A hair salon named “Leben”; bakeries with names like “Zopf” or “Brotheim”: German words and phrases can be found surprisingly often in and around Tokyo. That’s why the Goethe-Institut Tokyo is hosting a photo contest with the theme “German Words in Tokyo.” Among the 10 best entries, we’ll be giving away a photo book as well as a Goethe coffee mug and a Goethe water bottle. The photos will also be displayed in our library. The deadline for submissions is May 20, 2026.

How can you participate?

1. The next time you see a German word in Tokyo or the surrounding area, please send a photo of it to bibliothek-tokyo@goethe.de with the subject line “Photo Contest 2026”. 
2. Please also include your name and age in the email, where you found the word, and a brief explanation of why the word is particularly fitting or even inappropriate, funny, or special in any way to you. 
3. The submitters of the 10 best photos will be contacted starting May 25, 2026. Prizes will be awarded at the Goethe-Institut by arrangement with the winners. The complete terms and conditions of participation can be found in the following PDF file.