- The GREEN×EXPO Association posted a notice on 6 October 2026 that applications are open for the BIE-Cosmos Prize for the International Horticultural Expo 2027. The prize is run by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
- It is for non-profit projects by individuals or groups. A project has to fit the Expo theme, “Scenery of the Future for Happiness”, and relate to at least one of the four sub-themes. The notice gives those in Japanese: harmony with nature, coexistence through greenery and farming, creating new industries, and solving problems through cooperation. The English wording of the sub-themes here is ours.
- The deadline is 20 November 2026. Applications go to the BIE, on a form in English or French.
- Shortlisted projects will have their work and results exhibited inside the Expo site.
- A BIE jury chooses one winner, who receives 20,000 euros. The award ceremony is on 25 September 2027.
Our take
The Expo runs from 19 March to 26 September 2027, so the ceremony on 25 September falls on the day before closing. The prize is one of the last events of the season.
For visitors, the exhibition matters more than the ceremony. The notice says the work and results of shortlisted projects will be shown inside the site. That gives the Expo a place for citizens’ projects, separate from the exhibits of countries and companies. The notice does not say how many projects will be shortlisted, where they will be shown, or for how long.
Applications go to the BIE and not to the association, and the form comes in English and French. No Japanese route is given. The deadline is 45 days after the notice was posted. A group working in Japan has to be able to explain its project in English or French before anything else, and we think that language condition will be the first hurdle for small local groups.
Tips for visitors
- Groups thinking of applying should use the BIE form, in English or French, by 20 November. The association’s notice links to the BIE announcement and to the form.
- Visitors will have to wait for news of where the shortlisted projects are shown. The ceremony is on Saturday 25 September 2027, the day before the Expo closes.
- For ticket types and how to buy, see the ticket guide.
Our take
The award ceremony is on 25 September 2027, the day before the Expo closes. What matters to visitors is that shortlisted projects and their results will be exhibited inside the site. The notice does not say how many will be shortlisted, or where and when they will be shown.