Thank you everyone for your amazing entries for the 18th 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
Fireworks at Inuyama Castle, Aichi Prefecture
The "Japan Rhine Summer Festival and Long-Running Fireworks" is held for 10 days with Inuyama Castle in the background. The fireworks, launched from a boat, cover the entire night sky and illuminate Inuyama Castle, providing a beautiful backdrop for the fireworks display.
The collaboration of the castle and fireworks is simply breathtaking.
The "Japan Rhine Summer Festival and Long-Running Fireworks" is held for 10 days with Inuyama Castle in the background. The fireworks, launched from a boat, cover the entire night sky and illuminate Inuyama Castle, providing a beautiful backdrop for the fireworks display.
The collaboration of the castle and fireworks is simply breathtaking.

Judges' Comments
Furutone River Lantern Festival, Saitama Prefecture
The Furutone River Lantern Festival is a summer tradition in Saitama Prefecture. This photo depicts a different scene from that at night. The sky and river tinted orange by the sunset, as the lanterns stretch far into the distance... We have selected this photo as an honorable mention.
The Furutone River Lantern Festival is a summer tradition in Saitama Prefecture. This photo depicts a different scene from that at night. The sky and river tinted orange by the sunset, as the lanterns stretch far into the distance... We have selected this photo as an honorable mention.

Judges' Comments
Nishimonai Bon Odori, Akita Prefecture
Nishimonai Bon Odori is known as one of the three major bon dances in Japan. The warm light of the torches helps create a more historic atmosphere. The spirited hands of the dancer make us interested to see what the dance is like for ourselves.
Nishimonai Bon Odori is known as one of the three major bon dances in Japan. The warm light of the torches helps create a more historic atmosphere. The spirited hands of the dancer make us interested to see what the dance is like for ourselves.

Judges' Comments
Gion Festival, Kyoto
Kyoto's Gion Festival is the most famous festival in Japan. You can see floats parading through Shijo Street, as crowds of people cheer and celebrate. The sky and buildings photographed from a high vantage point give the photo a unique sense of depth.
Kyoto's Gion Festival is the most famous festival in Japan. You can see floats parading through Shijo Street, as crowds of people cheer and celebrate. The sky and buildings photographed from a high vantage point give the photo a unique sense of depth.

Judges' Comments
Milk Rice Crackers at a Temple Festival
A girl in yukata enjoying a milk-flavored rice cracker with both hands. Her eyes are probably focused on her mother, who is holding the camera. Yukata are only worn in summer, making this no doubt a special moment for her. We have selected this photo as an honorable mention.
A girl in yukata enjoying a milk-flavored rice cracker with both hands. Her eyes are probably focused on her mother, who is holding the camera. Yukata are only worn in summer, making this no doubt a special moment for her. We have selected this photo as an honorable mention.
Thank you
for all your submissions!
for all your submissions!
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.