Japan Guitar Competition

Japan Guitar Competition takes place in Osaka, Japan. It is held every year, usually in August.

Repertoire requirements

Check website

• Competition Round · 15-20 min
  • Free choice program

Official website

https://nippon-guitar.org/

Visiting? A guitarist's guide to Osaka

Osaka, the vibrant heart of Japan's Kansai region, hosts the annual Japan Guitar Competition, an event that brings classical guitar to a city renowned for its spirited culture and culinary delights. Known as Japan's "anti-capital," Osaka offers a warm, friendly atmosphere and a commitment to the philosophy of kuidaore, or bringing oneself to ruin through extravagance in food and drink. For the classical guitar enthusiast, it makes an excellent base for a holiday combining the competition with rich Japanese culture and history, serving also as a gateway to the wider Kansai region.

Getting there

Osaka is exceptionally well-connected. Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the primary international gateway, offering numerous flights. Alternatively, Itami Airport (ITM), despite its name located in Hyogo Prefecture, handles most domestic flights. From Itami, Airport Limousine Buses provide convenient routes to various points within Osaka starting around ¥500-600, or you can take the Osaka Monorail one stop to Hotarugaike and transfer to the Hankyu Takarazuka Line for Umeda. If arriving by Shinkansen, trains from Tokyo (a 2 hour 15 minute Nozomi ride) and points west arrive at Shin-Osaka station. From Shin-Osaka, the Midosuji subway line connects directly to the city center, while JR Pass holders can use the JR Kyoto Line to Osaka Station.

Compare trains, buses & flights to Osaka on Omio →

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

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Where to stay

Osaka offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget, making it easy to settle in for your visit. The city is broadly divided into two main areas: Umeda (Kita), the business and upscale north, and Namba (Minami), the more casual, shop-eat-drink downtown. The tree-lined Midōsuji boulevard connects these two hubs, and the subway line of the same name provides easy access between them. Staying near either Umeda or Namba will place you within easy reach of transport links, dining, shopping, and entertainment, with excellent connectivity to competition venues.

What you'll hear

The Japan Guitar Competition is an annual event, drawing talent from across the country and beyond. While specific repertoire requirements should be checked on the official website, https://nippon-guitar.org, the competition promises a showcase of skilled playing.

Osaka itself does not have a specific classical guitar composer pilgrimage site; however, its cultural vibrancy offers a unique backdrop for the competition. Historically known as "the Nation's Kitchen" (天下の台所 tenka-no-daidokoro), Osaka was a key hub for trade and culture during the Tokugawa era, developing a lavish culture among its townspeople. This legacy of bold enterprise and appreciation for life's pleasures makes it a lively setting for any cultural event, contrasting with the more reserved reputation of Tokyo.

The local table

Osaka's food culture is legendary, centered around the philosophy of kuidaore: eat until you drop, or even ruin yourself. The city proudly earned the moniker "the Nation's Kitchen" due to its historical role as a center for rice distribution and merchant activity. While specific dishes are too numerous to name, expect an unparalleled variety of street food, fine dining, and casual eateries. The emphasis is always on fresh ingredients and bold flavors, ensuring that every meal is an experience to savor.

Fancy a guided taste? Food and wine tours in Osaka →

While you're there

Between competition rounds, Osaka offers a wealth of attractions. The iconic Osaka Castle, though a ferroconcrete reconstruction, stands as a symbol of the city's rich past, surrounded by a beautiful park. For a taste of modern Osaka, the Dōtonbori area in Namba is famous for its dazzling neon lights, entertainment, and endless food stalls. Explore Shitennō-ji, one of Japan's oldest Buddhist temples, or the Sumiyoshi Taisha Grand Shrine, which inaugurated a unique architectural style. Osaka's excellent transport links also make it an ideal base for day trips to nearby cities like Kyoto, with its ancient temples and gardens, or Kobe, known for its scenic harbor and beef, both less than an hour away by train.

Tours, tickets and day trips in Osaka →

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

Also in August: Classical GuitarFest West · Forum Gitarre Wien · Francisco Tárrega International Guitar Competition · GUITARTALENT Brno · Harmonia Cordis International Guitar Festival · International Guitar Festival in Hersbruck

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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