Application Guideline

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 General Provisions (Article 1 to Article 10)

Chapter 2 Application for Entry, Initial Selection Round (Article 11 to Article 13)

Chapter 3 The Competition (Article 14 to Article 16)

Chapter 4 Awards (Article 17 to Article 19)

Chapter 5 Miscellaneous Rules (Article 20 to Article 23)

Supplementary Provisions

Chapter 1 General Provisions

(Name)
Article 1

  1. This piano competition will be called the Daisankai takamatsu kokusai piano konkuru and the English name will be The 3rd Takamatsu International Piano Competition, with the abbreviation of TIPC.

(Purpose)
Article 2

  1. The purpose of the 3rd Takamatsu International Piano Competition (hereafter TIPC) is to discover and foster outstanding pianists from all over the world. In addition, the TIPC aims to provide local young people with an excellent opportunity to nurture their dreams and goals for self-development, to expand the scope of international exchange through opportunities to meet world-class musicians, and to contribute to the development of music and culture in the local community.

 (Organizer and Office)
Article 3

  1. The TIPC will be organized by the Takamatsu International Piano Competition Organizing Committee (hereafter the Organizing Committee).
  2. The TIPC Office will be located at the following address: 3F Central Building Annex, 4-12 Kamei-cho, Takamatsu, Kagawa, JAPAN.

(Eligibility)
Article 4

  1. The TIPC is open to applicants born on or after January 1, 1979 regardless of their nationality.

(Instrument, Structure, Location and Period of the TIPC)
Article 5

  1. The TIPC will be a piano competition.
  2. The TIPC will consist of the Initial Selection Round, the Preliminary Rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Round 3) and the Final Round.
  3. The TIPC will be held in Takamatsu during the following time period:
    1) Registration: April 1, 2013 to September 20, 2013 (entries postmarked on this date are valid).
     Initial Selection Round (based on application documents and DVDs of applicants’ performances): October 2013. All
    2) applicants will be notified of the results by letter,which will be mailed on December 16, 2013.
    3) Preliminary Rounds (Round 1, Round 2, Round 3) and Final Round: March 12, 2014 to March 22, 2014.
    4) Announcement of Final Round results, the awards ceremony and the Winners’ performances (1st, 2nd, 3rd place) will take place on March 23, 2014.

(Instruments)
Article 6

  1. The Organizer will provide the instruments.

(Jury Members)
Article 7

  1. The Steering Committee Chair (hereafter, the Chair) will appoint the members of the Jury to judge the Competition.
  2. The Jury members must remain fair in their judgment throughout the judging process. 
  3. Any Jury member who has personally taught a Contestant within the last two years cannot judge that Contestant. The Jury member must notify the Jury prior to the Competition of this connection.
  4. Excluding cases falling under Item 3 above, the Jury members must judge and evaluate all the performances of all Contestants in the rounds for which they are responsible.
  5. If, however, a Jury member is absent during any part of a performance excluding cases that fall under Item 3, the evaluation of that particular Jury member for that particular round in which the performance took place will be considered invalid. 
  6. The Jury members are prohibited from having contact with the Contestants during the Competition period. However, this rule does not apply to any Contestants who have been eliminated from the Competition at an earlier stage. 

(The Jury and the Panel of Judges)
Article 8

  1. The Jury will be comprised of the Jury members.
  2. The Jury will be comprised of members from different countries and Jury members from countries other than Japan will comprise more than half of the total number.
  3. The Jury will have a Jury Chair and one more Vice-Chairs. The Jury Chair will be selected from the Jury members and will appoint one or more Jury members as Vice-Chair(s).
  4. The Initial Selection Round will be conducted by a Panel of Judges comprised of 3 or more Jury members.
  5. The Preliminary Rounds and the Final Round will be judged by a Jury comprised of 9 or more members.
  6. Any persons attending Jury meetings will not discuss the content of those meetings outside the Jury room. 
  7. The Jury will deliberate on the ranking of the award winners and will deliberate on all other matters related to the awards in accordance with Article 17.
  8. The agenda of the Jury meetings, etc. will be confidential.
  9. The evaluations of each Jury member in the Preliminary Rounds and the Final Round will be made public. 
  10. The Working Committee Chair will determine separately any necessary items concerning the organization and operation of the Jury, etc. other than those items mentioned above.

(Councilors)
Article 9

  1. The Chair will appoint the Councilors to ensure that the TIPC is conducted in a fair manner.
  2. Councilors will conduct the judging process in a fair manner.
  3. Councilors are entitled to give advice concerning the awards and other aspects of the TIPC.

(Council)
Article 10

  1. The Councilors will form the Council.

Chapter 2 Application for Entry, Initial Selection Round

(Application Procedures)
Article 11

  1. Applicants who wish to enter the TIPC will fill in and submit the designated competition entry form together with the documents listed below and a DVD (in DVD-video format) as stipulated in Article 12 Item 1 and send it by post to the TIPC Office by September 20, 2013. (Entries postmarked on that date will be accepted.)
    1) 2 photographs taken within 6 months of the application date
    2) An official document, such as a passport, as evidence of the applicant’s age (a copy of said document is acceptable.)
  2. The Jury Chair can, if there are special reasons, consult the Working Committee Chair and extend the deadline for submission stipulated above.
  3. No applications received after the deadline stipulated in Item 1 above (or in the case of Item 2, received after the newly extended deadline) will be accepted.
  4. Documents, DVDs, etc. submitted in accordance with Item 1 above will not be returned.
  5. The TIPC Office is not responsible for any documents lost in the post.

(Initial Selection Round)
Article 12

  1. The Initial Selection Round will be conducted on the basis of the documents stipulated in Article 11 and a DVD recording (in DVD-video format) of the applicant performing the set pieces.
  2. The DVD must record the applicant performing in person on or after October 1, 2012, without any editing whatsoever.
  3. The Panel of Judges will determine whether or not the applicant will pass the Initial Selection Round, and the Music Committee Chair will notify all applicants of the results by letter which will be posted on December 16, 2013 by post.
  4. For those applicants who pass the Initial Selection Round (hereafter Contestants), the details of the TIPC and an Acceptance Form indicating the Contestant’s intent to participate will be included with the announcement of the results. 
  5. Entry in the TIPC will be confirmed with the receipt of the Acceptance Form.
  6. The number of applicants that pass the Initial Selection Round will be 40 or less.
  7. The decision stipulated in Item 3 is final and not subject to objections or appeals.  

(Registration of Contestants)
Article 13

  1. Those Contestants who are selected in accordance with the provisions stipulated in Item 3 above for entry in the TIPC, will pay a competition entry fee of JPY 30,000 by January 15, 2014 to the TIPC Office. The cost of remittance will be borne by the Contestant.
  2. The entry fee is not refundable under any circumstances.
  3. In the event that a Contestant fails to pay the entry fee by the date stipulated in Item 1 above, approval for entry in the TIPC will be withdrawn by the Working Committee Chair.
  4. The Contestants must participate in the Opening Ceremony, the details of which will be conveyed to them by the TIPC Office. If, however, the Music Committee Chair determines that the Contestant’s absence is due to unavoidable circumstances, an exception may be made. 

Chapter 3 The Competition

(TIPC Performances)
Article 14

  1. The stages of the TIPC and the content of performances for each stage are as follows:  
    1) Round 1: Performance of pieces selected from set repertoire
    2) Round 2: Performance of pieces selected from set repertoire
    3) Round 3: Performance of commissioned piece and a piece selected from set repertoire
    4) Final Round: Performance of a piece selected from set repertoire
  2. The order of appearance of Contestants will be determined by a draw conducted by the Music Committee Chair. 
  3. Regardless of Item 2, the Jury Chair can change the order of appearance if it is deemed necessary to do so.
  4. The orchestra required for the performances will be provided by the Organizer.
  5. As a general rule, performances will not be interrupted. However, if a performance exceeds the designated time limit, or if special circumstances mean that the performance will in any way impede the judging process, the Jury Chair can interrupt that performance.
  6. If the Jury Chair gives instructions that a performance must be interrupted in accordance with Item 5 above, the Contestant must cease performing immediately.
  7. Any changes to the Contestants’ programs, which are to be written on the entry application form, must be made in writing and submitted to the TIPC Office by January 15, 2014, and only programs changed with the approval of that Office will be accepted. 

(The Judging)
Article 15

  1. Judging for the TIPC will be based on the evaluations of the Contestants’ performances by a Jury comprised of Jury members. The Jury will determine whether or not each Contestant will proceed to the next round.
  2. The number of Contestants selected in each round to proceed to the next stage will be no more than 40 for the Round 1, no more than 20 for the Round 2, no more than 10 for the Round 3 and no more than 5 for the Final Round.
  3. In the event that some problem arises which makes it impossible for the Jury to come to a decision in accordance with this agreement and the stipulations herein, the Music Committee Chair and the Jury Chair will consult together and make a decision on that basis.
  4. The evaluations and decisions in Item 1 above are final and are not subject to any objections, revisions or appeal. 

(Practice Time)
Article 16

  1. The following opportunities for practice will be provided to Contestants free of charge during the TIPC:
    1) A room with a piano for 4 hours per day from March 9, 2014.
    2) One rehearsal opportunity with a chamber orchestra will be provided to each Contestant prior to the Semi-Final Round. As a rule, the Semi-Final rehearsal with orchestra will be limited to 40 minutes per Contestant (including time to consult with the conductor).
    3) One rehearsal opportunity with an orchestra will be provided to each Contestant prior to the Final Round. As a rule, this rehearsal will be limited to 90 minutes (including time to consult with the conductor).

Chapter 4  Awards 

(Selection of Winners)
Article 17

  1. The Jury will determine the rank of the Contestants from 1st to 5th place. 

(Awards, etc.)

Article 18

  1. The Organizer will award the following prizes to the Winners of each rank:
    1st Prize: JPY 2,000,000
    2nd Prize: JPY 1,000,000
    3rd Prize: JPY 500,000
    4th Prize: JPY 300,000
    5th Prize: JPY 200,000
  2. In the event that more than one person is selected for the same prize, the amount for that prize and for the next prize in rank will be added together and divided equally between the winners of the same prize.
  3. The Chair can determine additional awards other than those stipulated in Items 1 and 2 above.
  4. The Chair can also confer additional awards, etc. contributed by organizations or individuals who support the aims of the TIPC.
  5. If under Japanese law the prize money awarded under this article is taxable and the tax must be deducted from the income at source, the prize money will be issued after the said tax has been deducted. 

(Additional Prize for 1st Prize Winner)
Article 19

  1. The Organizer will provide an opportunity for the 1st Prize Winner to perform with an orchestra from Japan or overseas as well as an opportunity to perform a recital in a hall.
  2. The Organizer will hold the recital which is the additional prize in Kagawa.
  3. If the 1st Prize Winner will be performing anywhere else in Japan prior to the recital mentioned in the previous item, he or she must inform the TIPC Office.
  4. The 1st Prize Winner must agree to this additional prize performance.
  5. The 1st Prize Winner will receive JPY 100,000 for the additional prize performance fee and the Organizer will cover the 1st Prize Winner’s travel and accommodation expenses.

Chapter 5  Miscellaneous Provisions

(Expenses)
Article 20
The division of expenses required for participation in the Competition is as shown in the list attached at the end.

(Neighboring Rights)
Article 21

  1. All rights for broadcasting, distributing, performing, audio and visual recording, publishing, photographing, sales, etc. concerning audio and visual recordings in the form of DVDs, video tapes, CDs, etc. and photographs of performances for all TIPC rounds, the opening ceremony and awards ceremony and any related performances held after the conclusion of the TIPC will belong to the Organizer.
  2. The Contestants appearing in each round of the TIPC must not undertake any type of performance during the TIPC. This does not apply, however, to Contestants who are not selected to proceed to the subsequent rounds. 

(Conformity to Japanese Law)
Article 22

  1. Any problems that occur in regard to these guidelines will be resolved in conformity with Japanese law and on the basis of the Japanese original of these guidelines.

(Delegation of Authority)
Article 23

  1. All necessary items concerning the implementation of these guidelines will be determined by the Chair.

Supplementary Provisions

(Effective Date)
These Guidelines are effective from September 1, 2012.
Revised on September 26, 2013.

Attached List (related to Article 20)

Division of Expenses for Participation in the TIPC
Content of Expenses

  • Roundtrip fare to Takamatsu for the Contestants
    For Contestants residing in Japan: Travel expenses will be covered by the Contestants.
    For Contestants residing overseas: Subsidies will be granted by the Organizer according to fixed amounts assigned to each region but not exceeding JPY 100,000. (Japanese residing overseas must submit proof of residence in the other country.)
  • Travel of Contestants within Takamatsu
    Transport between the TIPC site and the Contestant’s accommodation will be arranged free of charge by the Organizer as needed but only if the Contestant stays in accommodation specified by the Organizer. 
  • Contestants’ Accommodation Expenses
    Accommodation expenses (for lodgings only) will be covered by the Organizer from 3 days prior to the TIPC (March 9, 2014) until the dates specified below, but only if the Contestant uses the accommodation specified by the Organizer.
  • All other expenses occurred during the period of stay, including meals, communications, etc., will be covered by the Contestants.
    ・Contestants in the Round 1: Until the morning after the end of the 1st Round.
    ・Contestants in the Round 2: Until the morning after the end of the 2nd Round.
    ・Contestants in the Round 3: Until the morning after the end of the Semi-Final Round.
    ・Contestants in the Final Round: Until the morning of the second day after the end of the Final Round.

Remarks

  1. In addition to the items in the above list, the Organizer will not bear any of the costs incurred for acquiring items required for participation in the TIPC such as procuring a passport, visa, etc.
  2. If Contestants are accompanied by family members, etc., they will be responsible for arranging accommodation and transportation for the same.
  3. Contestants will be introduced to local families if they indicate the desire to participate in a homestay program after the TIPC is finished. 

Reference

Steering Committee

Chair Katsuhiko TAKESAKI Chairman, THE HYAKUJUSHI BANK, Ltd.
Vice-Chair Masayuki KOUNOIKE Senior Advisor, OKURA INDUSTRIAL Co., Ltd.
Committee Members Hiroyuki CHUJO President,KAGAWA SECURITIES Co., Ltd.
Kiyohiro MATSUDA Chairman of the Board, SHIKOKU RAILWAY COMPANY
Shosaku MURAYAMA Advisor, THE HYAKUJUSHI BANK, Ltd.
Hiroshi NAMBA President & CEO, KAGAWA TOYOPET Co., Ltd.
Shouji SUTO Senior Vice President, Managing Director, Shikoku Regional Office NTT DOCOMO, Inc. 
Momoki TOKIWA Chairman , SHIKOKU ELECTRIC POWER Co., Inc.
Masamichi TSUKUDA President , Takamatsu University and Takamatsu Junior College

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