The results of the Cool Japan Photo Contest for Foreigners 2024 have been updated

Born in Sendai City. Graduated from the University of Richmond in the UK and lived overseas for 10 years. After returning to Japan, built up a career at a foreign bank and securities company, and established Life Bridge Inc. in his hometown of Sendai. In addition to conducting training and lectures specializing in inbound human resource development across the country, also opened a YouTube channel, "Ryotaro's Japan" and is involved in numerous tourism promotions.

I'm Enako, a cosplayer who also serves as a Cool Japan PR Ambassador. Although the genre of "cosplay" is still new as a culture, there are already many fans from overseas, and I think it will be a genre that will attract attention as Cool Japan's future activities. Thanks to everyone's posts, I was able to learn about many wonderful scenery and good places in Japan that I didn't know about before, which made me very happy. I decided to serve as a judge, thinking that it would be great if people from all over the world would come to see the photos that show off the wonderful scenery of Japan.

Akiko Toya spent her early childhood in Manila and junior high to high school years in Bangkok before returning to Japan in 1996. A graduate of Waseda University’s School of Education, where she studied English language and literature, she worked at Tokyo FM, initially in a secretarial role and later as director on a variety of radio programs, before joining Original Inc. in January 2010. As content director of Time Out Tokyo, she has overseen fields including editorial, sales and PR, drawing on a global network of contacts ranging from artists and athletes to academics. Akiko has earned wide praise for producing high-quality multilingual solutions for the benefit of both corporations and government entities.

Born in Beijing, China. Writer. Professor of ST.MICHAEL’S UNIVERSITY(K.I.U) In Kobe. After working as an assistant at the Institute of Philosophy of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, studied at Mie University in Japan. After working at a trading company, started writing. After launching the magazine “it is JAPAN” in Beijing to introduce Japanese culture, started “in JAPAN” in Shanghai, a magazine that summarizes the image of Japan drawn by international students. Translated many novels by Haruki Murakami and Naoki Matayoshi. Publications include “にっぽん虫の眼紀行” (Bunshun Bunko).

A single frame that encapsulates the charm of Japan’s yokocho alleyways. The interplay of red and black, adorned with mysterious lanterns, invites you into a world that feels both intimate and enigmatic. You can almost hear the murmured conversation—"So, which place should we try tonight?" This photo beautifully captures the exotic allure of Japan, where tradition and mystery intertwine in a way that feels both familiar and foreign at the same time.

For us Japanese people, it’s not a special place, just a typical drinking district we often see in our daily lives. But that’s precisely why I wanted people from overseas to see it.

This photo perfectly captures the vibe of Omoide Yokocho, evoking the energy and atmosphere of a quintessential nightlife scene you’d expect to encounter while exploring the city.

The interplay of light and shadow made the Omoide Yokocho appear deep and mysterious, and I thought I could catch a whiff of alcohol drifting from somewhere. This scene might have been otherworldly, but at the same time, it was also quintessentially everyday Japan.

A photo that is sure to amaze people from abroad　"Japan has this many types of citrus fruits?" The image carries an impressive sense of presence in the best possible way. The caption also adds warmth by capturing a glimpse of the friendly interaction with the shop owner. While the straight-on angle works well, getting a bit closer and shooting from a slightly lower angle could enhance the impact even more, making the abundance of citrus fruits feel even more dynamic and immersive.

I think it’s a unique cultural exchange in Japan to hear about the local specialties from the locals and then try them. It made me want to visit there as well.

This picture beautifully highlights Japan’s impressive variety of fruit – especially the abundance of citrus – while also showcasing the dedication to crafting delicious products from fresh, high-quality produce.

Mandarin orange remind one of the Japanese New Year, their colors filled with a festive atmosphere. Thinking of the hard work of the people who grow them evokes a wish to cherish everything. This is one scene from everyday life in Japan.

This photo is a powerful reminder that vending machines are undeniably a part of Japanese food culture. Nowhere else in the world can you find machines that offer not only cold drinks but also hot beverages, standing reliably even in the most remote countryside. Even on a freezing, snowy day, they remain steadfast in their duty. Looking at this scene, I can’t help but cheer them on　"Keep going, you’ve got this!"

I found it interesting that vending machines, which are a common sight in Japan, are set up next to parking lots that aren't even tourist spots. It’s such an ordinary scene, yet it becomes something extraordinary for people from overseas.

Vending machines are a quintessential part of Japan, offering a diverse array of beverages and unique food items. This snowy photo is a stunning example of how an everyday convenience seamlessly integrates with its surroundings.

Vending machines are a symbol of Japan, and their sheer number and the wide range of locations where they are installed are rare worldwide. Especially for foreign tourists, vending machines seem to have a kind of expression, and their presence in snowy landscapes feels particularly warm.

Even in the Reiwa era, the unchanged, good old everyday life of Japan is captured, and I felt a sense of nostalgia.

The diversity and beauty of Japanese kitchenware, which play a crucial role in supporting Japanese food culture, are vividly captured in this photo and caption. Each tool carries the craftsmanship and history behind it, making the image visually captivating. However, using the wide-angle lens results in some distortion at the edges. To create a more refined and polished impression, consider shooting at a 1.0 magnification, focusing solely on the kitchenware while minimizing the inclusion of the floor. This adjustment would result in a more balanced and striking composition.

The dishes are placed not on a table, but on the tatami mat. This kind of Japanese scene sometimes appears in temples, sometimes in traditional restaurants, and at other times in Japanese homes. The food represents a way of life. It is a deeply meaningful image.

This single shot captures the essence of yakitori as a performance—one that is brought to life by the skill and precision of the chef. The delicate grip of the artisan’s fingers on the skewer, the veins subtly emerging on their arm, and the faint red glow of the charcoal all come together to create a mesmerizing scene. It’s a masterpiece that holds your gaze, drawing you into the craftsmanship and passion behind every piece of grilled perfection.

This is a landscape that resembles a movie set, and whether it's the atmosphere of metropolis or the harmony with everyday life, it doesn't give any sense of incongruity. This is also one of the great charms of traveling in Japan.

The traditional Japanese sweets and tea, along with the menu in the photo that includes English for easier understanding by people from overseas, make it a photo that’s likely to capture their interest.

Matcha evokes a sense of Japanese tranquility. It’s not just about drinking tea and enjoying sweets — everyone in the space shares a quiet feeling of connection, creating a beautifully composed atmosphere.

The matcha, tea bowl, and tea whisk, which remind me of Japan, are beautifully arranged, and the composition of the photo is so well done that I couldn’t help but be fascinated.

You can’t go wrong with classic zaru soba – one of a must-try when visiting Tokyo and Japan. This photo showcases a beautifully presented soba set, the kind you’d typically enjoy at an authentic soba shop.

This photo of Fukuoka’s yatai food stalls beautifully captures the city’s vibrant food culture and their enduring popularity among locals. It also makes me want to visit and indulge in the experience myself!