Thank you everyone for your amazing entries for the 16th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest. After thorough screening, we have decided on the prize-winning entries and will announce the results here.
Click here for the details page and contest overview
Click here for the details page and contest overview
Announcement of Results
※In no particular order
If you were selected as a winner, please follow the proper procedures to receive your prize.
If you were selected as a winner, please follow the proper procedures to receive your prize.

Judges' Comments
The Cherry Blossom Buddha at Tsubosakadera Temple
Tsubosakadera, in Nara, Japan, is famous for its Great Cherry Blossom Buddha. This work captures the 10-meter-tall statue of the Great Cherry Blossom Buddha from the side, together with the cherry blossoms. While the Great Cherry Blossom Buddha is lovely on a sunny day, the somber atmosphere of a rainy day accentuates the mystery and serenity of the temple grounds. The cherry blossoms in the rain make for a tasteful photo.
Tsubosakadera, in Nara, Japan, is famous for its Great Cherry Blossom Buddha. This work captures the 10-meter-tall statue of the Great Cherry Blossom Buddha from the side, together with the cherry blossoms. While the Great Cherry Blossom Buddha is lovely on a sunny day, the somber atmosphere of a rainy day accentuates the mystery and serenity of the temple grounds. The cherry blossoms in the rain make for a tasteful photo.

Judges' Comments
Spring Strawberry Picking in Japan
A row of strawberries and greenery. It's a joy to see children excitedly looking for which strawberries they want to pick. Strawberry picking is a highly-anticipated spring event in Japan. It's easy to imagine a heartwarming scene where they find some big strawberries and proudly show them off to each other.
A row of strawberries and greenery. It's a joy to see children excitedly looking for which strawberries they want to pick. Strawberry picking is a highly-anticipated spring event in Japan. It's easy to imagine a heartwarming scene where they find some big strawberries and proudly show them off to each other.

Judges' Comments
Lingering Snow on Mt. Iwate and a Lone Cherry Blossom at Koiwai Farm
The contrast between the dazzling greenery and the blue sky on a clear day at Koiwai Farm is striking. The combination of Mt. Iwate covered with a hint of snow and the lone cherry tree illustrate the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. The sky also emphasizes the grandeur of the composition.
The contrast between the dazzling greenery and the blue sky on a clear day at Koiwai Farm is striking. The combination of Mt. Iwate covered with a hint of snow and the lone cherry tree illustrate the beauty of the four seasons in Japan. The sky also emphasizes the grandeur of the composition.

Judges' Comments
Beneath the Cherry Blossoms at Miyajima
An unexpected meeting below the cherry blossoms with the five-story pagoda at Miyajima, Hiroshima. All this work needs is a nice catchphrase at the bottom for it to be the perfect PR poster for a tourist attraction. What could be running through the deer's mind as it see the woman beneath the cherry blossoms?
An unexpected meeting below the cherry blossoms with the five-story pagoda at Miyajima, Hiroshima. All this work needs is a nice catchphrase at the bottom for it to be the perfect PR poster for a tourist attraction. What could be running through the deer's mind as it see the woman beneath the cherry blossoms?

Judges' Comments
Cherry Blossoms Along the Shinnasho River, Oshino, Yamanashi
Mt. Fuji and 400-meter-stretch of cherry blossoms along the river. The yellow daffodils blooming on the banks add color to the scene, and you can almost hear the quiet murmur of the river in this photo. Mt. Fuji in the background gives a sense of perspective and depth.
Mt. Fuji and 400-meter-stretch of cherry blossoms along the river. The yellow daffodils blooming on the banks add color to the scene, and you can almost hear the quiet murmur of the river in this photo. Mt. Fuji in the background gives a sense of perspective and depth.
Thank you
for all your submissions!
for all your submissions!
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.