Nippon Kodo Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Yoshiyuki Tsuchiya) will hold the "Obon Tte Ii Na Photo Contest 2026" (common name: "Bon Photo"), which invites submissions of moments that make one think "Obon is nice," via X and Instagram posts, from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Sunday, August 23, 2026.

Obon is one of Japan's heartwarming customs, such as returning to one's hometown or spending time with family. This contest, held for the third consecutive year following last year, aims to record this important culture through photographs and pass it on to future generations. The theme is "Warm Memories, Quiet Thoughts." We are seeking entries that cherish the emotions and episodes unique to Obon. Furthermore, the prizes have been renewed, with the Grand Prize being worth a total of 100,000 yen, offering an even more luxurious experience.

We hope "Bon Photo" will be an opportunity to re-experience the importance and joy of Obon.

[Contest Overview]

● Title: Obon Tte Ii Na Photo Contest 2026

● Eligibility: Those with an X or Instagram account (must be set to public)

● Application Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) - August 23, 2026 (Sun) 23:59

● How to Apply: Apply via official X or Instagram

To apply via X:

Follow the official Nippon Kodo X account (https://x.com/nipponkodo_jp)

Post a photo of a moment that makes you think "Obon is nice," along with a title and an Obon episode related to the photo, using the hashtag "#盆フォト2026".

To apply via Instagram:

Follow the official Nippon Kodo Instagram account (https://www.instagram.com/nipponkodo_japan/)

Post a photo of a moment that makes you think "Obon is nice," along with a title and an Obon episode related to the photo, tagging the Nippon Kodo account, using the hashtag "#盆フォト2026".

*You can apply multiple times during the period from the same account if the content of your posts differs.

About the 2026 Bon Photo Judging

This year's Bon Photo will be judged with the cooperation of camell editorial department, centered around the Nippon Kodo secretariat. The judging will focus on the thoughts and stories conveyed in the works, incorporating the unique perspective of the editorial department.

camell website (https://www.camera-girls.net/)

● Prizes

・Grand Prize (1 winner) Total value of 100,000 yen

Original Amazon Gift Card worth 80,000 yen

Ginza Rangetsu Sukiyaki Set worth 20,000 yen

Nippon Kodo Fragrance Gift Set

・Excellence Award (3 winners) Total value of 30,000 yen

Original Amazon Gift Card worth 20,000 yen

Ginza Rangetsu Sukiyaki Set worth 10,000 yen

Nippon Kodo Fragrance Gift Set

・Nippon Kodo Award (1 winner)

Original Amazon Gift Card worth 10,000 yen

Nippon Kodo Fragrance Gift Set

・Sadakichi & Seiun-kun Award (10 winners)

Original Amazon Gift Card worth 5,000 yen

Nippon Kodo Fragrance Gift Set

● Announcement of Winners

After the application period ends, a rigorous selection process will be conducted. Only the winners will be contacted via direct message from our official X or Instagram accounts.

● Related Information

・"Bon Photo" Special Page (https://www.nipponkodo.co.jp/bonphoto/)

・Nippon Kodo Official X (https://x.com/nipponkodo_jp)

・Nippon Kodo Official Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nipponkodo_japan/)

[About Ginza Rangetsu]

A long-established restaurant serving sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and crab dishes, with over 70 years of history in Ginza, Tokyo. In June 2023, the restaurant relocated and reopened on the 5th floor of "ZOE Ginza" in the same Ginza 3-chome area. Based on the tradition inherited from the previous generation, we deliver deliciousness and heartfelt hospitality with seasonal ingredients and exquisite dishes, cherishing new encounters with customers every day.

Ginza Rangetsu Official Website (https://www.ginza-rangetsu.com/)

[Nippon Kodo Co., Ltd.]

A manufacturer and seller of incense sticks such as "Seiun" and "Mainichi Ko," as well as incense and fragrance products. As the core company of the Nippon Kodo Group, which has a history of approximately 450 years, we are engaged in the inheritance and development of Japan's unique incense and memorial culture under the theme of "A fulfilling life filled with fragrance."

Nippon Kodo Website (https://www.nipponkodo.co.jp/)

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event
  • Organizations: camell