1.　Contestant Registration

Contestants must register at the reception and draw for Appearance Order on February 7, 2026 and attendance to the contestant orientation on February 8 will complete the registration. This rule does not apply when the Chairperson of the Jury agrees that the circumstances are inevitable.

2.　Travel Support

【Contestants who reside overseas】

• 100% of travel support.
  Japanese contestants living overseas need to submit the necessary document such as Certificate of Residence.

【Contestants who reside in Japan but currently study abroad】

• 100% of travel support.

【Contestants who reside in Japan】

• Contestants who reside in Japan are not subject to financial support for travel expenses.
• ※ All grants are paid in Japanese yen. As needed, proper transportation will be provided to the contestants between the competition/practice venues and the accommodation (which was specified by the organizer) free of charge. All other transportation costs will be borne by the contestants.

3.　 Accommodation Support

Accommodation will be provided to the contestants from three days prior to the start of the competition (February 7 (Sat), 2026) to the dates below. The accommodation cost will be borne by the TIPC Office only for the accommodation designated by the TIPC Office. All other expenses incurred during the period of stay, including meals, communications, etc., will be covered by the contestants.

• ● Contestants in Round 1: until the next morning of the day when Round 1 ends.
• ● Contestants in Round 2: until the next morning of the day when Round 2 ends.
• ● Contestants in Round 3: until the next morning of the day when Round 3 ends.
• ● Finalists: until the next morning of the day of Prizewinners' Concert.
• ※ Contestants will be introduced to local families if they indicate the desire to participate in a homestay program after the TIPC is finished.

4.　Piano Selection

• ① Contestants may play all pianos specified by the TIPC Office in order to select a piano.
• ② Contestants are allowed to change the piano which will be used for the subsequent round within one (1) hour after the result announcement of each Round. Please note that the contestants can not try the piano this time.

5.　Piano Practice

The following opportunities for practice will be provided to contestants free of charge during the competition. The practice time will be as follows.

• ① If contestants wish to practice on the day of reception and drawing (February 7, 2026), the TIPC Office will prepare a room when available but it might not be possible depending on the venue.
• ② Four-hour practice per day in a room equipped with a piano from the day of Orientation. Four hours or more after Round 2 up to the Final depending on the venue.
• ③ Contestants will have one practice with the string players for Round 3, which should be within 90 minutes in principle. Contestants will have a dress rehearsal before the performance.
• ④ Finalists will be able to practice on a piano in a room designated by the Office from the day after Round 3 until the final day of the performances in scheduled time slots.
• ⑤ Contestants will have one practice with the orchestra for the Final, which should within 90 minutes in principle (including any discussion with the conductor). Contestants will have a dress rehearsal before the performance.

6.　Decision on the Order of Appearance

• ① The order of appearance for contestants will be determined by lottery during the Reception.
• ② Contestants who cannot perform in the order specified will be disqualified.
• ③ The order may be changed when the Chairperson of Jury deems it necessary to do so.