Japan Flower Design Awards 2027 to be shown at the Expo, 24 April to 2 May, changing every three days

• The Nippon Flower Designers’ Association (NFD) said on 5 October 2026 that it plans to hold the Japan Flower Design Awards 2027 from Saturday 24 April to Sunday 2 May 2027 in Hanameguri, the indoor exhibition hall at GREEN×EXPO 2027. The English name of the awards is our translation.
• The nine days are split into three stages. 24 to 26 April is “花 × FASHION” (flowers and fashion), with five categories including floral dresses, headdresses and bridal bouquets. 27 to 29 April is “THE FLOWER DESIGN”, with five categories including arrangements, bouquets and floral collage. 30 April to 2 May shows a youth contest for people aged 22 and under, work by children, overseas designers and invited designers, and a national contest for high school students.
• Designers will make their pieces in front of visitors. NFD says this is the first time it has opened the making to the public.
• Entries are accepted from 5 October 2026 and must arrive by Friday 15 January 2027. The ten open categories shown from 24 to 29 April have no limits on age, nationality, professional status or school of design.
• Planned prizes include the Prime Minister’s Award, awards from the Governor of Kanagawa and the Mayor of Yokohama, and one from the president of the Expo association. Twelve pieces chosen from all entries are to appear in a 2028 calendar that NFD will sell.
• The awards began in 1977. NFD has about 13,000 members.

Our take

This is the second flower and green exhibit to come with dates. The first was Hana Cupid, from 10 to 18 April. Both run for nine days, which matches what we already know about Hanameguri: its short-term exhibits change every nine days. Counting in nine-day blocks from opening day, 19 March, NFD’s first day, 24 April, is the start of the fifth block.

NFD then divides its nine days into three. Someone who visits on 24 April sees dresses and bouquets. Someone who visits on 28 April sees arrangements and bouquets in the same hall. The public holiday on 29 April is the last day of the second stage, and the high school contest starts the next day. Families who want to see the students’ work should choose the weekend of 1 and 2 May instead of the holiday.

The public making sessions are new as well. Hana Cupid will hold a live competition, and NFD will show designers at work. We think visitors in April will be able to watch flowers being put together on many days, as well as see the finished pieces. The release does not give the times of these sessions, or say whether seats or numbered tickets are needed.

Tips for visitors

• Choose your day by category: dresses and bouquets from Saturday 24 to Monday 26 April 2027, arrangements from Tuesday 27 to Thursday 29 April (a public holiday), and students, children and overseas designers from Friday 30 April to Sunday 2 May.
• The early discount on one-day tickets ends with purchases on 18 March 2027. Once you have a date, see ticket types and how to buy.
• To enter a piece, your application must arrive by Friday 15 January 2027. The rules for each category are in the entry guidelines on NFD’s site, in Japanese.
• For the building and the number of exhibitors that rotate every nine days, see our Hanameguri news item.