21st Contest Grand Prize Winner (Junior Division) 21st Contest Grand Prize Winner (General Division) The Japan Association of Clinical Orthodontists (JACO), a nationwide organization of orthodontic specialists (President: Tomoya Tsuchiya), announces the launch of the "22nd Braces Smile Contest," a photo contest celebrating smiles of individuals currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. Entries will be accepted from Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026. Approximately 12 winning entries are expected to be selected in November 2026, with winners announced in December 2026. This year’s contest theme is "Smile, Updating Now!" Capture your best braces smile during orthodontic treatment and enter the contest. Since 2005, the Japan Association of Clinical Orthodontists has hosted this contest to encourage patients undergoing orthodontic treatment to stay positive and motivated throughout their journey. This marks the 22nd edition of the contest (the 16th edition in 2020 was canceled due to the spread of the novel coronavirus). Last year, 290 entries were submitted from across Japan. This year, entries will be judged in two categories: the "Junior Division" (for middle school students and younger) and the "General Division." Grand Prize winners in each category will receive 70,000 yen, and Outstanding Prize winners in each category will receive 30,000 yen. Additional awardees will receive 5,000-yen QUO Cards. Please refer to the contest guidelines below for details. Application Form URL: https://www.jpao.jp/smile/apply/ Braces Smile Contest Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/brace_smile_contest/ "22nd Braces Smile Contest Guidelines" Theme "Smile, Updating Now!" Submission Period Wednesday, July 1, 2026, to Monday, August 31, 2026 Eligibility Requirements ★ The applicant must be the subject of the photograph and currently undergoing orthodontic treatment. The applicant’s braces (orthodontic appliance) must be clearly visible in the photo. ★ Awards