6th Sightron Japan Astrophotography Contest 2026 Launched

Sightron Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo; President: Akira Watanabe) is pleased to announce the 6th Sightron Japan Astrophotography Contest 2026, in cooperation with Monthly Astronomy Guide (Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd.). We are broadly seeking entries for two categories: "Celestial Photography" and "Starry Landscape Photography" from July 3, 2026, to September 15, 2026. Winners will receive luxurious prizes. We encourage everyone to participate.

Contest Overview

"Sightron Japan Astrophotography Contest 2026"

Application Period: July 3, 2026 (Fri) - September 15, 2026 (Tue)

Application Theme: We are seeking works with stars and celestial objects as the main theme.

Announcement of Winning Works: Scheduled for early November 2026

* The announcement schedule may be subject to change due to judging or other circumstances.

Application Page: https://www.sightron.co.jp/photocon.html

〇 Judges

- Shigemi Numazawa (Astrophotographer, Illustrator)

- Akira Watanabe (President, Sightron Japan Co., Ltd.)

- Kohei Watanabe (Schmitt, Sightron Japan Co., Ltd.)

Prizes and Awards

*1: Special award selected by Mr. Shigemi Numazawa.

*2: Special award selected from works photographed using products from SIGHTRON JAPAN or brands for which the company serves as an agent.

*3: Special award selected from works by applicants aged 29 and under. Applicants born on or after July 3, 1997, are eligible.

*4: Prizes for each award can be selected from the products listed under "Eligible Brands" below.

Eligible Brands

SIGHTRON

SIGHTRON JAPAN

Sky-Watcher

ACUTER OPTICS

Player One

NAKOH

LAOWA

KamLan

SHARPSTAR

Askar

Vaonis

〇 For contest details, please visit the application page below.

https://www.sightron.co.jp/photocon.html

Organizer: Sightron Japan Co., Ltd.

Cooperation: Monthly Astronomy Guide

Contact Information

"Sightron Japan Astrophotography Contest 2026" Secretariat (within Monthly Astronomy Guide)

TEL: 080-1961-6451

Email: sightronjapanphotocontest@seibundo.com

Inquiries regarding this press release:

Sightron Japan Co., Ltd.

Domestic Sales Department TEL: 03-6908-3327

About Sightron Japan Co., Ltd.

Founded in 1961 as a specialized trading company dealing in optical products such as binoculars. Currently, in addition to manufacturing and selling optical equipment such as binoculars, telescopes, and filters, the company also handles the general agency business in Japan for overseas interchangeable lens brands and leading global telescope manufacturers. The company also cooperates with stargazing events and events organized by municipalities and corporations.

▼ Homepage

https://www.sightron.co.jp/

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About Monthly Astronomy Guide

An astronomy magazine published by Seibundo Shinkosha Co., Ltd. As Japan's leading astronomy magazine, founded in 1965, it is read by a wide range of astronomy enthusiasts. It boasts a wide range of content, from the latest astronomy to how to enjoy the night sky, topics, astrophotography techniques, how to use and build telescopes, and guides to purchasing astronomical goods.

▼ Homepage

https://www.seibundo-shinkosha.net/tenmon/