Photo & Illustration Contest '#SummerSnapshot' Now Open! Winners Receive Cash Prizes & Exhibition at '404 Museum'
Why not express the 'summer-like moments' you've discovered through photos or illustrations?
From Thursday, July 16th to Sunday, August 23rd, we will be holding '#SummerSnapshot,' a photo and illustration contest with the theme of 'Summer'.
Whether it's scenery from the beach or summer festivals, seasonal staples like sunflowers or watermelons, or memories spent with family and friends during summer vacation... the subject or motif is up to you, as long as it captures the feeling of 'summer'.
A casual shot taken with your smartphone or an illustration you felt inspired to draw while thinking of summer are both very welcome. We look forward to your participation!
Winners receive cash prizes and an exhibition at the '404 Museum'
From the entries, the note management office will select 10 works based on a comprehensive evaluation of their adherence to the theme, originality, and reader engagement (number of 'likes' and comments).
Winners will receive a 5,000 yen Amazon gift card! Furthermore, the winning works are scheduled to be exhibited at the note '404 Museum' (*).
* What is the 404 Museum?
When you access a URL that does not exist, an error message saying 'The page you are looking for cannot be found' is displayed, which is called a '404'. At note, we display creators' photos and illustrations on those 404 pages and call it the '404 Museum.' (The works change randomly when you reload the page.)
Past winning works
Please take a look for inspiration for your own work.
Contest Details
■ Schedule
Submission period: Thursday, July 16, 2026, 11:00 AM to Sunday, August 23, 2026, 11:59 PM
Results announcement: Scheduled for mid-September 2026
■ Submission Guidelines
Please post one photo capturing a moment you find 'summer-like,' or one illustration depicting a motif or scene that feels 'summer-like,' with the hashtag '#SummerSnapshot'.
Theme of the work: Summer
Hashtag to use: #SummerSnapshot
Submission format: One photo or one illustration
Image size: There is no specific requirement, but at least 1,000px on one side is recommended
* While you can upload multiple images when posting, only the first image will be considered for selection.
■ Prizes & Benefits
Excellence Award: 10 winners (5,000 yen Amazon Gift Card & exhibition at '404 Museum')
* After the judging is complete, the note management office will contact the winners.
■ How to Apply
Create a note account or log in
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Click the post button and insert your photo or illustration into the article (how to insert).
In addition to the image, you may also add text or an essay to supplement the content of your work. (Optional)
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Add the '#SummerSnapshot' hashtag on the publication settings screen and post.
If the banner image below is displayed at the bottom of your article during the application period, your entry is complete.
* You may submit multiple works.
* Please submit photos you have taken yourself or illustrations you have drawn yourself. Please refrain from submitting works generated directly by AI.
* While you can upload multiple images when posting, only the first image will be considered for selection.
* While entries should generally be free to view, you may use paid articles or articles within a membership. However, please ensure the relevant work is visible in the free section.
Works currently posted under '#SummerSnapshot' can be viewed on the contest page.
During the application period, submitted works may be featured on note's official social media accounts.
We look forward to seeing the 'summer' you capture!
<Application Notes>
Regarding submitted works
・The copyright of submitted works belongs to the creator.
・Please ensure your post complies with copyright law. For details, please check 'Copyright concepts to support creation'.
・Please refrain from submitting works that have won other contests held by note or other companies, or works similar to them.
・The note management team may remove hashtags from articles that are unrelated to the contest theme.
Regarding judging and winning works
・While you can upload multiple images when posting, only the first image will be considered for selection.
・We cannot respond to inquiries regarding judging criteria.
・If a winning work or the creator themselves is found to be in violation of the Terms of Service, the award will be revoked even after judging.
・Winning works will be announced in this article and via email to the winners.
・To send the Amazon Gift Card prize, the management office will verify your identity. If identity cannot be verified, the award will be revoked.
・The delivery of the prize is completed once identity verification is finished and the Amazon Gift Card is sent to the winner's email address.
・Personal information will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
・The Amazon Gift Card provided as a prize can be used for purchases on the Japanese Amazon site. For details, please refer to the Amazon Gift Card Terms and Conditions.
