2026 RYUKYU MIATY International Music Competition

In-Person & Online Divisions

You may enter either the in-person division or the online division. Please choose the format that best suits your needs.

In-Person Division

  • Preliminary rounds will be held throughout Okinawa, including the remote islands.
  • Receive direct feedback from internationally renowned judges.
  • A meaningful opportunity to share your musical expression with others.
  • The finals will be held at one of Okinawa’s premier concert venues.
In-Person division details

Online Division

  • Enter from anywhere in the world
  • Judged based on submitted video performances
  • Greater flexibility in scheduling and location
  • Accessible to participants from around the world
Online division details

In-Person Division

In-person competition held at venues throughout Okinawa

The RYUKYU MIATY International Music Competition is a new contest aimed at developing Okinawa’s musical culture and nurturing young talent.
From beginners to advanced players, participants at every level can showcase their daily practice and receive valuable feedback directly from the jury.

Outstanding finalists may receive prizes such as performance opportunities abroad and lessons with the head jurors—opportunities that connect individual talent to the future.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to grow and connect through music.

Apply to the in-person division

Preliminary rounds across Okinawa including remote islands, and finals at AIM Universal Tedako Grand Hall with direct jury comments.

Application form

Schedule

Preliminary Round

Preliminary rounds will be held at eight venues across Okinawa, including remote islands.
Please choose the venue that suits your schedule. (You may apply to multiple venues.)

  • July 26 (Sun) [MIYAKO1]

    City Future Creation Center

    Deadline: Jul 12
  • August 2 (Sun) [ISHIGAKI]

    CLASS studio

    Deadline: Jul 20
  • August 11 (Tue) [YANBARU]

    Kunigami Fureai Center

    Deadline: Aug 2
  • August 16 (Sun) [NAGO]

    Nago Civic Hall

    Deadline: Aug 2
  • August 20 (Thr) [MIYAKO2]

    Matilda Theater

    Deadline: Aug 9
  • August 29 (Sat) [KUMEJIMA]

    Gushikawa Rural Environment Improvement Center

    Deadline: Aug 23
  • September 6 (Sun) [TEDAKO]

    AIM Univerce TEDAKO Hall

    Deadline: Aug 23
  • September 21 (Mon) [NAHA]

    Hanamizuki Music Academy&HALL

    Deadline: Sep 13

※Application deadlines differ by venue.

※Venues may close early when capacity is reached.

Final Round

October 12 (Mon)

AIM Univerce TEDAKO Hall

Awards ceremony

October 11 (Sun)

AIM Univerce TEDAKO Hall

SECTION

APPLYING BASED ON AGE AS OF OCTOBER 12, 2026

PIANO SECTION

Grade A (Age 6 & under) / Grade B (Age 9 & under) / Grade C (Age 12 & under) / Grade D (Age 15 & under) / Grade E (Age 18 & under) / Grade F (No age limit) / Grade U (No age limit)

STRINGS SECTION

Grade A (Age 6 & under) / Grade B (Age 9 & under) / Grade C (Age 12 & under) / Grade D (Age 15 & under) / Grade E (Age 18 & under) / Grade F (No age limit) / Grade U (No age limit)

VOCAL SECTION

Grade D (Age 15 & under) / Grade E (Age 18 & under) / Grade F (No age limit) / Grade U (No age limit)

WIND&PERC.SECTION

Grade D (Age 15 & under) / Grade E (Age 18 & under) / Grade F (No age limit) / Grade U (No age limit)

Grade U (Utility Division)

Grade U is open to all divisions and welcomes participants of all backgrounds — including individuals with disabilities, music enthusiasts, teacher-student duos, parent-child duos, and more. Any performance on a classical instrument is welcome.

※Preliminary rounds only (no finals). Includes jury comments and special prizes.

Entry

About Entry

There are no restrictions on age, nationality, or residence. Professionals and amateurs alike are welcome.

※Each Grade has age limits. See “SECTION” for details.

Full guidelines (PDF)

※Opens a PDF file (Japanese)

Apply to the in-person division

From Okinawa to the world—internationally active judges look forward to hearing your music.

Application form

Online Division

Enter by video from home or any location you choose

Application period

July 25 (Sat) – September 20 (Sun), 2026, noon deadline

Please upload your video and complete your application within this period.

Apply to the online division

You can enter from afar! MIATY’s internationally active jury will send you personalized advice.

Application form

Judging

Judging method

Internationally renowned judges will review your submitted video.
They evaluate technique, musicianship, expression, and more.

Results announcement

Results will be announced at the awards ceremony on October 12, 2026, and on this website from October 13 onward.

Written comments

All participants will receive written jury comments (PDF).
Comments are scheduled to be emailed within two weeks after results are announced.

Video recording notes

  • The performer's full body and clear views of the instrument and hands should be visible. This does not apply to accompanists.
  • Ensure audio and video are recorded clearly.
  • No editing is allowed. Record in one continuous take.
  • State your name and repertoire at the beginning of the video.

SECTION

PIANO SECTION

Grade A (age 6 and under) / Grade B (9 and under) / Grade C (12 and under) / Grade D (15 and under) / Grade E (18 and under) / Grade F (no age limit) / Grade U (no age limit)

※Select your Grade based on your age on the date of application.

STRINGS SECTION

Grade A (age 6 and under) / Grade B (9 and under) / Grade C (12 and under) / Grade D (15 and under) / Grade E (18 and under) / Grade F (no age limit) / Grade U (no age limit)

※Select your Grade based on your age on the date of application.

VOCAL SECTION

Grade D (15 and under) / Grade E (18 and under) / Grade F (no age limit) / Grade U (no age limit)

※Select your Grade based on your age on the date of application.

WIND&PERC.SECTION

Grade D (15 and under) / Grade E (18 and under) / Grade F (no age limit) / Grade U (no age limit)

※Select your Grade based on your age on the date of application.

Guidelines

About Entry

There are no restrictions on age, nationality, or residence. Professionals and amateurs alike are welcome.

※Each Grade has age limits. See “SECTION” for details.

Full guidelines (PDF)

※Opens a PDF file (Japanese)

Apply to the online division

You can enter from afar! MIATY’s internationally active jury will send you personalized advice.

Application form

Disclaimer

Below, the organizer Okinawa International Arts Organization MIATY is referred to as "MIATY."

By completing the application procedure, participants are deemed to have agreed to the competition rules and this disclaimer.

  • MIATY assumes no responsibility for any issues between participants or between participants and third parties arising from participation. If a participant causes damage to MIATY or a third party (venue operators, audience, etc.), the participant shall resolve the matter at their own responsibility and expense.
  • MIATY assumes no responsibility for theft, loss, sales disputes, accidents in parking areas, or other incidents at competition venues. Such matters shall be resolved between the parties involved.
  • When photographers take and sell photos and videos, MIATY assumes no responsibility for issues between participants and photographers.
  • MIATY may record the competition venue for archival purposes. Media may also film with MIATY's permission.
  • All data sent to the office may be used for operations, publicity, and sales. Copyright of videos and photos taken on the day belongs to the office; participants waive claims regarding portrait rights and privacy. Content may be distributed on the website, YouTube, social media, or television.
  • MIATY assumes no responsibility for postal or delivery accidents (delay or loss) of materials sent by the office or addressed to the office.
  • Scheduled venues may be changed due to circumstances.
  • Judging may be conducted with fewer judges than planned due to unforeseen circumstances.
  • Methods of announcing results (award ceremony or posted results) may change depending on the day's schedule.
  • In the event of typhoons, earthquakes, or other disasters, the office will decide whether to hold the event and may respond through venue changes, refunds, etc. If cancellation is decided on the day of the event, MIATY is not responsible for travel or accommodation costs beyond the entry fee.
  • While MIATY makes every effort to ensure accuracy of information on the website, MIATY is not responsible for any actions taken by users based on that information.

RYUKYU MIATY INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL

Organized by： MIATY Okinawa International Arts Organization

Endorsed by: Okinawa Prefecture, Okinawa Prefectural Board of Education, Embassy of Hungary, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, Embassy of Georgia in Japan, Naha City, Naha City Board of Education, Urasoe City, Urasoe City Board of Education, Miyakojima City, Miyakojima City Board of Education, Ishigaki City, Ishigaki City Board of Education, Kunigami Village, Kunigami Village Board of Education, Kumejima Town, Kumejima Town Board of Education, Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts, University of the Ryukyus, Japan Piano Education Association Okinawa Branch, Okinawa Prefecture Brass Band Association, Ryukyu Shimpo, Okinawa Times, NHK Okinawa Broadcasting Station, Ryukyu Broadcasting Co., Ltd. General Affairs Department, Ryukyu Asahi Broadcasting Co., Ltd., Okinawa Television Broadcasting Co., Ltd., FM Okinawa Co., Ltd., FM21 Co., Ltd., FM Ryukyu Co., Ltd.