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

Greetings

A liberating spring after a long period of restrictions. Being able to look up at the cherry blossoms this year was an experience that put smiles on the faces of many. The theme of this photo contest was "Tourist Attractions in Japan to Visit in Spring."

We have chosen works that convey that moment of excitement you feel when your eyes catch a glimpse of such sights.

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

※In no particular order
If you were selected as a winner, please follow the proper procedures to receive your prize.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Grand Prize
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.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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?
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
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.
Thank you
for all your submissions!

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