass Workshops with Japanese Art Experts” during exhibition (paid sessions)
② “Japanese Cultural Art Study Tour” open to all participants (paid program)
Awards & Honors
I. Individual Awards (All categories include the following awards)
| Preliminary Selection | |
| Rising Talent Award | Digital Certificate |
| Final Selection – Honor Certificate・Commemorative Medal・Art Catalog |
| Sakura Steed Grand Prize (1st Place) |
| Semi-Grand Prize (2nd Place) |
| Excellence Award (3rd Place) |
| Kyoto Mayor’s Award: Honor Certificate |
| Japan-China Friendship Special Award: Honor Certificate |
| Xu Beihong Spirit Special Award: Honor Certificate |
| Judges’ Special Award: Honor Certificate |
| Kusakabe Special Award: Honor Certificate |
| ARK Special Award: Honor Certificate |
| Honorable Mention: |
II. Instructor / Group Awards
Instructors or groups who recommend and guide participants to achieve outstanding results will receive the “Art Education Visionary Mentor/Judge/Group” Award.
Judges Panel
• Keisei Kobayashi
Printmaker | Honorary Professor, Tama Art University | Chairman, Japan Printmaking Association
• Norimichi Akaki
Oil Painter | Professor, Yokohama National University
• Shirofumi Takehara
Nihonga Painter | Former Professor, Osaka University of Arts
• Takahiko Shiomi
Ink Wash Painter | Associate Professor, Kyoto University of the Arts
• Wei Fu
Seal Engraver | Executive Director, Kyoto Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Institute | Part-time Lecturer, Kyoto University of the Arts
• Yuanyuan Zhang
Wax Mineral Pigment Painter | Managing Director, Reiwa Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association | M.A. in Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
• Xiao Han
Printmaker | Principal, Qiming Art Academy | Ph.D. in Arts, Osaka University of Arts
Organizing Bodies & Partners
Chinese Host: Shenzhen Xu Beihong Culture & Arts Center
Japanese Host: Reiwa Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association (ReNC. General Inc.)
Organizer: Qiming Art Academy, Tohaku Corporation
Co-organizer: Kyoto International Exchange Association (Public Interest Incorporated Foundation)
Sponsors:
– Kusakabe Co., Ltd.
– ARK Corporation
Supporting Organizations:
– Kyoto Municipal Government
– Osaka Japan-China Friendship Association (NPO)
– Kyoto Japan-China Friendship Association
– Kyoto International Art & Cultural Exchange Center
– AKK Culture Academy
– Donghua University Cultural Heritage Innovation Center
– Tangsong Gallery Co., Ltd.
– Gallery Ueda
– Chinese Guide Post Qingdao Beer
– CTW International Art Executive Committee
– Baihua Art Museum
– Asia Development Promotion Association (General Incorporated Association)
Important Notes
Participants must truthfully complete and properly retain the registration form, artwork, and payment receipt. Any falsification will result in immediate disqualification.
Once registered or payment is made, participation cannot be transferred or refunded. Administrative fees will apply for any changes to personal information or artwork. After judging concludes, additional production fees will be charged for modifying certificates/medals/catalogs if changes are requested.
Submitted works and personal information may be used for exhibition management, award distribution, media coverage, and related promotional activities.
Shortlisted participants must deliver original artworks to the designated location by the specified deadline. Return shipping (if requested) will be arranged via SF Express with freight collect. Artworks cannot be removed during the exhibition period.
The organizing committee will handle artworks with care, but assumes no responsibility for damage caused by force majeure events such as natural disasters.
By participating, all entrants are deemed to have agreed to comply fully with the exhibition regulations and waive rights to dispute judging decisions or display arrangements.
The organizing committee reserves final interpretation rights for all competition matters.
Contact Information
“Xu Beihong’s 130th Birth Anniversary Commemoration – China-Japan Youth & Children’s Original Art Exhibition” Operations Office
Address:
Qiming Art Academy, Tohaku Corporation
4-3-20 Kojohigashi, Ikuno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka 544-0003, Japan
Tel: +81-6-6720-8415
Fax: +81-6-6720-8421
WeChat: xubeihongsz
Email: art@enlightenment-education.com
Official WeChat Public Accounts:
” “徐悲鸿文化艺术中心”，“启铭美术塾”
Website:
enlightenment-education.com
(Click “Read More” > Menu > Art Events > 2025-26 Xu Beihong Memorial Exhibition)
"1895 ~ 2025" A Century of Beihong
Beihong's Centenary"
Xu Beihong was born in 1895. The year 2025 marks the 130th anniversary of his birth, coinciding with the 2026 Lunar Year of the Fire Horse. With official support from the Kyoto Municipal Government, Osaka Japan-China Friendship Association (NPO), and Kyoto Japan-China Friendship Association, this exhibition is jointly organized by the Shenzhen Xu Beihong Culture & Arts Center (Chinese host), Reiwa Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association (Japanese host), Qiming Art Academy of Tohaku Corporation (executive organizer), and Kyoto International Exchange Association (co-organizer). The competition features six age divisions, from preschoolers to adults.
In 1917, recommended by Kang Youwei, Xu Beihong traveled to Japan for study, where he befriended master artists like Nakahara Fusetsu and Ozaki Seiji. This experience laid the foundation for his subsequent studies in France and travels to India, while also enabling him to recommend artists like Fu Baoshi to study in Japan. After WWII, Xu dedicated himself to promoting Sino-Japanese friendship and cultural exchange.
As a foundational figure of modern Chinese painting, Xu Beihong devoted his life to art. His style blended Eastern ink-wash essence with Western techniques, excelling in portraits and landscapes, particularly renowned for his horse paintings.
Today, the “Xu Beihong Spirit” remains profoundly relevant – transcending from “self” to “community,” and from “nation” to “world.” His enduring pursuit of peace and art continues to inspire, leaving us priceless cultural legacy.
*(Key features:
Officially Authorized Japan Designated Commemorative Event for Xu Beihong's Art
The Japanese art world’s admiration for Xu Beihong and other modern Chinese artists has remained unwavering for over a century. Numerous Japanese art associations, academic institutions, and museums have directly or indirectly hosted cultural events honoring Xu Beihong’s legacy.
Building on this tradition while breaking new ground, this competition marks the first dual commemoration of both Xu Beihong’s 130th birth anniversary and the centennial of his Japan study journey. Leveraging the strong foundation of previous Xu Beihong International Youth Art Competitions, we integrate distinctive Chinese and Japanese cultural elements to create new significance for this edition.
Our mission is to:
Cultivate true cultural diversity in the arts
Establish a genuinely “international cultural art event” in every sense
Bridge traditions through contemporary creative dialogue
Theme & Judging Mechanism
The Xu Beihong Centennial Art Exhibition is open to both painting and calligraphy submissions, with no restrictions on artistic techniques or materials. All qualified two-dimensional artworks are welcome to participate. This year’s competition theme, “Dialogue Through Art,” encourages participants to explore various interpretations – from personal connections with family and friends to broader perspectives on nature and society, or any other creative approach that reflects meaningful artistic exchange.
The judging process consists of two stages. The first round is a free online evaluation with no entry barriers, where selected participants will receive digital certificates and qualify for the final round. In the second stage, original artworks will be evaluated in person by our judging panel. Final winners will be awarded physical certificates, commemorative medals, and have their works featured in the exhibition catalog. This two-tier system ensures fair evaluation while providing meaningful recognition for outstanding artworks.
The theme “Dialogue Through Art” (originally “与你对画” in Chinese) cleverly plays on the dual meaning of artistic creation and interpersonal communication. It honors Xu Beihong’s legacy of cultural exchange while encouraging contemporary artists to engage in creative dialogues through their work. Participants are invited to interpret this theme in ways that are personally meaningful, whether through intimate personal narratives or universal artistic explorations.
Public Exhibition and Award Ceremony
The competition will culminate in an outstanding works exhibition held at the Kyoto International Community House in early February 2026, lasting for one week, alongside the award ceremony. All participants are welcome to attend, with awards presented by the competition judges and representatives from relevant organizations.
Simultaneously, a series of engaging events will be organized, including the “Japanese Art Study Tour” and “Master Art Open Classes by Japanese Artists,” among other enriching activities. These initiatives aim to provide participants with diverse, innovative, and culturally inspiring artistic experiences.
Panel of Judges
Chairman, Japan Printmaking Association
National University
Visiting Professor, Hiroshima City University
Visiting Professor, Onomichi City University
Visiting Professor, Nihon University
M.A. in Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts
M.A. in Fine Arts, Munich Academy of Fine Arts, Germany
Director, Japan Creative Painting Association
Steering Committee Member, Landscape Art Society
Executive Director, Kyoto Chinese Painting & Calligraphy Institute (General Incorporated Association)
Vice President & Secretary-General, Japan Chinese Literary Artists Federation
Vice Chairman, All-Japan Chinese Calligraphers Association
Deputy Director & Secretary-General, All-Japan Chinese Seal Engravers Society
Chairman, Japan-China Buddhist Culture Promotion Association (General Incorporated Association)
Art Director, Fu Jiayi Memorial Art Museum
Director, “Rain-Meditation Studio” Art Atelier
M.A. in Fine Arts, China Academy of Art
Art name: Liangfu
Studio: Luobei Thatched Cottage
Graduated from Department of Chinese Literature, Nishimatsuya University (1999)
Chinese Government Scholarship recipient, studied at China Academy of Art (2000)
Special Grand Prize, 20th “Toto Raku Kai” Exhibition (Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art, 2011)
Bronze Award, 2nd ASIAN ART BIENNIAL (Hong Kong, 2018)
Managing Director, Reiwa Japan-China Cultural Exchange Association
Dean, ReNC. Art Institute Tokyo
Member, Japan Artists Association
Grand Prize Winner, Ueno no Mori Art Museum Grand Prize Exhibition
Principal, Qiming Art Academy Osaka
Member, Japan Printmaking Association
Member, Japan Artists Association
Member, Society of Wood Engravers (UK
) “Guardian Deities of the Four Directions – Azure Dragon” (Wood engraving); Collected by: China Printmaking Museum & Machida City Museum of Graphic Arts, Tokyo
“Beauty Under the Moon” (Wood engraving); Collected by: Dalian Art Museum
