This contest aims to revitalize the microfabrication market by presenting Japan’s world-leading microfabrication technologies in an accessible way.
We welcome works that harness microfabrication technology to surprise the world—creative, playful pieces that transcend constraints such as cost, tolerances, and mass production.
*This contest is held as an evolution of the Expert Machining Artist award program, originally established by the precision machining equipment manufacturer Roku-Roku Smart Technology Co., Ltd., building upon and further developing its legacy.
【Purpose】
To create a platform where students and young engineers can challenge the limits of their manufacturing skills, and further strengthen their passion for manufacturing.
【Project Overview (Draft)】
Period: March 2026 – February 2027
Organizer: Micro-manufacturing Association
Eligibility: Open to all (non-members, individuals, and students are welcome)
Sponsors (TBD): NS Tool Co., Ltd. / Roku-Roku Smart Technology Co., Ltd. / Castem Co., Ltd. / hakkai inc.
Auspices (TBD): National Institute of Technology (KOSEN) / METI Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry
【Categories】
1-Inch Category – Student Division
1-Inch Category – Young Engineer Division
*Students: Includes technical high school students, KOSEN students, university and graduate students, and vocational school students
*Young Engineers: Professionals who have about up to 5 years of work experience
*If the student collaborates with a company, it will be considered an entry in the Young Engineer Division
【Evaluation Process】
Initial evaluation will be conducted through online voting
Final selection will be determined by the judging committee, excluding clearly biased or organized voting
【Judging Criteria】
Criterion 1: "Beauty”
The work should possess a sense of "Beauty" that can be appreciated even by non-engineers.
Criterion 2: "Surprise"
The work should contain an element of surprise that challenges conventional thinking.
Criterion 3: "Technique"
The work should demonstrate a clear challenge in precision and microfabrication technologies.
▽Notes
＊Accessible presentation for the general public, clear artwork descriptions, and innovative display methods are expected.
Winner: JPY 100,000 (1 group in each category)
Runner-up Prize: JPY 50,000 (1 group in each category)
Other special awards will be set
In addition to awards for outstanding works, individuals or teams will be recognized as “Expert Bisai Creators”
Excellent works will be published on the official website of Micro-manufacturing Association
Target Participants
・Students (Technical high school, KOSEN, University, Graduate school, Vocational school)
*If the student collaborates with a company, it will be considered an entry in the Young Engineers category.
*Create an original work freely within 1 inch(approx. 25mm) cube
Note
*Use your supporting materials to clearly communicate your concept, passion, and key technical points that annot be fully captured in the Idea Sheet alone.
*You are free to use any medium for your presentation. (Note: Photos must include a scale bar for size reference.)
・We kindly request the disclosure of information regarding the equipment and consumables used, within disclosable limits.
・Please be aware that submitted artworks will be photographed and featured on our website and in various media, along with your school or company name. These images may also be used for promotional purposes for the contest and the Association.
・ Submitted artworks will be returned after the announcement of the judging results (following the conclusion of the exhibition in February).
・Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any damage to the artworks, except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
1 Inch Category : Young Engineers
*If the student collaborates with a company, it will be considered an entry in the Young Engineers category.
*Create an original work freely within 1 inch(approx. 25mm) cube
Note
*Use your supporting materials to clearly communicate your concept, passion, and key technical points that annot be fully captured in the Idea Sheet alone.
*You are free to use any medium for your presentation. (Note: Photos must include a scale bar for size reference.)
・We kindly request the disclosure of information regarding the equipment and consumables used, within disclosable limits.
・Please be aware that submitted artworks will be photographed and featured on our website and in various media, along with your school or company name. These images may also be used for promotional purposes for the contest and the Association.
・ Submitted artworks will be returned after the announcement of the judging results (following the conclusion of the exhibition in February).
・Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any damage to the artworks, except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
・Please send your physical sample to the Secretariat by mail.
・Please submit your Idea Sheet and supporting materials to the Secretariat via email.
*Use your supporting materials to clearly communicate your concept, passion, and key technical points that cannot be
fully captured in the Idea Sheet alone.
*You are free to use any medium for your presentation. (Note: Photos must include a scale bar for size reference.)
*Please be aware that the information provided in the Idea Sheet will be published on the official contest website.
≪Submission Details≫
・Mailing Address
〒110-0015
1-14-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 8th floor of the U.M. Building
(Within NC Network, Inc.)
To Kameyama
Submission Email：info-mbisai@nc-net.or.jp
Chairperson
Dr. Masafumi Maeda President
Kyoto University of Advanced Science (KUAS)
Judges
Mr. Koji Nakao Former Chairman
元Terumo Corporation (Manufacturing) Special Advisor, Japan Association for BioDesign
Judges
Mr. Tetsuya Kawai
Senior Executive Officer,CASIO COMPUTER Co., Ltd. (Watch Division)
Judges
Mis. Eriko Horiki
Washi Artist
CEO, Eriko Horiki & Associates
Judges
Mr. Manabu Takahashi
CEO, Manabu Design Co., Ltd. (Product Design)
Micro Manufacturing Association
（Click here for our website http://bisai-monozukuri.com/）
Contact Person Secretariat Mr.Uchida/Mis. Kameyama
Address 1-14-5 Higashi-Ueno, Taito-ku, Tokyo 8th floor of the U.M. Building, 110-0015
(Within NC Network, Inc.)
TEL：03-6284-3093
FAX：03-6284-3081
E-Mail：Info-mbisai@nc-net.or.jp
The Micro Manufacturing Association is a collective of companies with strengths in the material and component manufacturing field—covering the size range of 0.001 mm to 1 mm, often referred to as a “missing technological domain” within the broader manufacturing landscape.
These companies specialize in areas such as materials, machining, mold making, plastic forming, surface treatment, assembly, joining, 3D printing, and inspection, and are actively working together to pioneer new industrial fields.
Established: Nov 2018 (Incorporated: Dec 20, 2019)
Chairman: Akihiko Seki