Mitsui Ocean Cruises Offers Final Cruise as Grand Prize in Nippon Maru Photo Contest

3 November, 2025

The celebrated Japanese cruise ship Nippon Maru, operated by Mitsui Ocean Cruises, will retire on 10 May 2026 after more than three decades of service. Over its lifetime, the ship completed over 2,000 cruises, covered roughly 2.88 million nautical miles (approximately 133 times around the Earth), visited more than 400 ports, and welcomed over 600,000 guests.

As part of its farewell, Mitsui Ocean Cruises is inviting guests, crew, and fans to take part in the “Everyone’s ‘Nippon Maru’ Photo Exhibition” a celebration of memories made aboard this beloved vessel.

What you’re asked to submit:

A photo of the Nippon Maru (interior or exterior) that captures a special moment.

(Optional) A short story or note describing why the photo is meaningful.

File format: JPEG or PNG, up to 10 MB. Shape (square, rectangular) does not matter.

Anyone may apply — there are no special prerequisites.

Application window:

Start: Thursday, 30 October 2025

End: Wednesday, 31 December 2025 at 23:59 (Japan time)

Submission is via the official application page hosted by Mitsui Ocean Cruises.

Judging & announcement:

A panel of judges from Mitsui Ocean Cruises, including the Captain of the Nippon Maru and renowned photographer Kazuyoshi Miyoshi, will review entries.

Winners will be announced on the special website around late February 2026. Only selected entrants will be notified individually via email.

Prizes & Distinctions

Several awards will be given out:

Grand Prize (Nippon Maru Prize): 1 person — Invitation for 2 to the final cruise aboard the Nippon Maru (Superior Twin room).

Gold Award: 1 person — Assortment of local specialties from the ship’s ports of call.

Silver Awards: 2 people — Nippon Maru original goods + assorted sweets.

Special Awards:

Nippon Maru Captain’s Award (1 person) — Prize: a model ship of Nippon Maru.

Professor Kazuyoshi Miyoshi Award (1 person) — Prize: a framed photo of Nippon Maru taken by the professor himself.

Detailed terms & conditions are available on the application page.

Why This Matters

The Nippon Maru holds a special place in Japan’s cruising history. Since its launch in 1990, the ship has become a beloved platform for domestic and international voyages — visiting remote ports, engaging deeply in cultural enrichment, and building strong relationships with local communities.

The photo-exhibition is an opportunity for past guests, crew members, and fans to share their personal stories, preserve the ship’s legacy, and join in the farewell celebration.