Rules

The 36th Japan Woodwind Competition (Clarinet Division) 2025

Eligibility

  • Open to those born on or after September 30, 1990 (no minimum age).

  • Applicants must be 35 years old or younger as of September 30, 2025.

  • No restrictions on nationality.

Application Period & Capacity

Refer to Venue & Schedule.

How to Apply for the Preliminary Screening

  • Applications must be submitted online through the designated page.

Preliminary Screening Fee

  • 5,000 JPY (to be paid by bank transfer).

  • The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, except in the event the competition is cancelled.

Application for the Final Screening

  • Applicants who pass the preliminary screening, as well as those exempt from it, will be notified by e-mail.

  • Please follow the instructions provided in the e-mail to apply.

Final Screening Fee

  • 25,000 JPY (to be paid by bank transfer).

  • The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, except in the event the competition is cancelled.

Expenses

  • All travel expenses, accommodation, music scores, and other related costs are the responsibility of the participant.

  • Any cancellation fees for accommodation are also the responsibility of the participant.

Confirmation of Acceptance

  • Acceptance will be confirmed once the online application and payment of the participation fee have been completed, followed by a confirmation notice (via e-mail or telephone) from the Secretariat.

  • Except for those granted a designated date, participants may not choose the date of their preliminary round.

  • If unavoidable circumstances such as school commitments occur, it may be possible to specify the date of the first round of the final screening. Please indicate this at the time of application. Contact the Secretariat for further details.

Required Repertoire

See Designated Pieces.

Accompanist

  • In principle, contestants must provide their own accompanist for the second round and the final. All costs related to the accompanist are the responsibility of the contestant.

  • If it is not possible to bring an accompanist, the Competition Board will appoint an official accompanist.

Rehearsal with Official Accompanist

  • Rehearsal time and location will be designated by the Competition Board.

  • Contestants may decline to rehearse with the official accompanist.

Important Notes

  • Information such as educational background, age, and submitted photographs may be used for publicity purposes by the Competition.

  • Contestants must bring the performance number card issued by the Secretariat, check in at the venue at the designated time, and follow staff instructions.

  • Contestants who arrive late without prior notice may be considered withdrawn. If withdrawal is unavoidable, notify the Secretariat promptly.

  • The order of performance will be determined by the Competition Board.

  • Contestants advancing to the second round will be announced after the first round. Contestants advancing to the final will be announced after the second round.

  • Competition results will be determined by the Jury after the final and announced at the Awards Ceremony.

  • Prizewinners are expected to participate, upon coordination, in arts and cultural projects hosted by Katō City and the NPO Atarashii Kaze Katō.

Transfer of Rights

By completing the application, participants agree to transfer the following rights to the organizers of the Japan Woodwind Competition:

  1. The right to live broadcast the Final Round (including online streaming).

  2. The right to record audio, video, and photographs of the Preliminary Rounds, Final Round, and Homecoming Concert.

  3. The right to edit and reproduce the materials recorded under (2).

  4. The right to publish and broadcast the materials recorded under (2), regardless of medium.