The 3rd Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Culture Prize Call for Entries
About the Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Culture Prize
Our Maison has always cherished art and creativity, serving as a place where tradition and innovation grow together.
With the aesthetic sensibility embodied in the "ume" (Japanese plum), a symbol of scholarship, culture, and the arts, and with the warm support we have received in the first and second contests, we are confident that we have fostered a space for rich expression and sincere challenges.
For the third Mr. & Mrs. Abe Arts & Culture Prize, we hope to provide an even greater stage where artists can fully unleash their individuality and creativity.
Building upon our journey so far, we look forward to sharing moments when new perspectives and ideas come to life.
Call for Entries
Theme of the Competition
"Ume" or "Concepts Inspired by Ume"
It is not necessary for the ume itself to be directly depicted in the artwork.
Our initiative, "Project Prunus Mumeum," is guided by the theme "Towards the Next Chapter in the Cultural History of Ume." Through this project, we aim to create new value and imagery based on the rich cultural history woven by ume.
By reinterpreting ume as a cultural and artistic icon and incorporating it as a common theme, this project seeks to provide artists with a platform to showcase their work and to offer more people the opportunity to engage with art.
We welcome submissions that freely express the multifaceted symbolism of ume from your unique perspective and style, without being bound by conventional ideas.
Eligible Artwork Types
- Two-dimensional works (paintings, illustrations, collages, photography, etc., with no restrictions on genre)
- Submissions must be unpublished works.
- If your artwork contains other copyrighted material, that material must also be original to the applicant.
- Works shared on social media will be considered as published and are not eligible.
- However, works presented only in limited settings (e.g., within a school) will be considered unpublished and may be submitted.
Prizes
Winning Entries
Selected works will be compiled into a booklet and made public.
Grand Prize
Prunus Mume Blossom K18 & Diamond Ring [(Product Page)]
- Winners can choose their preferred color and size.
- Value: ¥264,000 (tax included)
Gold Prize
Gift Certificate (¥100,000)
- This gift certificate can be used to purchase Mr. & Mrs. Abe products.
- Some limited edition products may be excluded from use.
Eligibility
No restrictions. Anyone may apply.
Submission Deadline
February 28, 2026
How to Apply
Submit your work through our official website within the application period.
- Each applicant may submit up to three works.
- [Submission Page]
Application Guidelines
Please be sure to review the Application Guidelines before submitting your work.
- [Application Guidelines →](Japanese)
Past Contest Results
Thank you very much for the many submissions we have received.
Contact Information
For any questions or inquiries regarding the contest, please feel free to contact us at the following email address:
Contest Management Office: info@mr-mrs-abe.com
