KFF AWARD 2026 Call for Entry: 1/8~2/19/2026
KFF AWARD 2026 Call for Entry: 1/8~2/19/2026
Karuizawa Foto Fest 2026: 5/1/~5/31/2026
ABOUT KFF & “KARUIZAWA LEGACY”
KARUIZAWA LEGACY: “Legacy” does not merely refer to old things like traditions or heritage, but to bringing forth “invisible values” and polishing them into new sensibilities.
Karuizawa is a post town that flourished as a junction of the Tōsandō in the Heian period and the Nakasendō and Hokkoku Kaidō in the Edo period. In 1888, the first villa, “Karuizawa Bungalow,” was built by Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian Anglican missionary who was captivated by the hospitality of the inn “Kameya” (later “Manpei Hotel”) and the light and wind created by Karuizawa’s nature. Since then, Karuizawa has enchanted people from both Japan and abroad with its world-class hospitality and overwhelming natural richness.
KFF aims to share “what is important” for living in these turbulent times with as many people as possible, both in Japan and abroad, through its main program—a photography contest reflecting this “KARUIZAWA Legacy”—as well as high-quality photo exhibitions and various collaborative projects and events.
KARUIZAWA LEGACY refers not merely to old traditions or heritage, but to bringing forth “invisible values” and polishing them into new sensibilities.
Karuizawa is a post town that flourished as a junction of the Tōsandō in the Heian period and the Nakasendō and Hokkoku Kaidō in the Edo period. In 1888, Alexander Croft Shaw, a Canadian missionary of the Anglican Church captivated by the hospitality of the inn “Kameya” (later “Manpei Hotel”) and the light and wind born of Karuizawa's nature, built the first villa, “Karuizawa Bungalow.” Since then, Karuizawa has enchanted people from around the world with its world-class hospitality and overwhelming natural richness.
KFF aims to share “what truly matters” in navigating turbulent times with a wider international audience. Its main program is a photography contest reflecting this “KARUIZAWA Legacy,” complemented by high-quality photo exhibitions, diverse collaborative projects, and events.
