"New Cosmos of Photography" was started in 1991 by Canon as a cultural support project to discover, nurture, and support new photographers, whose challenge is to pursue possibilities in photographic expression. This publicly offered contest is carried out irrespective of age, nationality, entry size, and form, and encourages new original works that go beyond existing stereotypical photos. In addition, nurturing and supportive activities of winners such as exhibiting winning works, creating collections of winning works, and offering information on a website are being carried out comprehensively.
The judges include Nobuyoshi Araki, Kotaro Iizawa, Fumio Nanjo, and Daido Moriyama, who approve of the purpose for which this contest was established and are longtime regular members, supported by guest judges chosen from among prominent photographers and artists both at home and abroad. "New Cosmos of Photography" has turned out a great number of photographers who enjoy wide success inside and outside Japan. Nowadays, it has become evaluated as a gateway to success for new photographers.
It has been over 170 years since the birth of photography. With the spread of digital cameras, we are now in an age where anyone can easily shoot and enjoy photos. Related genres such as painting and illustration are also reciprocally influenced, showing an even broader range of photographic expression.
Due to the diversification of the environment surrounding photos, "New Cosmos of Photography" continues to develop and change. In 2010 as we approached the 20th year since its establishment, we welcomed new judges. Then, we continue discovering talent to open up the next generation of expression, and developing activities to breathe life into the photography world. We would like "New Cosmos of Photography" to be a place where people pursuing the possibilities of photographic expression can take their first big step. This is our sincere hope.
