Seiko Epson Corporation recently announced that it has selected Difference, a work by artist Michihito Nakano, for the Epson Prize at the international art award HERALBONY Art Prize 2026, organized by HERALBONY Co., Ltd. Epson is participating in the award as a gold partner.
The Epson Prize is a corporate award that honors works that resonate with Epson’s management philosophy and values, not only through the finished expression but also through the creative process and the artist’s approach to creation.
About the Award‑Winning Work and Artist
Title: Difference
Artist: Michihito Nakano
Year: 2025
Size: 1170 x 915 mm
Materials: Oil-based pen and alcohol markers on canvas
Reasons for Selection
Nakano’s work Difference immediately captures attention with its bold use of space and organic forms, evoking a world that expands outward. A closer look reveals a meticulous layering of motifs including animals, fruits and city-like elements that are interwoven to create a rich, dynamic composition. The way these elements come together harmoniously resonates with Epson’s culture of respecting individuality while combining diverse strengths to create new value. The open spaces also suggest room for growth and future possibilities. Celebrating the difference and diversity, the work reflects Epson’s spirit of continually expanding possibilities.
By embracing differences and enabling individuals to bring their unique strengths to life, a better society can be shaped through collective capability. Difference expresses this openness toward the future and embodies a spirit of challenge-one that seeks to transcend convention and existing frameworks to create new value. For these reasons, Epson selected this work for the Epson Prize.
Epson’s Participation in HERALBONY Art Prize
Since its founding, Epson has continuously created value across a wide range of fields, guided by its unique philosophy of efficient, compact, and precise innovation. Epson views its participation in HERALBONY Art Prize 2026 as a co-creation platform where artistic expression meets Epson’s originality and philosophy, allowing both to inspire one another.
Epson supports the challenge of presenting to society the strengths and creativity of each artist with disability by aligning them with the value Epson has cultivated in the areas of printing, experience, and creativity. Through this approach, Epson seeks to stand alongside artists and contribute to expanding the possibilities of people and society.
Epson will continue to promote environments in which diverse talent can take on challenges and continue to grow, and, together with stakeholders around the world, contribute to the realization of a more sustainable society.
HERALBONY Art Prize 2026
The HERALBONY Art Prize is an international art award established in 2024 to provide a platform for artists with disabilities from around the world, regardless of their professional status, age, or nationality, to showcase their creative power and support the blossoming of their careers. The prize includes a Grand Prize and Jury Prizes selected by professionals such as curators and gallery directors, as well as Corporate Prizes in partnership with companies that align with HERALBONY’s vision of reshaping the image of “disability and art.” The exhibition of winning works will present unique creations expressed through diverse materials, techniques, and styles, delivering the power of expression to a wide audience.
