Japan Betta Contest
The Japan Betta Contest is an international betta contest held every year and officially recognized by the IBC (International Betta Congress). Entries are accepted from all over the world, and IBC-certified judges evaluate the submitted bettas according to the IBC judging standards as well as Japan’s own rules.
This year’s contest was held at the gallery on the first floor of the Osaka International House Foundation in Uehonmachi, Osaka. Admission was free, and anyone could visit the event.
Betta fish are tropical fish loved for their beautiful fins and their wide variety of vibrant colors. This event is especially recommended for people who like betta fish or who keep bettas themselves.
Contest Entry Categories
Entries in the Japan Betta Contest are divided into a structure consisting of groups at the top level, divisions beneath them, and classes at the lower level. Each class is judged individually, and awards are given to the top three entries.
The groups include categories such as the breeder group and the collectors group. Within each group, divisions are organized by betta types such as Halfmoon, Crowntail, and Plakat. Within each division, classes are further categorized by color, such as Red & Black, Dark Color, Light Color, and Pattern.
Entry Method and Fees
Based on the 2025 contest, the entry fee was 1,500 yen per fish for entries submitted directly at the contest venue, and 2,000 yen per fish for entries submitted by shipment. For shipped entries, a separate return shipping fee is required, and the cost varies depending on the region within Japan.
In addition, participants must make a reservation in advance through the website in order to submit their entries.
Event Venue
When I arrived at the Japan Betta Contest venue, the award announcements were already in progress. Near the entrance, there was a booth selling betta-related goods, and as I walked further inside, small tanks containing betta fish were lined up along the wall.
The venue was not very large, but as someone who likes betta fish, I was very happy to be able to see many bettas, including various award-winning fish, gathered in one place.
Informational materials explaining the detailed judging rules and standards of the IBC were displayed in various places on the walls of the venue. Through these materials, visitors could learn more about how betta fish are evaluated and judged in the contest.
Thanks to this, it was not only enjoyable to look at the many betta fish on display, but it was also a valuable opportunity to learn more about betta fish.
Award-Winning Betta Fish
This is the Plakat Super Yellow betta from the breeder group that won the overall championship in 2025.
Whenever I brought my camera close to take a photo, it kept looking toward me, so I was not able to capture a side view. However, its bright and vivid yellow color and semicircular tail fin were very impressive.
This is a Betta taeniata from the collectors group that won the overall winner title in 2025.
It was displayed as a male and female pair, and since it was my first time seeing this type of betta, I spent quite a while looking at it, wondering if it was really a betta. While many contests are usually dominated by colorful show bettas, it was very interesting to see a wild-type betta win the overall title.
Many betta fish of various types and colors were exhibited, including many that are not usually seen in ordinary aquarium shops, so it took quite some time just to look at them one by one.
Simply walking around and observing the bettas with their different colors and shapes made it a very enjoyable experience.
Betta Fish for Sale
One of the things I liked about the contest was that breeders were able to sell the bettas they had raised for the competition, so visitors could purchase a betta if they found one they liked.
In ordinary aquarium shops, the number and variety of bettas available for sale is usually quite limited. However, at the contest venue, it was possible to look at and purchase many bettas of different types and colors all in one place, which was very nice. If you are thinking about keeping bettas, visiting a contest event like this might be a good idea.
Betta Crafts and Goods
At the Japan Betta Contest, artworks such as paintings, photographs, and handmade pieces related to bettas can also be exhibited free of charge. It was nice to be able to enjoy works that are not usually seen in everyday life.
In addition, equipment necessary for betta keeping was also sold at the venue, so even if you do not have an aquarium tank at home, it was convenient that most of the necessary aquarium supplies could be purchased in one place.
Once you start keeping bettas, you will realize how charming and beautiful these tropical fish are. The Japan Betta Contest is usually held around May each year, so if you are interested in bettas, it might be worth visiting at least once.
■Japan Betta Contest 2025 Results Announcement
■Osaka International House Foundation
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