Thank you everyone for your amazing entries for the 24th 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

As we approach the middle of October, the lingering heat of late summer remains, but a sudden breeze now carries hints of autumn. As the seasons change, we hope this message finds you well.

The theme for this photo contest was 'Summer in Japan.' We have selected winning entries that beautifully convey uniquely Japanese scenes and emotions through photography.

The 'COOL JAPAN VIDEOS' photo contest is held regularly, and we look forward to your participation again.

By sharing Japan's charm and information through your posts, we hope that more people will discover the appeal of Japan and that the number of visitors from around the world will continue to grow.

We look forward to your continued support of 'COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.' Thank you.

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
The main event of the annual grand festival at Biku-ni Shrine in Hokkaido, held on the nights of July 5th and 6th, is the 'Tengu Fire-Walking.'
In this mystical spectacle, the figure of a Tengu seems to emerge amidst the fiercely rising flames. The timing of the shutter was perfect, and the presence of the Tengu is powerfully conveyed, which is why we have selected this photograph as the grand prize winner.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
Judges' Comments
A work that captures a cool moment of summer in Japan: a fresh, juicy peach placed on a table. It portrays a casual scene from everyday life that has continued since long ago, evoking a sense of nostalgia.
The relaxed flow of time and the richness of living in harmony with nature can be felt, reminding viewers of the summer season.
We have selected this photograph as an honorable mention.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
Judges' Comments
A stunning capture of the beautiful night scene from the Chichibu Kawase Festival, the grand summer festival of Chichibu Shrine, the main guardian shrine of Chichibu City, Saitama Prefecture. Also known as the 'O-Gion,' this festival takes place annually on July 19th and 20th.
The magnificent floats and the serious expressions of the people illuminated by the lights convey the deep history and pride of the Chichibu Kawase Festival.

We have selected this photograph as an honorable mention for its ability to convey the festival's energy and passion.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
Judges' Comments
A work capturing boys jumping into the sea from Shiokawa Bridge at Araha Beach in Chatan Town, Okinawa. The scene of them playing in the sea, shimmering gold in the reflection of the setting sun, beautifully enhances the serene summer landscape of Okinawa.

We are pleased to award this photograph an honorable mention for its captivating depiction of an iconic summer moment.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
Judges' Comments
Japan’s traditional summer event, 'Obon,' is held every year (mainly in August) to welcome and honor the spirits of ancestors.
During this time, it is customary for families to gather, visit graves, and offer tributes as a way to show respect to their ancestors.

In this photograph, a young boy is earnestly speaking to his ancestors against a backdrop of blue skies and white clouds, evoking the heat of summer. We are pleased to award this captivating scene of a small boy visiting a grave with an honorable mention.
「COOL JAPAN VIDEOS」Photo Contest Honorable Mention
Judges' Comments
A work capturing the beautiful terraced rice fields of Koishiwara Village in Asakura District, Fukuoka Prefecture.
The lush green of the terraced fields conveys the richness of nature and reminds us of the timeless rural landscapes of Japan.
The summer sun illuminates the fields, evoking a sense of vitality and the breath of nature.
We are pleased to award this photograph an honorable mention for its vivid portrayal of the essence of life in nature.
Thank you
for all your submissions!

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