The 9th Tokyo International Marimba Competition, organized by the Japan International League of Artists. A single open marimba category; applications run March 1 to May 31, 2026, and the final is held on July 30 at Tobu Friend Hall in Tokyo.
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The 9th Tokyo International Marimba Competition is an international competition that aims to advance musical culture while discovering and supporting marimba players with the potential to reach a global stage. It is organized by the Japan International League of Artists (JILA).
Applications and Preliminary Round
There is a single marimba category, and there are no eligibility restrictions. Applications and audio files are accepted from March 1 through May 31, 2026. The preliminary round is judged from submitted audio, without written comments from the jury. Each entrant submits one free-choice piece within 6 minutes.
Fees
The screening fee is 4,000 yen for the preliminary round and 24,000 yen for the final.
Final Round
The final is held on Thursday, July 30, 2026 at Tobu Friend Hall (Mizue, Edogawa City, Tokyo), open to the public with free admission. Each competitor performs one free-choice piece for solo marimba without accompaniment, within a 10-minute time limit. See the final-round event page for details.
Prizes
First place receives a cash award and a certificate; second through sixth places receive certificates, and honorable mentions receive certificates. There are also a Best Impression Award and a Special Prize for Contemporary Music.
Official application guidelines (Japan International League of Artists)