All Japan Guitar Competition

All Japan Guitar Competition takes place in Japan, Japan. It is held every year, usually in September.

Repertoire requirements

Solo Division - 1st Preliminary (Video Screening): Any free choice piece (within 10 minutes), 1 piece. 2nd Preliminary / Final (Live Performance): Performance pieces: ① Assigned piece (see below) ② Any free choice piece (different for 2nd Preliminary and Final, within 10 minutes, 1 piece each). Assigned Pieces: 2nd Preliminary: Caprice No.7 / L. Legnani; Final: Maria / F. Tárrega. Ensemble Division (Chamber Section) - Preliminary (Video Screening): Performance pieces: Any free choice piece (within 10 minutes), 1 piece. Final (Live Performance): Performance pieces: ① Assigned piece (see below) ② Free choice piece (must be the same as the preliminary). Assigned Pieces: A. Wild Rose... Schubert Duo (piece for sale); B. After-school music room... Gontiti Prime Guitar Trio (piece for sale); C. Salut d'Amour... Elgar Various Range Guitar Trio (piece for sale); D. Pizzicato Blues (Classical Guitar Quartet version) ………… Hatanaka Yudai (piece); E. Pizzicato Blues Various Range Guitar Sextet (Danrok) version (piece for sale); F. Champs-Élysées... Willshaw & Deegan Various Range Guitar Quintet (Women's Quartet Collection); G. Village Girl... Lazzaro Various Range Guitar Quintet (Women's Quartet Collection). Ensemble Division (General Section) - Preliminary (Video Screening): Performance pieces: Any free choice piece (within 10 minutes), 1 piece. Final (Live Performance): Performance pieces: ① Assigned piece (see below) ② Free choice piece (must be the same as the preliminary). Assigned Pieces: 1. One Dream... Masatoshi Ishizuka (Download); 2. Thank you... Hatanaka Yudai (piece for sale); 3. The Road Keeps Going On... American Folk Song (Ishizuka arr.) (Harmony November 2019 issue); 4. Munich Polka... German Folk Song (Niibori arr.); 5. NRM3.01 "Chick"... Hiroki Niibori (Niibori Rhythm Method 4); 6. NRM5P.01 "Little Samba"... Hiroki Niibori (Niibori Rhythm Method 4); 7. NRM3-09L "Andalucia"... Hiroki Niibori (Ishizuka arr.) (Niibori Rhythm Method 3); 8. Flower... Rentaro Taki (Niibori ~ women's four-part arr.) (Guitar Orchestra Grand Textbook, or piece); 9. Baroque Style "Haru yo Koi"... Ryutaro Hirota (Niibori arr.) (Guitar Ensemble Family Collection); 10. Pantomime... Mozart (Kikuchi arr.) (Book to Produce Beautiful Sound); 11. Summer Memories... Yoshinao Nakata (Niibori ~ women's four-part arr.) (Niibori Guitar Women's Quartet Masterpiece Collection); 12. Minuet from Alcina Suite... Handel; 13. Wonderful Morning... Hiroki Niibori (NRM Collection 6); 14. Bright Morning... Hiroki Niibori (Niibori Rhythm Method 4); 15. Sonata for Guitar Ensemble... Sammartini (Niibori arr.) (Guitar Ensemble Masterpiece Collection 1); 16. The Road... Masatoshi Ishizuka (published in Harmony No. 641) or Download; 17. Autumn Mountains... Uraato Watanabe (Guitar Ensemble Family Collection); 18. Champs-Élysées... Willshaw & Deegan (Hashimoto ~ women's four-part arr.) (Niibori Guitar Women's Quartet Masterpiece Collection). Ensemble Division (School Section) - Preliminary (Video Screening): Performance pieces: Any free choice piece (within 10 minutes), 1 piece. Final (Live Performance): Performance pieces: ① Assigned piece (see below) ② Free choice piece (must be the same as the preliminary). Assigned Pieces: A. Anemone's Dance / Hatanaka Yudai (piece for sale, or published in Harmony No. 647); B. Spanish Pasodoble / composed by Eliseo Martí (piece for sale); C. Baroque Style "Haru yo Koi"... Ryutaro Hirota (Niibori arr.) (Guitar Ensemble Family Collection); D. Military March / F. Schubert (Hatanaka arr.) (piece for sale); E. Pizzicato Blues / Hatanaka Yudai (Classical Guitar (Prime Guitar) Ensemble) (piece for sale).

• Preliminary Round · 15 min
  • Free choice program
• Semi-Final · 20 min
  • Free choice program
• Final · 25 min
  • Free choice recital

Official website

https://nkg-igoa.com/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Japan

The All Japan Guitar Competition, an annual event whose location varies each year, is a significant fixture in the world of classical guitar. While the specific host city changes, the competition consistently offers a platform for rising talent and recognition within Japan's vibrant musical landscape. For a classical guitar enthusiast, attending this event provides an excellent opportunity to explore Japan, a country rich in cultural heritage and the birthplace of one of the 20th century's most influential composers for the instrument.

Getting there

Most international visitors arrive in Japan via Tokyo's Narita (NRT) or Haneda (HND) airports, both offering extensive connections. From Narita, the Narita Express train provides direct service to major Tokyo stations like Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Shibuya, typically taking about an hour. Haneda, closer to the city center, offers quicker access via the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail, reaching central Tokyo in under 30 minutes. Japan's Shinkansen (bullet train) network connects major cities efficiently, making travel between competition venues and other destinations straightforward, though specific domestic travel will depend on the competition's annual location.

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Japan uses Type A/B sockets, so pack a travel adapter for your tuner and chargers.

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Where to stay

Given that the competition location varies, it is wise to consult the official website for venue details and then seek accommodation in a well-connected area of the host city. In major Japanese cities, excellent public transport networks make most central districts convenient. Consider staying near a major train station for easy access to venues and other attractions. Options range from international hotels to traditional ryokan (Japanese inns) for a unique cultural experience, or modern business hotels that offer comfort and convenience. Booking in advance is always recommended, especially during peak travel seasons.

What you'll hear

The All Japan Guitar Competition offers cash prizes and recognition to its winners. While the specific repertoire requirements vary, participants typically perform a diverse range of classical guitar works. Checking the official website (nkg-igoa.com) for the current year's rules and program is essential to understand the musical focus.

Japan is also the homeland of Tōru Takemitsu, one of the most important composers for the guitar in the 20th century, whose works like 'All in Twilight' and 'Equinox' are staples of the repertoire. Born in Tokyo's Hongō district in 1930, Takemitsu died in Minato, Tokyo, in 1996 and is buried at Nichirin-ji temple in Bunkyō, Tokyo, a confirmed pilgrimage site. The Takemitsu Memorial, located within Tokyo Opera City in Nishi-Shinjuku, stands as a testament to his legacy; he served as a concept adviser for the concert hall, which also hosts a Composition Award in his name. A visit to these sites offers a profound connection to the composer's life and enduring influence.

The local table

No matter where the competition takes you in Japan, the country's culinary scene is a highlight. Look for local interpretations of classic dishes such as ramen, with regional variations in broth and toppings, or enjoy fresh sushi and sashimi, a staple available almost everywhere. Tempura, lightly battered and fried seafood and vegetables, offers another delicious experience. Seek out izakayas, informal Japanese bars serving a variety of small dishes alongside drinks, for a relaxed and authentic evening meal. Don't miss trying local sake or craft beer, which often reflect regional specialties.

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While you're there

Even if the competition is held elsewhere, a visit to Tokyo is a rewarding extension for any classical guitar enthusiast. Beyond the Takemitsu pilgrimage sites, Tokyo offers endless exploration: the historic Imperial Palace East Garden, the bustling Shibuya crossing, the serene Meiji Jingu shrine, and the vibrant districts of Shinjuku and Ginza. For a day trip, consider Hakone, about an hour by Shinkansen, known for its stunning views of Mount Fuji, hot springs, and art museums. Alternatively, Nikko, a UNESCO World Heritage site reachable in about two hours, offers elaborate shrines and temples nestled in a beautiful mountain setting. These destinations provide a blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and historical significance.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Japan →

More guitar events in Japan: Classical Guitar Competition (JGA) · Japan Guitar Competition · Kyushu Guitar Music Competition · Nagoya Guitar Competition · San-in Guitar Competition · Tokyo International Guitar Competition

Also in September: Cawsand Bay Guitar Festival · Certamen Internacional María Luisa Anido · Denver Guitar Festival - Tuason Competition · Edmonton Guitar Seminar · Michele Pittaluga International Guitar Competition

Listing data is compiled from official sources and can change each edition. Always confirm dates, deadlines and requirements on the organizer's official website before applying or booking travel. Spotted an error? See our terms or let us know via the About page.

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