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Greetings
Recently, Japan is seeing more and more foreign tourists and is gradually returning to normal, pre-pandemic daily life. We're sure that some of you are making travel plans to visit Japan this year! The theme of this photo contest was "Japan's Picturesque Scenery."
We have selected winners from among the many wonderful photos taken on trips to various parts of Japan that capture the essence of the season, as well as the weather and other natural conditions, at just the right moment.
Spectacular views like Mt. Fuji with a sea of clouds, snowy night views, the breathtaking angel's ladders and more. These photographer carefully waited while staring down their viewfinder or smartphone screen for just the right moment. These works convey the flow of time, quiet emotion, and the dignified atmosphere of each place.
We will continue to hold COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contests on a regular basis, and we look forward to your future participation.
We hope that by sharing information about Japan, more and more people will learn about Japan's charms and people from all over the world will come to visit Japan.
Thank you for your continued support of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
Announcement of Results
If you were selected as a winner, please follow the proper procedures to receive your prize.
Notsuke Peninsula is known for Todowara, an area of standing dead trees, and is also called "The Edge of the World." Notsuke Bay attracts many migratory birds, including swans, from autumn to spring. This shot captures the moment a swan spreads its wings while facing the setting sun... a sight as rare as the square sun of Notsuke Bay.
At a spot where many photographers seek to photograph the Takeda Castle Ruins floating in a sea of clouds, this photographer's sense shows in their capture of Ryugujo, the Dragon Palace. The cloudy sky blends with the horizon like the world of an ink painting. We have selected this work as an honorable mention because it shows a more mysterious Dragon Palace with its faint colors.
This shot shows a spectacular view encountered from the top of a mountain after climbing up with a road bike. The glow can be seen when the conditions are right, which include thick clouds with breaks, high moisture in the air, and proper positioning of the sun. These crepuscular rays are also known as "Angel's Ladders" in Japanese because of their divine appearance that looks as though angels might descend from the sky. The sun, blue sky, sea, and the vertical composition with the bicycle on the right all contribute to this wonderful shot.
This night view of Sapporo seen from Mt. Moiwa, 531m above sea level, was photographed on a day when a cold wave of -10℃ was coming. The result of that severe cold was a spectacular snow-covered view of Sapporo. The city lights glowing in the snow are as warm as candles. This work also conveys the cold wind on one's cheeks and the crisp winter air.
The Kimendai Observatory, from which you can see Mount Daisen and Mount Karasugayama, is a popular spot for photography. The mountains turn from red to orange in the morning sun, and the light reflected in the sea of clouds is breathtaking. We have selected this beautifully captured photo of a fiery Hiruzen Kogen and a sea of clouds, reminiscent of the former lake of Hiruzen Kogen, as an honorable mention.
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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.