COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest Winners! Bringing the charms of Japan to the world. Photos taken with smartphones and processed photos are also eligible for entry! COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is always holding photo contests with different themes, such as Japanese culture, nature, Japan's four seasons, and more.

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a "social video curation site" that introduces the charms of Japan to all people around the world who are interested in Japan.
We have been holding photo contests since 2020, and this year, 2024, will mark our 22th contest. This article will introduce some of the wonderful works that have won awards in the past.

Also, with the "COOL JAPAN VIDEOS" photo contests, even photos taken via smartphone can be winners! Stay tuned for contest details, and feel free to enter our contests after learning what they're all about!

Introduction of Past Photo Contest Winners

We're pleased to introduce the grand prize winners of our past photo contests. We have chosen works, to the best of our ability, that convey the charms of Japan via photography and make those who see them want to visit Japan. Every last one of these photos is fantastic! We'll also introduce the places where the photos were taken.

[Jul 2024 - Sep 2024] The 24th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Summer in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer:東條恵亮
Location：Hokkaido

Judges' Comments: Hokkaido The main event of the annual grand festival at Biku-ni Shrine in Hokkaido, held on the nights of July 5th and 6th, is the 'Tengu Fire-Walking.'
In this mystical spectacle, the figure of a Tengu seems to emerge amidst the fiercely rising flames. The timing of the shutter was perfect, and the presence of the Tengu is powerfully conveyed, which is why we have selected this photograph as the grand prize winner.

■Honorable Mentions
・Peach
・Saitama Prefecture
・Okinawa Prefecture
・Obon
・Fukuoka Prefecture
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[May 2024 - Jun 2024] The 23th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japanese History
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer:轡田憲行
Location：Akita Prefecture

Judges' Comments: A photograph capturing a scene from the traditional kagura dance, passed down since the founding of Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine, established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, is a historic shrine known as the guardian deity of the Minamoto clan. The kagura performed at this sacred site carries on the ancient traditions and still retains its form today.

We have selected this photograph for the grand prize due to its beautiful contrast between the glow of the flames and the darkness, evoking the depth and mystery of history. The solemnity and mystique of the ritual are felt through this remarkable image.

■Honorable Mentions
・Hyogo Prefecture
・Wakayama Prefecture
・Yamaguchi Prefecture
・Shizuoka Prefecture
・Oita Prefecture
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

【Held from March to April 2024】Announcement of the results of the 22nd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest
Theme: Spring in Japan
Prize: ● Grand Prize Amazon gift certificates worth 30,000 yen ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen

■ Grand Prize
Photographer：Takaaki suzuki
Photo shooting location: Akita prefecture

Jury commentary : Morning Sun and Fog (Akita Prefecture)
"Play Park Tose" has a pond that is lined for 700 meters with cherry blossom tries. The inversed cherry blossoms reflected on the water's surface, the piercing rays of the morning sun shining through the clouds, and the rising ice fog come together to form a beautiful scene reminiscent of a pastel painting. This work was chosen for the grand prize.

■Good work
·Cherry blossom blizzard
·Toyama Prefecture
·Spring Hachimanbori
·Kawazu Cherry Blossoms
·Hakuryu Lake Fireworks
You can see photos of good works here

[January 2024 - February 2024] 21th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest results announced
Theme: Views of Japan to Preserve for the Future
Prize: ● Grand Prize 30,000 yen worth of Amazon gift certificates ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen

■ Grand Prize
Photographer：レオン
Photo shooting location: Aritagawa Town

Jury comment: It is located in Aritagawa Town, Wakayama Prefecture, which was selected as one of the "100 Best Terraced Rice Fields in Japan"
It is the autumn scenery of "Aragi Island". These rice terraces show various expressions throughout the four seasons. We especially recommend the terraced rice fields in the water mirror before rice planting, and the patchwork-like terraced rice fields during the autumn harvest season.

■Good work
·Jigozen Dike
·Gunkanjima
·Soya Hills
·Ruins of Naegi Castle
·Ochiai Village
You can view photos of your best work here

[November-December 2023】20th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest results announced
Theme: The Beauty of Japan
Prize: ● Grand Prize 30,000 yen worth of Amazon gift certificates ●Good work Amazon gift worth 10,000 yen

■ Grand Prize
Photographer：YMD
Photo shooting location: Aikura Gasho-zukuri village

Jury comment: Yukiyama and Cherry Blossom Toyama Prefecture Aikura Gasshozukuri Village
"Aikura Gasshozukuri Village" in Toyama Prefecture is a national designated historical site and is registered as a World Heritage Site.When I looked down from the mountain where snow remained in the distant view, I saw cherry trees.We have selected the works of original Japanese scenery that you can feel the transition from winter to spring as the grand prize.

■Good work
·Okinawa's soul food "Soki Soba"
·Nishi-Azuma Mountain tree ice field straddling Yamagata and Fukushima Prefectures
·Burning Autumn, Fukushima Prefecture Bandai Azuma Skyline
·Showa retro Hokkaido "Inari Koji"
·Miyajima's "Daihonzan Daishoin" wearing autumn fog
You can view photos of your best work here

[Sep 2023 - Oct 2023] The 19th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Autumn in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer:かずみさKazMisa
Location：Oga Sanzan and the Terraced Rice Paddies of Anzenji, Akita

Judges' Comments: Oga Sanzan and the Terraced Rice Paddies of Anzenji, Akita
This photo seems to have been taken from Namahage Bridge located on the Namahage Line. This breathtaking landscape photo shows the terraced rice fields of various shapes and sizes, dyed in autumn colors against the backdrop of the Oga Sanzan, the three iconic mountains of the Oga Peninsula in Akita Prefecture. The river running through the middle and the soft sunlight create a striking photo. We have selected this beautiful, idyllic photo as the Grand Prize winner.

■Honorable Mentions
・Four Seasons Garden, Fantasy Road
・Akiyoshidai at Sunset in Autumn
・Three Million Spider Lilies on the Yakachi River Bank
・The Autumn Festival at Kameyama Shrine in Hiroshima
・Fallen Leaves and Hokkaido's Ezo Squirrels
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Jul 2023 - Aug 2023] The 18th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japanese Festivals
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer:すっこ
Location：Bingo Kokufu Festival, Hiroshima Prefecture

Judges' Comments: Bingo Kokufu Festival, Hiroshima Prefecture
A photo of the climactic moment a handheld firework is launched. We have selected this powerful photo, through which you can almost feel the sparks, the smoke, and the hot wind, as the grand prize winner.

■Honorable Mentions
・Fireworks at Inuyama Castle, Aichi Prefecture
・Nishimonai Bon Odori, Akita Prefecture
・Furutone River Lantern Festival, Saitama Prefecture
・Gion Festival, Kyoto
・Milk Rice Crackers at a Temple Festival
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[May 2023 - Jun 2023] The 17th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Hidden Gem Tourist Attractions in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: イエローフィット
Location: Senaga Island

Judges' Comments: The Night View From Umikaji Terrace on Senaga Island
The beautiful terrace is like an oasis in the desert. It's hard to believe it's even in Japan... The atmosphere is like something out of Sinbad, and we couldn't help but admire it. After enjoying dinner while watching the sunset, you can go for an evening stroll while savoring the sea breeze. We have chosen this work as the Grand Prize winner because it reminds us of a beautiful evening out.

■Honorable Mentions
・The Hanasaki Line Running Through Bekanbeushi Marsh
・Radio Towers and the Moon at the Top of Mt. Inasayama
・Sunset on a Hydrangea-Lined Road
・The Torii in the Sea at Hasama Underwater Park
・Saba River Koinobori
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Mar 2023 - Apr 2023] The 16th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Tourist Attractions in Japan to Visit in Spring
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: fumika714
Location: Nagasaki

Judges' Comments: Kanoukaen, a Samurai Process Beneath the Cherry Blossoms
The largest fire festival in Unzen, Nagasaki, Kanoukaen was held for the first time in four years. The ephemeral beauty of the cherry blossoms, which bloom for only a short time and then fade away, move the hearts of the people. A total of 200 warriors, torches in hand paraded through Tachibana Park with dignity. This photo has a powerful atmosphere to it and is like something you'd seen in a movie. We have selected this work as the Grand Prize winner.

■Honorable Mentions
・Strawberry Picking
・Mt. Haku
・Koiwai Farm
・Miyajima
・Yamanashi
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Jan 2023 - Feb 2023] The 15th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japan Travel Destinations You Recommend Visiting in 2023
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: 小西諒
Location: Tottori Sand Dunes Covered

Judges' Comments: The Tottori Sand Dunes Covered in Snow, a Spectacular Winter Scene
The setting sun turns the earth brown, and the view on the left resembles a giant crater. This is a photo that leave you wondering if it is actually earth. The sight of a person walking along the snow-covered dunes, leaving footprints behind, is also dramatic. We have selected this work, where the snow, sand, and sea meet, as the Grand Prize winner whose vertical composition accentuates the depth and beauty of the scene.

■Honorable Mentions
・Atami Castle
・Mt. Haku
・Lake Shikotsu
・Kidogorobei Village
・Itsukushima Shrine
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Oct 2022 - Dec 2022] The 14th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japan's Picturesque Scenery
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: 山口貴広
Location: Takabocchi Highlands

Judges' Comments: Mt. Fuji and a Sea of Clouds Over the Suwa Basin
This spectacular view can only be seen before dawn, when the wind is light and the weather conditions are just right. The fantastic sea of clouds and shimmering night view enhance the divine nature of Mt. Fuji. This photo was taken from the Takabocchi Highlands at 1665 meters above sea level. We have selected this work as the grand prize winner as it communicates such emotion that it makes us forget the harsh cold of winter.

■Honorable Mentions
・Notsuke Bay
・The Dragon Palace at Hiyoriyama Coast
・Angel's Ladders From Mt. Rokko
・A Snowy Night View of Sapporo
・Hiruzen Kogen
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Aug 2022 - Oct 2022] The 13th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japan Travel Memories
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: rikopapa
Location: Tokyo Disneyland

Judges' Comments: A Young Girl Gazing at Cinderella Castle at Night, Tokyo Disneyland
After counting down the days, her dream finally came true. One can only imagine how she felt while looking up at the magical Cinderella Castle, illuminated with colorful lights. We have chosen this dramatic photo as the grand prize winner, a scene of precious memories for both the photographer and the photographed.

■Honorable Mentions
・Kihoku Lantern Festival
・Sayonara From the Ogasawara Islands
・Akashi Kaikyo Bridge at Sunset
・Okama Crater on Mt. Zao
・Yamaga Lantern Dance
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[Jul 2022 - Aug 2022] The 12th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Summer in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: あ や か
Location: Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Osaka)

Judges' Comments: A Moment of Victory for Sendai Ikuei Gakuen at Summer Koshien 2022
Sendai Ikuei Gakuen won the 104th National High School Baseball Championship. A dynamic shot capturing players on the mound and dust flying into the air.
The combination of the winners raising their hands to the sky while a member of the losing team watches creates a very dramatic scene, and we have selected it as this contest's Grand Prize winner.

■Honorable Mentions
・Hanshin Koshien Stadium (Osaka)
・Rural Scenery
・Fukagawa Hachiman Festival (Tokyo)
・Nokonoshima Island (Fukuoka)
・A Sunflower Field
・Utsukushigahara Farm (Nagano)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[May 2022 - June 2022] The 11th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japan's Outdoors
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: HIROKI
Location: Hoshi ni Te no Todoku Oka Campsite (Hokkaido)

Judges' Comments: Hoshi ni Te no Todoku Oka Campsite in Nakafurano, Hokkaido
A contrast between the beautiful starry sky and warm camp lights.
We have selected this photo as the Grand Prize winner for its clear skies and the captivating nature of Furano.

■Honorable Mentions
・Paddleboarding at sunset on Matsue Beach (Akashi, Hyogo)
・Canoeing and autumn leaves at Lake Chuzenji (Nikko, Tochigi)
・The swing of Heidi, Girl of the Alps, at Hakuba Iwatake Mountain Resort (Kitaazumi, Nagano)
・Fuji on New Year's Day from a campground (Fuji, Shizuoka)
・Scuba diving at the Aragusuku Islands (Yaeyama, Okinawa)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[March 2022 - April 2022] The 10th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Nature in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: st situation
Location: A tea plantation (Kamikawa, Hyogo)

Judges' Comments: The scenery of a tea plantation reminds us of the mountains that symbolize Japan. You can practically smell the crisp green air. We have selected this photo as the Grand Prize for its depiction of nature, which has been an integral part of life for the Japanese as an agrarian people since ancient times.

■Honorable Mentions
・Diamond Fuji and swans at Lake Yamanaka (Yamanakako, Yamanashi)
・A sea of clouds at the Yakuno Highlands (Fukuchiyama, Kyoto)
・Cherry blossoms at Koiwai Farm (Iwate District, Iwate)
・A midwinter glow (Kikuchi, Kumamoto)
・An evening view of Komezuka in autumn (Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[January 2022 - February 2022] The 9th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japanese Events
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: 甚四郎
Location: The Shiozawa Seppu Snow Festival (Minamiuonuma, Niigata)

Judges' Comments: The Shiozawa Seppu Snow Festival is held every year on the third Saturday in February in Shiozawa, Minamiuonuma, Niigata. This fantastic festival in the snow is held in honor of Bokushi Suzuki, the author of "Hokuetsu Seppu" and a literary figure of the Edo period, and to pass on the culture of the snow country. We are pleased to present the grand prize to this photograph of a beautiful, traditional festival featuring magical flames burning in the snow.

■Honorable Mentions
・The Kawarayu Onsen Yukake Festival (Naganohara, Gunma)
・Ose Festival, Uchiura Fishing Port Festival (Numazu, Shizuoka)
・Menburyu (Kashima, Saga)
・Bean-throwing on Setsubun
・A traditional bridal procession
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[November 2021 - December 2021] The 8th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Winter in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: yuzu rin
Location: The Weeping Cherry of Gion in Maruyama Park during winter (Kyoto city, Kyoto)

Judges' Comments: The Weeping Cherry of Gion in Maruyama Park, one of the most famous cherry blossom viewing spots in Kyoto Prefecture, and not far from Shijo-Kawaramachi and Gion, Kyoto's downtown area. The cherry blossoms bloom in spring and are popular with many tourists, but this photo shows the beauty of the cherry trees in winter, and the weeping cherry bathing in the moonlight gives the viewer a sense of Japanese wabi-sabi. We would like to award the Grand Prize to this photo, which exudes an overwhelming presence.

■Honorable Mentions
・A group of students going to school in the snow (Tokyo)
・Foxes at Zao Fox Village (Shiroishi, Miyagi)
・A shinkansen traveling through the snow (Maibara, Shiga)
・Eel fishing at night (Tokushima City, Tokushima)
・Snowy scenery at Lake Nakamaki (Nagano City, Nagano)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[September 2021 - October 2021] The 7th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results Theme: Autumn in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: st situation
Location: Iwagami Shrine (Shiso, Hyogo)

Judges' Comments: Ginkgo trees at Iwagami Shrine in Hyogo Prefecture. The yellow carpet and the ginkgo leaves dancing in the wind create an amazing, autumnal atmosphere. The grand prize goes to this photo, which captures a rare and spectacular view that can only be seen during the autumn foliage season.

■Honorable Mentions
・A harvest moon and otsukimi decorations
・Shrine maidens dancing at Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine (Dazaifu, Fukuoka)
・The "see no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil" Jizo statues at Daisho-in Temple (Hatsukaichi, Hiroshima)
・Silver grass on the Tonomine Highlands (Kanzaki, Hyogo)
・Rolls of straw after rice harvesting
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[July 2021 - August 2021] The 6th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Summer in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: Lily0321
Location: The Fukagawa Festival (Koto, Tokyo)

Judges' Comments: The Fukagawa Festival is a festival held every year around August 15 at Tomioka Hachimangu Shrine in Koto, Tokyo. It is one of the Three Great Festivals of Edo and has a history of around 370 years. It is also known as the "Water Throwing Festival" because people splash water around to beat the heat. We were very impressed by the dynamism and the smiles of the participants splashing water on each other in the photo. We would like to award the Grand Prize to this photo that captures the spirit of traditional Japanese festivals.

■Honorable Mentions
・Blue skies and a red Mt. Fuji (Oshino, Yamanashi)
・Blue skies and a bicycle (Hyogo, Japan)
・Bug catching in the rice paddies
・The sea and terraced rice paddies (Hirado, Nagasaki)
・Children playing in a fountain (Toshima, Tokyo)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[May 2021 - June 2021] The 5th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Places in Japan you want to visit After Corona
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: Nguyen Vu
Location: Umeda (Osaka City, Osaka)

Judges' Comments: This contest's grand prize winner is a scene of a Japanese city at night with neon lights. The lights in the downtown area, which we have always taken for granted, have become lonely due to Corona. We chose this work with the hope that the colorful neon lights and the smiling faces of the people will soon return.

■Honorable Mentions
・A couple wearing yukata at the Gion Festival (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
・A leopard at Asahiyama Zoo (Asahikawa, Hokkaido)
・Sunset at Chirihama Nagisa Driveway (Hakui, Ishikawa)
・Geiko in Higashiyama (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
・Fireworks in Noshiro (Noshiro, Akita)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[March 2021 - April 2021] The 4th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Spring in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: toru.s_
Location: Cherry blossoms and rape blossoms at Sakitama Kofun Park (Gyoda, Saitama)

Judges' Comments: Climbing up the hill you'll feel the breath of spring and discover beautiful scenery all around you. We would like to award the Grand Prize to the entry that expresses a path to hope, as if heading towards the exit of a Corona filled world.

■Honorable Mentions
・A horseback archery tournament (Towada, Aomori)
・A child walking along a path lined with cherry trees (Kaga, Ishikawa)
・Cherry blossoms and a sea of clouds at Omori Resort Village (Yokote, Akita)
・Snowy mountains and cherry blossoms at Oide Park (Hakuba, Nagano)
・An onagadori and plum blossoms
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[January 2021 - February 2021] The 3rd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Winter in Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 30,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: rikopapa
Location: Unknown

Judges' Comments: One of the most popular New Year's activities is kite flying We're happy to see that this traditional game, which has been around since the Edo period, has been passed down to today's children. The cold winter air and the warmth of the sun's rays are so gentle that it almost feels as if they're watching over you. We'd like to award the Grand Prize to the photo that evokes said nostalgia.

■Honorable Mentions
・A snowy Atago Shrine (Beppu, Oita)
・The snowy landscape of the Kirigamine Highlands (Suwa, Nagano)
・The snowy townscape of Hida Takayama (Takayama, Gifu)
・Japanese macaques bathing in hot springs (Shimotakai, Nagano)
・Swans flying south for the winter (Azumino, Nagano)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[November 2020 - December 2020] The 2nd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: Japanese Gourmet
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 10,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 5,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: しゅん
Location: KUROMATSU Ramen (Takasaki, Gunma)

Judges' Comments: This is a photo that conveys the deliciousness of a popular ramen restaurant that's always attracting long lines of customers. The clear soup and neatly arranged noodles create a beautiful display.

■Honorable Mentions
Here are the themes of the honorable mentions.
・Ozoni - Near Ishimizu Hachimangu Shrine (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
・Kaki-no-ha Sushi Yamanobe (Sakurai, Nara)
・Hana-bi Dango - Terakoya Honpo (Kyoto City, Kyoto)
・Shiruko - Toraya Kobo (Gotemba, Shizuoka)
・Fisherman's Pickled Seafood Bowl - Izu Kogen Brewery (Ito, Shizuoka)
Click here to see the honorable mention photos

[September 2020 - October 2020] The 1st COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest: Announcement of Results
Theme: The Beauty of Japan
Prizes: ●Grand Prize: 200,000 yen Amazon gift card ●Honorable Mentions: 50,000 yen Amazon gift card

■Grand Prize
Photographer: Yuto Yamada
Location: Daigoji Temple (Kyoto City, Kyoto)

Judges' Comments: This work matches the theme "The Beauty of Japan" and is a perfect fit for the Grand Prize. The sentimentality of autumn, the wabi-sabi of Japan, and the modesty of Japan are all expressed in a single photograph. The colors of the leaves and the colors of the kimono and Japanese umbrellas worn by the people match perfectly, making it a very attractive picture.

■Honorable Mentions
・The torii in the sky at Takaya Shrine (Kanonji, Kagawa)
・Fresh greenery at Hase Temple (Sakurai, Nara)
・Mt. Fuji and Lake Ashi in winter (Kanagawa, Japan)
・Tea picking at Obuchi Sasaba with Mt. Fuji in the background (Fuji, Shizuoka)

The grand prize for the memorable 1st COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest was 200,000 yen, with honorable mentions awarded 50,000 yen each! We received many submissions that conveyed the beauty of Japan.

Many of the works included famous sightseeing spots and traditional events in Japan, the beautiful scenery of spring, summer, fall, and winter, as well as Japanese culture and history. In addition to one grand prize winner and five honorable mentions, 50 entries were selected from the first contest.
Click here to see the honorable mention photos and other submissions

The winning photos and other entries were used in the promotional video for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
The 1 minute and 40 second video shows one beautiful photo after another with each photographer's name, and is a collection of Japan's "wabi-sabi." Please take a look at it.

What is COOL JAPAN VIDEOS?

COOL JAPAN VIDEOS is a social video curation site that introduces the charms of Japan to people all over the world who are interested in Japan.
・We carefully select and present attractive videos of Japan from major video sites
・Users can communicate with people all over the world by posting photos and commenting on videos
・You can have your own "My Page," and registration is completely free!
Click here for more information about COOLJAPANVIDEOS

Features of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests

「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS photo contests are open to everyone! Below is a partial list of what can be entered.
・Photos taken not only with SLR cameras and digital cameras, but also with smartphones and other devices can be submitted.
・You can submit as many photos as you like during the contest period.
・Image editing, such as cropping and color changes, is also allowed!

Detailed submission guidelines for COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests can be found at the bottom of the ongoing photo contest page.

About Past Entries

We received many great photos in our past photo contests! Click the link below to view past photo contest entries!
※Click here to see photos submitted in past contests.

Photo Contest Summary

We are always holding COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests! Not only professional photographers, but also beginner photographers are welcome to enter. Even just a casual shot taken via smartphone has a chance to be a winning photo!
Help us introduce the beauty of Japan with the world. We're looking forward to receiving everyone's submissions!

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Winter in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Photos Capturing the Beauty of Winter in Japan. Snowy Landscapes, Glittering Illuminations + More!

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Kansai in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Spectacular Views of Japan's Kansai Region. From Night Views to Traditional Events, Discover the Best Photo Spots in Kansai!

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Cherry Blossoms in COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests: 10 Amazing Views of Cherry Blossoms, from Castles and Temples to Rows of Cherry Blossom!