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Greetings
Thank you for always using COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
We sincerely appreciate your participation in the 26th COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest – "Winter in Japan".
Once again, we received many wonderful submissions, making this contest a true showcase of Japan's winter charm.
From Japan’s enchanting snowy landscapes and traditional winter events to relaxing moments in hot springs and dazzling illuminations, the diverse perspectives captured in the photos allowed us to rediscover the beauty of winter in Japan.
For the winning entries, we selected works that highlight the captivating scenery of winter and capture heartwarming moments.
The COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest will continue to be held regularly as a platform to share the beauty of Japan with the world.
Through your photos, we hope to spread the charm of Japan’s four seasons and reach even more people.
We look forward to your participation in our next photo contest!
Thank you for your continued support of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
Announcement of Results
If you were selected as a winner, please follow the proper procedures to receive your prize.
During winter, the sea is often rough, and the sight of waves engulfing the torii is truly dramatic. *Kamiiso no Torii* is also a well-known sunrise spot, attracting many visitors on New Year's Day who come to witness the first sunrise of the year. The surrounding area features attractions such as Oarai Isosaki Shrine and Oarai Coast, offering breathtaking views unique to winter in Oarai.
As the morning sun illuminates the ice, it glows like precious gemstones, creating a mesmerizing and translucent display. For its remarkable portrayal of the northern Japanese winter’s beauty, we are pleased to award this piece an honorable mention.
This heartwarming photograph captures the moment a one-year-old child holds mochi for the first time. The tiny hands dusted with rice flour and the soft, stretchy texture of the mochi evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth in the viewer.
For its ability to bring a smile and a feeling of comfort, we are pleased to award this piece an honorable mention.
The expansive Tokachi landscape and the crisp winter air further enhance the sense of movement and vitality in the horses. Tokachi Ranch is also a training facility for horses that compete in Hokkaido’s *Ban’ei* horse racing, and the sight of these strong, well-trained horses in full stride is truly spectacular.
The moment captured here—of horses thundering forward in unison—is a true winter spectacle unique to Hokkaido. For its ability to convey the pulse and power of the scene, we are pleased to award this remarkable piece an honorable mention.
Sunomata Ichiya Castle is said to have been built during the Sengoku period by Toyotomi Hideyoshi (then Kinoshita Tōkichirō). True to its name, legend has it that the castle was constructed in an astonishingly short time.
Its snow-covered form adds an even more majestic aura, evoking a deep sense of historical romance from the age of the samurai.
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The mouth of the Kushiro River opens to the west, making it one of Hokkaido’s premier spots for viewing sunsets. Amid the harsh winter cold, the golden-lit *renban-koori* presents a stunning spectacle that can only be witnessed here. For capturing this rare and precious moment, we have selected this photograph as the grand prize winner.