Thank you everyone for your amazing entries for the 17th 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 Hanasaki Line Running Through Bekanbeushi Marsh
Bekanbeushi Marsh is an area the size of 1,600 Tokyo Domes. Imagine the breathtaking scenery from the windows of the lone train running through the lush marshland. It's easy to imagine the wonderous sight and sound of the train approaching from afar amidst the beautiful marshland.
Bekanbeushi Marsh is an area the size of 1,600 Tokyo Domes. Imagine the breathtaking scenery from the windows of the lone train running through the lush marshland. It's easy to imagine the wonderous sight and sound of the train approaching from afar amidst the beautiful marshland.

Judges' Comments
Radio Towers and the Moon at the Top of Mt. Inasayama
This work captures three radio towers and the crescent moon next to the Mt. Inasayama Observatory. The combination of the ever unchanging moon and the illuminated modern buildings make for a unique composition that perfectly fits the title of the work, "Light."
This work captures three radio towers and the crescent moon next to the Mt. Inasayama Observatory. The combination of the ever unchanging moon and the illuminated modern buildings make for a unique composition that perfectly fits the title of the work, "Light."

Judges' Comments
Sunset on a Hydrangea-Lined Road
This is an exceptionally beautiful photo of a sunset that changes the color of the sky, buildings, rice paddies, and even the fully-bloomed hydrangeas. The hydrangeas add softness and splendor to the road that extends into the distance. Half of the picture is sky and half earth, adding to the grandeur of the shot.
This is an exceptionally beautiful photo of a sunset that changes the color of the sky, buildings, rice paddies, and even the fully-bloomed hydrangeas. The hydrangeas add softness and splendor to the road that extends into the distance. Half of the picture is sky and half earth, adding to the grandeur of the shot.

Judges' Comments
The Torii in the Sea at Hasama Underwater Park
This underwater shrine was erected in 1996 with the cooperation of Suzaki Shrine, a shrine that is believed to provide protection for those at sea. Normally, visitors pass through the shrine's torii gate on foot, but as this shrine is underwater, the only way to pass through it is to swim. We have selected this unique shrine visit as an honorable mention.
This underwater shrine was erected in 1996 with the cooperation of Suzaki Shrine, a shrine that is believed to provide protection for those at sea. Normally, visitors pass through the shrine's torii gate on foot, but as this shrine is underwater, the only way to pass through it is to swim. We have selected this unique shrine visit as an honorable mention.

Judges' Comments
Saba River Koinobori
Approximately 120 Koinobori (carp streamers), which are usually seen swimming through the sky, can be seen swimming in the Saba River. Boatmen wearing happi coats and kasa (bamboo hats) show some of Japan's unique culture. You'd be hard pressed to find a sight like this anywhere else. It's a sight you definitely want to see with your own eyes!
Approximately 120 Koinobori (carp streamers), which are usually seen swimming through the sky, can be seen swimming in the Saba River. Boatmen wearing happi coats and kasa (bamboo hats) show some of Japan's unique culture. You'd be hard pressed to find a sight like this anywhere else. It's a sight you definitely want to see with your own eyes!
Thank you
for all your submissions!
for all your submissions!
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.