Scenery of Japan Photo Contest in Singapore 2024

Grand Prizes

Spring

Name: Chiang Shun Jie Jonathan
Title: Himeji Bliss
Location: Himeji Castle, HYOGO
Description:
I took a day trip down from Osaka to Himeji for this location, and it was worth it despite the cloudy skies. I love this angle because it depicts a very Japan-esque scene, especially when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom, forming a pretty frame around Himeji Castle. 
The traditional boats that come by down the river from time to time really completes this classic scene.
Awarding Company: All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd.
Awarded Product: One ANA Economy Class Return Air Ticket from Singapore to Tokyo

Summer

Name: Chloe Lye
Title: Ode to Hokusai
Location: Oishi Park, YAMANASHI
Description:
I have always wondered how Hokusai could dedicate a whole series of paintings to but one of the many beautiful mountains in Japan. Visiting Fujikawaguchiko made me realise no amount of photographs through my camera, or in Hokusai's case, woodblock printing, could capture the quiet serenity of being present with the view. This photograph captures a rather shy glimpse of the mountain, distant through the flurry of full blooms along Oishi Park. I hope we can all come to pause and appreciate the many facets of Mt. Fuji and Japan, beyond the virality of simply getting a shot.
Awarding Company: Sony Electronics (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
Awarded Product: Alpha 7C II Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera, ILCE-7CM2 Silver (with 28-60mm Zoom Lens)

 

Autumn

Name: Chia Jun Yong
Title: The Autumn Treble of Colours
Location: Ryuzu Waterfall, TOCHIGI
Description:
It was my third time to Nikko and each time I would pick a different hiking route. This time, I arrived at Ryuzu Falls around sunset. The light is soft but fading. The moment was amazing as the scene was so beautiful. Here is where it gets tricky. I wanted to capture the silky effect of water, but light is constantly changing. Because there are so many places I would like to go in Japan, there is a chance I may not see this again for a long time. I wanted to capture it like how I see it to share it with people around me.
Awarding Company: FUJIFILM Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd.
Awarded Product: FUJIFILM X-S20 Mirrorless Camera with 15-45mm Lens

 

Winter

Name: Lim Yong Zhi
Title: Serendipity White
Location: Arakurayama Sengen Park, YAMANASHI
Description:
I spent a week waiting for the heavy rain and snowfall to clear, as the poor visibility of Mount Fuji during the winter season puts a test to one’s patience. A sight I did not expect – this was captured in the early hours of the morning.
Awarding Company: Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
Awarded Product: One Economy Class return air ticket SINGAPORE ∼ TOKYO ∼ SINGAPORE

 

Winter

Name: Yeo Eng Siong
Title: Deers in Sunset
Location: Notsuke Peninsula, HOKKAIDO
Description:
A pair of male Sika Deer were walking on the frozen bay as the mist rolls in at sunset. I moved slightly to isolate the deer in the foreground, and I took this picture just before they became hidden in the mist.
Awarding Company: Nikon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Awarded Product: Nikon Z Mirrorless, Camera Series Zfc 16-50mm kit set


 

Supplementary Prizes

Regional

Name: Wong Loy Kan
Title: Toriis in a Torii
Location: Oouo Shrine, SAGA
Description:
The stunning view of the floating Torii gates through the sight of a stationary Torii, with lots of blessings too!
Awarding Company: Canon Singapore Pte. Ltd.
Awarded Product: Inkjet Printer PIXMA TS8370a

Regional

Name: Tan Wen Shiao Alvin
Title: A Scenic Commute - Fields of Sakura and the Embrace of Mount Zao
Location: Hitome Senbonzakura, MIYAGI
Description:
We imagine the sense of wonder felt by city travellers who find themselves quickly immersed in beautiful nature as the trains that carried them from nearby concrete jungles traversed the breathtaking scenery of Hitome Senbonzakura (View of a Thousand Cherry Trees) amid the warm embrace of Mount Zao.
Awarding Company: East Japan Railway Company
Awarded Product: JR EAST PASS

 

Regional

Name: Koh Jing-Kai
Title: Glow of Sapporo
Location: Odori Park, HOKKAIDO
Description:
This photo captures the dazzling streetlights in stark contrast to the serene beauty of the White Illumination at Sapporo. Taken from the vantage point of the Sapporo TV Tower, the image showcases a mesmerizing blend of vibrant city lights and the tranquil, glowing installations of the winter festival, creating a magical and picturesque scene.
Awarding Company: Hokkaido Government Representative Office
Awarded Product: Jewel of Tokachi (red wine)

 

Regional

Name: Lee Hwee Ching
Title: Biwa-no-taki
Location: Biwa Waterfall, TOKUSHIMA
Description:
This photo was taken last year when I was on holiday with my relatives in Kyushu and Shikoku.  The waterfall, though not a big one, was mesmerising.
Awarding Company: J.CLAIR Singapore
Awarded Product: Japanese Traditional Crafts, etc

 

Regional

Name: Abby Teo
Title: Uriwari no Taki Falls
Location: Wakasa Uriwari Meisui Park, FUKUI
Description:
I was in Wakasa, Fukui. The guesthouse owners asked me to try some “famous” spring water. I was doubtful at first. “Doesn’t all water taste the same?” I wondered. But after I drank it, I changed my mind. There was something different! It was so crisp and refreshing! I asked the owners where the water was from. They pointed me to the nearby Uriwari Park. Off I went in search of the water. To my amazement, I found myself in a mysterious forest with cascading falls. Standing there, I was very moved by the sacred atmosphere. A true power spot.
Awarding Company: JTB Pte Ltd Singapore Office
Awarded Product: JTB Gift Travel voucher (300SGD)

The prize winners were celebrated at the NATAS Travel Fair 2024 on 18 August 2024.