Guide for Applicants
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- The 10th Competition
- Application
- Guide for Applicants
1 Name
The 10th Mt. Fuji International Opera Competition of Shizuoka2 Aim of the Competition
Commencing in 1996, the 50th year after the death of MIURA Tamaki*, the Mt. Fuji International Opera Competition of Shizuoka is held once every three years to commemorate the world-famous prima donna, known for her ties to this prefecture.
The Mt. Fuji International Opera Competition of Shizuoka aims to discover young talented musicians and give a boost to their careers in the field of vocal music. It also hopes to contribute to the world-wide promotion of Shizuoka’s culture through international cultural exchange.
*MIURA Tamaki
MIURA Tamaki is regarded as the very first Japanese soprano to achieve world renown. She played the title role in the opera, Madama Butterfly, and the number of her performances around the world reached more than 2,000. Tamaki was praised by the composer, Puccini. Puccini stated his admiration for her, “It was as if I had composed Madama Butterfly solely for Madama MIURA.”Tamaki's parents and husband were Shizuoka natives and she herself had once lived in Shizuoka.
3 Jury (Alphabetical order)
| Chairperson | HAMADA Rie (Japan) |
|---|---|
| Members | CHOI Sang-Ho (South Korea) ICHIHARA Taro (Japan) KANOH Etsuko (Japan) Vesselina KASAROVA (Bulgaria) Eva MEI (Italy) MORI Masashi (Japan) Eytan PESSEN (Israel) Carmen SANTORO (Italy) Rainer TROST (Germany) YUAN Chenye (China) |
4 Dates
| The 1st Round | Saturday November 14 – Monday November 16, 2026 |
|---|---|
| The 2nd Round | Wednesday November 18 – Thursday November 19, 2026 |
| The Final Round | Sunday November 22, 2026 |
| Award Ceremony | Sunday November 22, 2026 |
5 Venue
ACT City Hamamatsu Main Hall (111-1 Itaya-machi, Chuo-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan)6 Prizes and Awards
The finalists who win the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd prizes are defined as the official prizewinners. The other finalists will not be ranked.
(1) Prizes:
| The 1st prize | ￥3,000,000 Trophy, Certificate of merit |
|---|---|
| The 2nd prize | ￥1,500,000 Trophy, Certificate of merit |
| The 3rd prize | ￥750,000 Trophy, Certificate of merit |
| Finalists prize | ￥400,000 Certificate of merit |
| Audience prize | Certificate of merit, additional awards |
* All prize amounts shall be subject to taxation in compliance with Japanese tax laws.
* When the same prize is awarded to more than one finalist, the prize money may be equally divided among the prizewinners and finalists.
(2) MIURA Tamaki Special Prize:
This provides grants to help them pay for the necessary expenses to improve their skills and opportunities to perform in Japan to talented and promising contestants from among Japanese nationals.
(3) Additional awards:
Additional awards donated by certain groups or individuals who agree with the mission of this competition may be given to finalists.
7 Video Recording for Prizewinners
The winners of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd prizes, and the MIURA Tamaki Special Prize may be required to appear in a video introducing prizewinners. The recording date will be Monday, November 23, 2026.
8 Eligibility
Age 33 or younger (born on or after November 14, 1992)9 Application Period
The application will be accepted from 12:00 noon, Monday, January 5, and closed at 12:00 noon, Friday, May 1, 2026 (JST/GMT+9).10 Application Procedures
Visit the Competition’s official website (https://www.suac.ac.jp/opera-en/) to access the application platform “Muvac” (https://www.muvac.com/). Register the following information at the Muvac website and submit your application for the Competition through it. Detailed instructions are available on the official website for your reference.*Applications must be accepted only through Muvac.
(1) Create an account at Muvac (possible to register before the application period)
| Necessary items to be filled in, instructions, etc | |
| 1. Basic Information | Name, Country of residence, Birth date, Place of Birth, Phone number, Residential address, Nationality, Language |
| 2. Profile | Occupation, Most recent educational background, Awards |
| 3. Photograph, Identification | 〇Photograph ・A photograph taken within six months before the application date (at least 300 dpi) ・A photograph should be free from copyright. ・A photograph is used to appear in the official program and other advertisement media. 〇Identification ・Scanned data file of your passport or other official documentation written in English or Japanese that proves your name, nationality, and date of birth. |
(2) Register for the Competition (available only during the application period)
| Application Details | |
1. Name (for Japanese only) |
Japanese must type the applicant’s name in Chinese characters. |
| 2. Type of Voice | Select the voice type appropriate. |
| 3. Accompanist | Be sure to check “15” of the Guide for Applicants before filling out the form. |
| 4. Video Recording for a Preliminary Audition | [1] Record two opera arias of the applicant’s choice and submit them as one file per aria. [2] Arias can be the same as the ones registered in the “Pieces to Be Judged.” [3] Arias must be performed in the original key and language. The only exceptions are arias customarily sung in a different key or language from the original score. [4] Oratorio arias, cantata arias, and concert arias will not be accepted. [5] Singing from memory is not required. [6] Accompaniment must be the live piano or orchestra. [7] The recording must have been made on or after July 1, 2025. [8] The video must be of high quality and clear sound, and sound sources only are not acceptable. [9] The performance must be by the applicant himself/ herself and that it has no copyright restrictions. [10] Applicant's face and upper body must be clearly visible at all times. [11] Each video may be recorded at a different location, date, and time. [12] The name must not be displayed in the video. [13] The recorded video must not be edited or processed in any way. [14] MP4 is recommended for the video file format. One file must include only one aria. Submit two arias with two files. |
| 5. Recording Certificate | Fill in details of two opera arias submitted as “4. Video Recording for a Preliminary Audition,” in addition to recording dates and places. |
| 6. Pieces to Be Judged | [1] See “13 Judgement for the 1st, 2nd and Final Rounds” for more details about judgement. [2] There is no list to choose arias for the 1st and Final Rounds. Applicants can choose arias freely if the following conditions are met. [3] Six arias must be all different. [4] Select one role from “List of Opera Roles” (page 21-26) for the 2nd Round. [5] Six arias mentioned in [3] must be different from the ones sung by the role that is chosen by the applicant in [4]. [6] Six arias registered as “Pieces to Be Judged” and one role for the 2nd Round must include at least two languages. [7] All arias must be sung in the original key, in the original language, and from memory. The only exceptions are arias customarily sung in a different key or language from the original score. [8] Oratorio arias, cantata arias, and concert arias are not acceptable. [9] The name of the composer, opera, aria, role, and lyrics from where the performance starts must be entered in the original language, as well as the key and the time length. [10] Two arias submitted for the preliminary audition can be the same as the ones registered in the “Pieces to Be Judged”. [11] Applicants are responsible for keeping copies of the “Pieces to Be Judged. |
(3) Notes
-Be sure to check an email notification automatically sent by Muvac, when completing both the registration of MUVAC account and the Competition application.-Once applicants click “Apply now” to complete their applications, no changes can be made to the application.
-The organizer may contact you regarding incomplete information, so be sure to check for messages from Muvac at all times.
-If Muvac changes their system for updating, additional explanations may be posted on the competition website.
11 Preliminary Audition (Closed to the public)
A preliminary audition will be conducted based on the submitted recording videos. The results of the preliminary audition will be informed to all applicants via Muvac by June 30 (Tue), 2026.*Those who performed in the Final Round of the 9th Competition are exempt from the preliminary audition. When applying for the 10th Competition, please contact the Secretariat.
12 Procedures after Passing the Preliminary Audition
Applicants who have received the notification of acceptance of the preliminary audition must take the following procedures:
(1) Submit piano scores
Submit PDF files of scores (for piano accompanists) for all six arias registered in the “Pieces to Be Judged” at the time of application through the method the organizer specifies by August 7 (Fri), 2026.
(2) Pay participation fee
The participation fee of 20,000 JPY must be paid via Muvac's payment system by August 7 (Fri), 2026.* Any charges associated with the payment of the participation fee will be borne by the applicant.
* The participation fee is not refundable for any reason.
(3) Visa Acquisition
Contestants who need to acquire a visa to enter Japan must apply for the visa at their nearest Japanese embassy or Consulate General of Japan.If a certificate of invitation is required for the visa application, contestants must notify the organizer of this need immediately.
13 Judgement for the 1st, 2nd, and Final Rounds (Open to the public)
The judging process of the competition adopts the judging guidelines specified separately. All performances will be tuned to 442Hz. Contestants register six opera arias at the time of application at their disposal; One is selected for the 1st Round, and another for the Final Round.
In addition, contestants select and register one opera role for the 2nd Round from a provided list for the 2nd round (see page 20-25 “List of Opera Roles”).
(1) 1st Round: [Piano accompaniment]
Contestants shall perform two opera arias. One is what the contestants register at the time of application. The other is designated by the Jury on the day of the performance from four arias, which the contestant did not specify for the 1st Round and the Final Round.
*The time length required to perform the two arias must be within ten minutes. If the performance takes more than ten minutes, contestants should shorten it by omitting some parts of the arias. Also, if the performance does not finish in ten minutes, it may be terminated at the discretion of the Jury.
*Contestants may decide the performance order of the two arias.
(2) 2nd Round:[Piano accompaniment］
Contestants shall perform several scenes designated by the Jury after the 1st Round regarding the role selected from the “List of Opera Roles.” The scenes include arias, overtures, recitatives, and lines depending on the work.
*The total time of the designated scenes shall be performed for approximately 20 minutes.
*If scenes involving a duet are assigned, the contestant shall perform his/her part only.
*For operas with dialogue, follow the original text in the “Edition Peters” and “Bärenreiter” editions.
(3) Final Round:[Orchestra accompaniment］
Orchestra Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
14 Performance Schedule
(1) 1st Round:
The organizer decides with a random lottery. Each contestant will be notified of his/her 1st round performance date along with the results of the preliminary audition.
(2) 2nd Round and Final Round:
Contestants participate in the drawing to determine their performance schedule.
15 Piano Accompanists
The organizer provides official piano accompanists for contestants in the 1st and the 2nd Rounds. The official piano accompanist to be assigned shall be decided by the organizer and cannot be selected by the contestant. Contestants may also bring their own piano accompanists instead of official piano accompanists. In such a case, please note that there is no support for travel and accommodation expenses for contestants’ own piano accompanists. The contestants’ own piano accompanist must accompany both the 1st and 2nd rounds and cannot be changed to an official piano accompanist provided by the organizer during the course of the competition. However, the piano rehearsal with the conductor for the Final Round shall be conducted by the official piano accompanist provided by the organizer.16 Rehearsals
(1) Practice before the 2nd Round
| By Yourself | With Accompanist | |
| Contestant who performs with an official piano accompanist | 60 mins. per day (Reservation required) |
1st Round: 60 mins, twice 2nd Round: 90 mins. once |
| Contestant who performs with his/her own piano accompanist | 60 mins. per day (Reservation required) *Accompanist may use instead |
60 mins. per day (Reservation required) |
* The organizer will decide the practice schedule with the official piano accompanist and notify the contestants.
(2) Rehearsals for finalists:
2. Orchestral rehearsals are scheduled at Main Hall for November 21, Saturday
17 Financial Support for Traveling
Each contestant is responsible for his/her travel expenses. However, for the contestants who perform in the 1st Round, financial support for traveling shall be provided, depending on the contestant’s country of residence at the time of notification of the preliminary audition result. This support will not apply to contestants’ own piano accompanists.
(1) Contestants residing outside Japan (Japanese and Non-Japanese):
2. 100,000 JPY per contestant residing outside Asia
(2) Contestants residing in Japan:
No support will be provided.
(3) Time of Payment:
The financial support for traveling will be given to the contestant after the 1st Round.
(4) Other:
18 Full Accommodation Aid
As long as contestants stay at the accommodation facilities assigned by the organizer, the room charge will be covered by the organizer based on the following guidelines. This aid will not apply to contestants’ own piano accompanists.
(1) For contestants of the 1st round:
Two days prior to the contestants' first performance date through November 17 (Tue), 10:00 AM.
(2) For contestants of the 2nd round:
Two days prior to the contestants' first performance date through November 20 (Fri), 10:00 AM.
(3) For finalists:
Two days prior to the contestants' first performance date through November 23 (Mon), 10:00 AM.
19 Disclaimer of Liability
The Secretariat will not compensate for any physical, material, or mental damage caused or suffered by the contestants during the period of the competition. Each contestant is responsible for buying insurance.
20 Miscellaneous
(1) Changes of Application Rules:
The organizer reserves the right to make additions, corrections, or changes to the clauses in the application rules even after the publication of the official application guides.
(2) Copyrights:
The organizer reserves the right to use any recording or video made or photographs taken during the competition. No compensation will be granted to any contestant with respect to the use, sale or distribution of these materials in print, broadcasting, streaming, or any other media formats.
(3) Privacy Policy:
The personal information of applicants collected for the Competition will be managed by the host organization according to Japanese law and will be used only for the operation of the Competition.
(4) Governing Law:
Any problems arising from or related to this Guide shall be settled in accordance with the Japanese version of this Guide and the laws of Japan.
(5) Other:
21 Host Organization (Alphabetical order)
The Executive Committee of the Mt. Fuji International Opera Competition of Shizuoka| Chairperson | SUZUKI Yasutomo | Governor, Shizuoka Prefecture |
|---|---|---|
| Honorary Advisors | KIMURA Toshimitsu TAKEUCHI Yoshinori TOKURA Shunichi |
Professor Emeritus, Toho Gakuen School of Music Chairperson, Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly Commissioner, Agency for Cultural Affairs |
| Director of Board | HIRAKI Sho | Lieutenant Governor, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| Vice Directors of Board | NAKANO Yusuke | Mayor, Hamamatsu City |
| Board Members | HANAI Kazunori IKEGAMI Shigehiro KAWAI Kentaro KITO Hiroshi NAKATA Takuya OCHIAI Toru SUGIYAMA Atsushi YOKOYAMA Toshio |
Chairperson, Hamamatsu Cultural Foundation Superintendent, Shizuoka Prefectural Board of Education President, KAWAI Musical Instruments Mfg. Co., Ltd. President, Shizuoka Prefectural Association for Cultural Affairs Chairman of the Board of Directors, YAMAHA Corporation Executive Director, Shizuoka Cultural Foundation Chairperson, Culture and Tourism Committee, Shizuoka Prefectural Assembly President, Shizuoka University of Art and Culture |
| Auditors | KANBE Sigetoshi MATSUDA Takahiro |
Executive Director, Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association Lawyer, Aoba Law Office |
Committee of Project Planning & Management
| Members | FUJINO Tadayuki HAMADA Rie HANAI Kazunori HIRAKI Sho HIROKAMI Junichi INOUCHI Mika KANOH Etsuko KISHIDA Ikuro MORI Masashi NAKANO Yusuke YAGI Seiichi |
Director Operations and Finacial Affairs, New National Theatre, Tokyo Singer, Vocal Coach,Opera Studio, New National Theatre, Tokyo Chairperson, Hamamatsu Cultural Foundation Lieutenant Governor, Shizuoka Prefecture Conductor, Professor of Tokyo Collage of Music Opera Curator Singer, Professor of Kunitachi Collage of Music Visiting Professor of Showa Academia Musica, Executive Director of Japan Federation of Musicians Singer, Professor of Nagoya Collage of Music Mayor, Hamamatsu City Stage Director, Professor of Showa University of Music |
|---|
List of Opera Roles for the 2nd Round
Reference List of the Scores Used for the 2nd Round
Download
Promoted by: Hamamatsu Cultural Foundation and Hamamatsu & Lake Hamana Tourism Bureau
Supported by: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Kikugawa City, Fukuroi City, Kakegawa City, Omaezaki City, Makinohara City, Yamanakako Village, Taito Ward, Nagasaki City, Hamamatsu City Board of Education, Fukuroi City Board of Education, The Japan Foundation, Japan Federation of Musicians, JASRAC, Central Japan Economic Federation, Shizuoka Prefecture Cultural Association, Shizuoka Prefecture Regional Cultural Organization Liaison Council, Shizuoka Cultural Foundation, Shizuoka Prefectural Tourism Association, The Shizuoka Teacher’s Society for Mutual Welfare, THE HAMAMATSU CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, THE FUKUROI CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY, The Asahi Shimbun Shizuoka General Bureau, THE SANKEI SHIMBUN Shizuoka Bureau, The Shizuoka Shimbun & Shizuoka Broadcasting System, The Chunichi Shimbun Tokai Head Office, THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS SHIZUOKA BUREAU, THE YOMIURI SHIMBUN SHIZUOKA BRANCH, Kyodo News Shizuoka Bureau, JIJI PRESS SHIZUOKA BUREAU, NHK Shizuoka Station, AICHI TELEVISION BROADCASTING CO.,LTD, Shizuoka Telecasting Co., Ltd., SHIZUOKA ASAHI TELEVISION CO., LTD, SHIZUOKA DAIICHI TELEVISION CORPORATION, K-mix, FM Haro! and HAMAMATSU CABLE TELEVISION INCORPORATED
Special Sponsors: KAWAI Musical Instruments Manufacturing Co., Ltd., MOSTLY CLASSIC, ONGAKU NO TOMO SHA CORP., Roland Corporation and YAMAHA Corporation
Contact:
The Secretariat for the Executive Committee of the Mt. Fuji International Opera Competition of Shizuoka
(Shizuoka University of Art and Culture)
2-1-1 Chuo,Chuo-ku,Hamamatsu City,Shizuoka 430-0929,JAPAN
E-mail opera@suac.ac.jp
