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Greetings
Thank you very much for using COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
We would also like to sincerely thank you for participating in the 33rd COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest, "Spring in Japan."
For this contest, we received many wonderful entries under the theme of "Spring in Japan." The submitted works captured the unique beauty of the Japanese spring, including famous spots where cherry blossoms and plum blossoms bloom in full glory, satoyama villages and waterside landscapes wrapped in soft sunlight, spring festivals and traditional events, and everyday moments that convey the arrival of a new season.
The beautiful scenery colored by seasonal flowers was truly impressive. At the same time, many works captured smiles encountered in the spring air and landscapes carefully passed down within local communities. Each of these photographs brightened the hearts of viewers and left a warm, lingering impression.
For the award-winning works, we selected photographs that thoughtfully conveyed the splendor and gentleness of spring in Japan, as well as the natural beauty and atmosphere unique to each region. From breathtaking cherry blossom views encountered during travels to seasonal flowers blooming in familiar places, and even ordinary moments embraced by spring sunlight, every selected work reminded us once again that the charm of Japan lives vividly in many forms.
The COOL JAPAN VIDEOS Photo Contest will continue to serve as a place where everyone can share the appeal of Japan they have discovered with the world.
We hope that your wish to share the beauty of Japan will reach the hearts of people around the globe.
We hope you will look forward to our next photo contest as well.
Thank you for your continued support of COOL JAPAN VIDEOS.
Announcement of Results
Winners please complete the receiving procedure.
Within the tender landscape created by the blooming Angyo Kanzakura trees, the photograph preserves a precious moment shared with family. Its warmth naturally spreads to everyone who views it, evoking feelings of comfort and happiness. The image beautifully expresses the simple joy of springtime in Japan.
As a memorable depiction of Sakado's famous cherry blossom scenery, a spring outing destination, and a family hanami experience, this honorable mention-winning work is filled with the warmth and happiness that define the Japanese spring season.
Along the line stretching from Minowabashi to Waseda, traces of old Tokyo charm still remain within everyday life. This work also conveys the photographer's affection for the route and the joy of returning to capture its scenery again and again as a lifelong passion project.
While the daytime cherry blossoms create a soft and cheerful atmosphere, the line is also known for revealing a completely different charm at night, offering another side to the appeal of the Tokyo Sakura Tram. As a memorable view of Arakawa's cherry blossom scenery, a popular photography spot along the Tokyo Sakura Tram, and a springtime Tokyo sightseeing scene, this honorable mention-winning work leaves a lasting impression.
Often visited alongside a stroll around Ueno Park, Yushima Tenjin is beloved as one of Tokyo's famous plum blossom spots, where around 300 plum trees bloom and offer visitors an early taste of spring before cherry blossom season begins.
The fragrance of plum blossoms, the smiles of worshippers and visitors, and the warmth of traditional performing arts come together beautifully in this work. As a scene that gently conveys the charm of spring outings in Bunkyo and sightseeing in Tokyo, this honorable mention-winning photograph leaves a soft and memorable impression.
The silhouette of Osaka's bay area, the distant mountain ranges, and the rays of light emerging through gaps in the clouds add remarkable depth to the evening scenery. Together, they create a breathtaking composition filled with stillness and quiet beauty.
As a memorable depiction of Osaka's sunsets, the landscapes surrounding Expo commemorative areas, and the rare beauty of an urban sea of clouds, this honorable mention-winning work reveals an extraordinary side hidden within the everyday cityscape.
In the background, you can also sense the presence of Mount Joshu Hotaka, leaving a lasting impression of a spring scene unique to Numata City, where nature, faith, and daily life quietly come together. Beyond its beauty as a tourist destination, the site has the quiet charm of a beloved cherry blossom spot that local residents have carefully protected over the years.
As an honorable mention-winning work, this photograph makes viewers want to visit Gunma's weeping cherry blossoms, Hotchi no Jizozakura, and the satoyama scenery of Numata City.
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Although this perspective could only be achieved through drone photography, the image never feels exaggerated or artificial. Instead, it delicately conveys the natural scenery of Hino Town with remarkable softness and calm. The harmony of cherry blossoms reflected in the mirror-like water, the blue sky, and the fresh greenery creates a pure and serene atmosphere, perfectly matching the title, "Floating Island in the Sky."
As a breathtaking view of Hinogawa Dam and one of Shiga Prefecture's memorable cherry blossom landscapes, this award-winning work is something that deserves to be shared with many people.