The Otoya Grand Prix 2026 with TuneCore Japan, a music contest presented by Sound House and TuneCore Japan, is back this year!

This year's competition is open exclusively to bands, and all entries must be songs distributed through TuneCore Japan. The Grand Prize winner will receive 500,000 S-Points (equivalent to ¥500,000) along with other exciting prizes. A variety of awards are also available to help support participating artists in their musical journey.

We're also excited to announce that legendary guitarist Takeshi Nishiyama will join this year's panel as a guest judge.

As a longtime member of HOUND DOG, as well as an accomplished solo artist, session guitarist, and instructor, Mr. Nishiyama has made a lasting impact on Japan's music scene. Don't miss this opportunity to have your music heard by one of Japan's leading guitarists!

Applications open on Thursday, August 20, 2026.


【Prizes and Awards】

■ Grand Prize (1 Winner)

500,000 points + an additional prize + three 3-year TuneCore Japan coupons for free single distribution

Choose one additional prize from the following:
AKG / K812
AKG / C414 XLII
MACKIE / DLZ CREATOR
Soundcraft / Ui16

■ Runner-Up (1 Winner)

200,000 points + an additional prize + one 3-year TuneCore Japan coupon for free single distribution

Choose one additional prize from the following:
AKG / K712PRO
AKG / C314
JBL / 306P MKII Pair
Soundcraft / Ui12

■ Excellence Award (5 Winners)

100,000 points + an additional prize + one 1-year TuneCore Japan coupon for free single distribution

Choose one additional prize from the following:
AKG / K702
AKG / C214
MACKIE / CR5BT
CLASSIC PRO / CP8H

■ Special Judge Award (1 Winner)

50,000 points + an additional prize + one 3-year TuneCore Japan coupon for free single distribution

Choose one additional prize from the following:

・YAMAHA / THR10II Wireless + YW10T
・YAMAHA / EAD10

■ Roland Award (1 Winner)

Special prize

Choose one from the following:
DW / DWCP3000A
ROLAND / GO:MIXER PRO-X
ROLAND / CUBE Street MINI
BOSS / CB-EG15
BOSS / CB-EB15
BOSS / KATANA:GO KTN-GO2

■ Media Integration Award (1 Winner)

Special prize

Choose three from the following:
Positive Grid / Spark GO
Positive Grid / BIAS X
LEWITT / MTP 5 Live Vocal Microphone
LEWITT / LCT 240 PRO Vocal Set
beyerdynamic / DT 270 PRO


【Special Judge Profile】

Takeshi Nishiyama

Born on January 7, 1962, in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture.

Inspired by The Ventures and Takeshi Terauchi, he began playing guitar and won prizes in numerous contests. He launched his professional career in 1983 as a backing guitarist for Kuniko Fukushima. After performing as a backing musician for artists such as Koji Kikkawa and Masahiro Kuwana, he joined the rock band HOUND DOG in 1984. He performed with the band as a guitarist for 22 years, helping shape the sound that came to define the Japanese rock scene. He took part in the first Tokyo Dome concert ever held by a Japanese artist and performed at Nippon Budokan for 15 consecutive days.

In 1997, he began pursuing his solo career in earnest, releasing the albums CREATURE, HU-YIN, and NEXT STAGE. He has also participated in live performances and recording sessions with numerous artists, including Sound Horizon, Linked Horizon, Takashi Utsunomiya, and Spin-off Yonin Bayashi. His exceptional technique and expressive range have earned him widespread acclaim across genres.

In addition to his work as a guitarist, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation through music schools and private lessons. He has also authored instructional books such as The Remedial Curriculum for Guitarists Who "Can't Actually Play", Prescriptions for Guitar Techniques You Can Use on Stage, and The Complete Guide to Guitar Picking Practice Routines, all of which have garnered support from many guitarists.

He continues to share the appeal of the guitar through live performances, recordings, sessions, and his YouTube channel, "Takeshi Nishiyama Official Channel."

Official Website: https://nishiyama-takeshi.com/
X: https://x.com/westselection
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westselection
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nishiyama.takeshi.3
Takeshi Nishiyama Official Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@officialchannel6068

For the latest updates and entry guidelines, visit the official contest page:

Otoya Grand Prix 2026 with TuneCore Japan Band Contest