Musashino International Organ Competition 2027: Tokyo Opens Applications 20 December
The 10th International Organ Competition Musashino–Tokyo has announced its entry rules and September 2027 performance schedule. This is an established international pipe-organ contest created in 1988 and presented with Musashino City and its public cultural foundation. Crucially, **applications have not yet opened as of 24 October 2026**: the official application portal will accept submissions from 20 December 2026 through 22 January 2027 at 23:59 Japan Standard Time.
Eligibility, cost and documents
Age limit: candidates must have been born on or after 1 January 1992. Applicants from all countries may compete.
Online application opening: Sunday, 20 December 2026. Deadline: Friday, 22 January 2027 at 23:59 JST.
Application fee: JPY15,000. Review payment instructions and refund terms in the organiser's regulation.
Upload a clear frontal headshot, a PDF/scanned recommendation from an organ teacher or recognised professional, and a passport or government ID recording name and birth date.
Supply a link to the unlisted YouTube recording of both compulsory organ pieces.
Audition: Bach BWV 655 and Reger Op. 59
The required audition comprises Johann Sebastian Bach's 'Herr Jesu Christ, dich zu uns wend', BWV 655, followed by Max Reger's Toccata in D minor, No. 5 from Op. 59. Both must be played on a pipe organ. The video must show the performer from the side with the full body visible, be filmed within three months of the application period and be uploaded as one unlisted YouTube video in the prescribed sequence. Editing in the middle of either individual piece is forbidden, but the two works may be recorded separately and assembled together. Recorded sound alone, an electronic organ or a private inaccessible video does not satisfy the requirements.
Selection and concert dates
An international audition jury will select approximately 15 participants for the live rounds, announcing results by 28 February 2027. The first round takes place on 11–12 September at Musashino Civic Cultural Hall near Tokyo; the second round on 15–16 September at the Yamazaki Baking Creation Center in Ichikawa City, Chiba; the final is on 19 September and the prizewinners' concert on 20 September 2027. Participants perform on a Marcussen & Søn instrument from 1984 and a new 2026 pipe organ built by Munetaka Yokota's organ workshop.
Prizes and realistic travel support
First prize: JPY1,200,000 and invited concerts in Japan.
Second prize: JPY800,000; third prize: JPY600,000.
Gaston Litaize Prize: EUR2,000 for the qualifying interpretation.
Non-Japan residents advancing to the first round may receive airfare reimbursement up to JPY80,000 for Asian countries or JPY150,000 for other regions, against proof of the actual paid ticket.
Other travel expenses and applicable tax withholding may remain the participant's responsibility; check official accommodation/meal arrangements.
Organiser and judges
The competition is operated by the Musashino International Organ Competition Organising Committee, co-hosted by Musashino City and the Musashino Foundation for Culture and Lifelong Learning. The published jury is chaired by Wolfgang Zerer and includes well-known organ performers and professors Jörg-Andreas Bötticher, Isabelle Demers, David Higgs, Christophe Mantoux and others. The organiser publishes its detailed repertoire, transparent jury roster and application terms in both Japanese and English; overseas candidates should consult these first-party materials before paying.
Official sources
Official competition prospectus and repertoire: https://www.musashino.or.jp/iocm/1009014/1009652.html
International organ competition English organiser overview: https://www.organpromotion.org/en/2-uncategorised/1606-10th-international-organ-competition-musashino-tokyo
Verified 24 October 2026. The 2027 application window begins 20 December 2026, not immediately. Competition held in Tokyo and nearby Ichikawa, Japan.