The Traffic Culture Exhibition 2025Award-Winning Photo Gallery

• The Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Award
  “Sign of Spring in Aizu Region” SUZUKI Noboru
  Fukushima, Kitakata City [JR Ban-etsu-West Line, Yamato Station – Kitakata Station]

  The Ichinoto-gawa Railway Iron Bridge was built in 1908 for the JR Ban’etsu-West Line. It is a popular photographic spot to catch the train named “SL Banetsu Monogatari Train”. It was a beautiful day, and I saw some snow remaining in the lide Mountains in the background. I walked around to get the best angle to catch the last remaining snow on the mountains while catching the train racing across in the foreground. （Taken in April, 2025）
  
  Comment by SHIMIZU Tetsuro：This picture impressively depicts the SL Ban’etsu Monogatari Train crossing the railway bridge with black smoke trailing across to the rear train cars against the clear blue sky. The interplay of the riverbank, houses, fresh greenery, and snow-covered mountains impressively tells the height, expanse, depth, and sense of the season. This composition significantly contributed to winning the prize.

• The Minister of the Environment Award
  “The Mountain Ridge of Ojikazawa” MURAKAMI Fumiaki
  Gunma, Minakami Town [Mount Tanigawa-dake Ojikazawa-no-toh]

  The weather was fine the day I took this picture of Mt. Tanigawa-dake. I saw the changing colors of the maple trees up to around 1,500 meters elevation. Indeed, it was the best time to see Tenjindaira. I remember I was elated when I unexpectedly saw frost around the mountain top. The summit of the Toma no Mimi, where I took this picture, was sometimes foggy. When it momentarily cleared, you can see the truly beautiful views of the ridgeline of Ojikazawa-no-toh, with the frost-bitten surface and the steep mountainside bordering with Niigata. I was blessed with really good timing.（Taken October, 2022）
  
  Comment by SHIMIZU Tetsuro：The enthralling part of climbing mountains at this time of year is to see the color change of the foliage according to the difference in altitude, direction, and vegetation. As you look carefully, in the foreground, you will see ice mist commonly called shrimp tails. They are seen only immediately after bad weather. So, this photo must be the photographer’s masterpiece. I never tire looking at this picture.

• The Kyushu Railway Company President Award
  “Earnest Steam Locomotive Engineers” YOKO Takuya
  Kumamoto, Hitoyoshi City [JR Kagoshima Line, SL Hitoyoshi]

  I rode on the SL Hitoyoshi because the train was scheduled to retire soon. It was my first ride on the steam-locomotive train. As I heard the powerful whistles and the rhythmical sounds of SL wheels, I had an excitement as if we were beginning a time transcending journey. Looking at the sights unavailable in our daily life, passengers of all ages looked enchanted and excited. This photo depicts a scene which reminded me of an almost forgotten excitement in my childhood.（Taken February, 2024）
  
  Comment by SHIMIZU Tetsuro：It is as if I could hear the voices of children excited seeing “Hachiroku” so close up. I guess the two boys dressed in matching shirts with same train pattern are brothers. As we look at the younger one in a red shirt standing tiptoes, we can imagine how frustrating it was for him. I was really impressed by the excellent composition of the picture, which even expresses the emotion of traveling by means of depicting the inside of the passenger car.

• The Japan Travel and Tourism Association Chairman Award
  “Passion” Hasegawa Yuji
  Nagasaki, Sasebo City [Yosakoi Sasebo Festival ]

  Yosakoi Sasebo Festival is held every October when the entire city of Sasebo gets excited participating. The charm of this festival is the togetherness that performers and the audience share at the climax. The performers’ perfectly synchronized dance and their joyful, ecstatic facial expressions animate the audience. Every year, I attend the festival with a camera in hand, and this is the best shot that captures the performers’ facial expressions.（Taken October, 2024）
  
  Comment by SHIMIZU Tetsuro：This picture, vividly capturing people dancing and crying with all their might and energy, was taken from a bird’s-eye view position. Looking at their radiant facial expression, I feel inspired and filled with courage. As I look at such a great number of people gathering together, raising their voices and enjoying themselves from the bottom of their hearts, I see the fundamental human emotions.

• First Place
  “The Guardian of the Island” MIKI Masaya
  Kagawa, Mitoyo City [The Great Camphor Tree of Shishijima Island]

  Shishijima is a small island in the Seto Inland Sea, whose circumference is just about 3.8 km. This giant okusu, a camphor laurel tree, is more than 1200 years old and the symbolic tree of the island. It is designated as Kagawa prefecture’s national monument. We got off the ferryboat at Shishijima port and walked for twenty minutes from the wharf to get to the site. As the road was uphill, it was hard going.（Taken April, 2025）

• First Place
  “The Line Up of the Three Stars of Osaka Expo” YAMADA Kosaku
  OSAKA, Osaka City [Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan]

  I took this picture at Osaka World Expo 2025, which I visited during a company-sponsored trip for employees. As I was aware that the Air Self-Defense Force’s Blue Impulse aerobatics team would be performing that day at the Osaka Expo, I planned to include the Blue Impulse jets in my shot. I also wanted to include the GUNDAM Next Future Pavilion and the Large Wooden Roof Ring architecture. I was so happy when I saw the Blue Impulse jets came into the picture frame just as I envisioned. This was a memorable picture of my lifetime.（Taken July, 2025）

• Second Place
  “The Glow of Autumn” KASHIYAMA Hiroki
  Fukushima, Kitakata City [JR Ban-etsu-West Line, Kitakata Station – Yamato Station]

  As I wandered along the Ban-etsu-West Line railroad looking for a photogenic autumnal landscape, the long pampas grass growing along the railway attracted my attention. I checked the position of the sun and the train timetable; I decided to wait for the passage of SL Banetsu Monogatari. Before long, I heard the train horn. Then, with the pampas grass swaying in the wind, there appeared the steam locomotive engine, shining gold, reflecting the glow of the evening sun while powerfully billowing black smoke in its wake. It transported me back to the nostalgic scenery of early Japanese railways.（Taken October, 2024）

• Second Place
  “Sunset” HAYASHI Hiroshi
  Nagasaki, Sasebo City [Nagushi-yama Park]

  Nagushiyama park which belongs to Saikai National Park is located on the Nagushiyama mountain of 234 meter elevation. From there you can command a panoramic view of Kitakujyukushima and Hiradojima islands. In the park about 100,000 azalea trees are planted, and in spring, the mountain slopes are dyed vermilion. Above anything, the landscape of azaleas bathed in the setting sun is truly spectacular.（Taken April, 2025）

• Second Place
  “Visitor from Space” OKAMOTO Daishi
  Nagano, Suzaka City [Minenohara Plateau]

  Tsuchinshan-ATLAS non-periodic comet was quietly shining in the sky during the magical blue twilight hour after sunset. Below the comet, I saw the city lights and, closer to the foreground, the flames and warm lights of lanterns at a camping site. It was as if the comet was warmly watching everyday life on earth. Treasuring this mystical moment, I snapped the shutter with all my heart.（Taken October, 2024）

• Third Place
  “Retro Station Building”（A set of four pictures） KOYAMA Ken
  Fukuoka, Kitakyusyu City [JR Mojiko Station]

  Mojiko Station, built in 1914 in the Neo-Renaissance style, was the first railroad station to be designated a National Important Cultural Property in 1988. I had always wanted to take photos of the station, and this time I was able to fulfill that desire. It was a two-day and three-night shoot, with three trips to the station in the morning, afternoon and evening, in search of my favorite light.（Taken July, 2024）

• Third Place
  “The Season Shimanto River Burns With Color” CHIJIIWA Akira
  Kochi, Shimanto Town [JR Yodo Line, Tosa-Taisho Station – Tosa-Showa Station]

  Many of the trees along the JR Yodo Line connecting Kochi prefecture and Ehime prefecture are evergreen, but in the Taisho area of Shimanto Town, there are rows of taiwan-fu trees which turn vermillion and golden amber in late autumn. Under the softer light of autumn, as the foliage changed color, an impressive railway scenery unfolded. The frame consists of a single train imaged on the Zero series Shin’kansen, a canopy of auburn leaves, and the Shimanto River. I hope this picture inspires many of you to take a ride on the Yodo Line.（Taken December, 2024）

• Third Place
  “Carrying the Throb into Town” KAWAMURA Yuma
  Aichi, Toyohashi City [Toyohashi Rail Road City Line, Azumada-sakaue Stop – Azumada Stop]

  I was born in Toyohashi and I lived there for more than twenty years, before I left several years ago. One day, when I returned to Toyohashi, I saw a poster depicting some nice scenes of the city. I was impressed with one of them, and I wished to locate the landscape. Every time I returned Toyohashi, I looked for the place, and after sometime, I finally found it. This is the picture of that very spot.（Taken September, 2024）

• U-22 Award
  “Adoration for Train” ISHIZAKI Hikari
  Tokyo, Setagaya City [Tokyu Oimachi Line, Futako-tamagawa Station – Mizonokuchi Station]

  I commute to school in a train, and when I saw the poster of Japan Traffic Culture Association’s photo competition, I had an idea of shooting my commuting train. So, I went to Hyogojima Park in Futako-tamagawa from where I thought I could see train and nature. At the park, I saw families happily enjoying themselves and I began to think of my childhood, and I laid pebbles like trains. In this picture, my pebble trains look as if they are running with Tokyu Trains side by side. I thought they were cute.（Taken July, 2025）

• Winner
  “Let’s Go to Kobe! ”（A set of four pictures） NOMURA Michinao
  Hyogo, Kobe City [Kobe]

  During the golden week, my family, consisting of three generations, traveled from Shinshu to Kobe. As we were enjoying the view of the Northern Japan Alps from the cabin window of our first flight on FDA, we arrived at Kobe Airport in no time. My role was to photograph the trip. My daughter was very interested in the evening and night views of Kobe Port Tower, while my grandchildren were delighted with the Giant Ferris Wheel and Aquarium Atoa, where they enjoyed lying down in front of the huge aquarium tank to watch the fish.（Taken May, 2025）

• Winner
  “Tawara Falls and Train” HARAGUCHI Takakazu
  Yamanashi, Tsuru City [Fujikyu Railway Line, Tsurubunkadaigaku-mae Station – Tokaichiba Station]

  While I was searching online for the shooting spot where I could take a photo of waterfalls together with a train, I found an article about the Tawara Falls. So, I went out to the Falls with my camera. According to the article, the best season is when it snows or autumn leaves season, but I was also attracted by one picture of the waterfalls taken when there was fresh greenery. So, I went out to the Falls in late May. I think the combination of fresh greenery, waterfalls, and the train came out very well.（Taken May, 2024）

• Winner
  “A Serene Mirror Reflection” ISHIKAWA Kazuyuki
  Nagano, Hakuba village [JR Oito Line, Shinano-Moriue Station – Hakuba-Oike Station]

  A spectacular view of the snow-covered Northern Alps and the rice paddy filled with melted snow. It was a windless day, so the rice paddy before planting rice seedlings was just like a perfectly polished mirror. The only word that came to my mind was “Meikyoshisui” which means the state of a quiet mind without any evil thoughts. I photographed this picture, wishing to share this superb view with the audience.（Taken May, 2024）

• Winner
  “Forgotten Prayer from the Blue Sky” KUO Chia-Yu
  Fukuoka, Munakata City [Worship place for Munakata Taisha Okitsu-miya]

  Munakata Taisha consists of three main shrines: Okitsu-miya, Nakatsu-miya and Hetsu-miya. On Oshima island, where Nakatsu-miya shrine is located, there is Okitsu-miya Worship Center where we can pray for sacred Okinoshima island where no one but priests are allowed to land in. This is the 20th UNESCO World Heritage site that I have visited. I didn’t meet many tourists, but I felt as if I heard a voice saying, “Even if the world forgets me, I will keep on protecting this country”. I looked up at the blue sky and quietly released the shutter.（Taken January, 2025）

• Winner
  “The Arrival of Spring in Aso” FUKUHARA Ryoichi
  Kumamoto, Aso City [Sensuikyo Gorge]

  I visited Sensuikyo Gorge located at the northern foot of Mt. Aso. The gorge is renowned for its intoxicating beauty and its name means “Even the Hermit Intoxicated by Its Beauty and Fragrance”. On the mountainsides grow 50,000 wild azalea trees called Miyama-Kirishima or Kyushu Azalea. Although it was cloudy on the day of the photo shoot, after a while, rays of sunlight shone through a break in the clouds, exposing the native wild azalea blossoms growing in the foreground, painting the mountain slopes in a vibrant pink.（Taken May, 2025）

• Winner
  “Mist of Calmness” TAMURA Yuya
  Akita, Nikaho City [Mototaki Underground Water]

  Mototaki Fukuryusui is a waterfall fed by spring water from Mt. Chokai. In summer, mist forms on the surface of the waterfall as the cold spring water hits the warmer air. When sunlight shines through the waterfall, the light reflects off the mist. On that day, however, the light was subtle. Still, the sunlight softly peeked into the forest and gently lit the stream of water. The vision captured my heart and took me into a world of calmness. Every time I look at this photo, the sights and the sounds of the falls and forests come back to me.（Taken August, 2022）

• Winner
  “A Corridor along the Floating Flowers Blessed by the Mountain” SUZUKI Emiko
  Ibaraki, Sakuragawa City [Amabiki-Kannon, Ajisai Festival]

  Every June at the Amabiki-Kannon Temple, a Suichuka ceremony takes place, when all the pruned hydrangea blossoms are floated on the pond. Pruning hydrangea blossoms at their peak helps them blossom next year. An event that also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals. I think an event where the blessings of nature and the caring hands of humans come together to create soothing effects is a wonderful tradition. I hope it will long continue.（Taken July, 2022）

• Winner
  “A Silent Army of Juhyo” TORII Hideyuki
  Yamagata, Yamagata City　[Yamagata Zao, Juhyogen]

  Ice-covered trees (juhyo) in Zao are one of Japan’s top three sites for juhyo. They are also popular among overseas tourists. On the day of the shoot, it started foggy in the morning. I wore skis and managed to reach the juhyo field. However, due to the dense fog, it was a world of darkness, making it impossible to take pictures. I waited for 30 minutes until the sun came out briefly to illuminate the ice field. For two minutes, I was just absorbed in releasing the shutter.（Taken February, 2022）

• Winner
  “A Wonderful Encounter with Cranes!” MIYAKAWA Kazunori
  Hokkaido, Ikeda Town [JR Nemuro Line, Ikeda Station – Toyokoro Station]

  Red-crowned cranes inhabiting Eastern Hokkaido are called Gods of the Marsh. They look divinely beautiful. When I took this picture, I was wandering through corn fields just after the harvest, trying to find cranes, when I heard the cry of the crane “Kruru Oh“. And then I heard the sound of the Limited Express Train Ozora when the cranes, the gods of the marsh, turned their eyes to me, our eyes met, creating a wonderful encounter between us through the viewfinder of the camera.（Taken October, 2023）

• Winner
  “Heading into the Sunset” NOGUCHI Shigeki
  Ibaraki, Kashima City [JR Kashima Line, Kashimajingu Station – Nobukata Station]

  A freight train pulled by an electric locomotive EF65 is speeding over the Kitaura Railway Bridge, the highlight of the JR Kashima Line. I was impressed by the scaly clouds illuminated by the setting sun, as well as the train speeding across the straight bridge over the river mouth. I still remember my index finger tensing up while pressing the shutter release button on my camera. Shortly thereafter, the EF65 electric locomotive withdrew from the Kashima Line. I am so happy that I could take this fleeting majestic run.（Taken November, 2022）

• Winner
  “The Evening View of Mera Beach” NAKADAI Kenichi
  Chiba, Tateyama City [Mera Beach]

  I often visited the coast of Tateyama to take photos, but before the day I shot this picture, I was not lucky enough to get the timing right to capture the characteristic surface of the rocks at Mera Beach. The day when I shot this picture, I was impressed with the shape of the clouds, giving depth to the frame. And perhaps thanks to the clear winter air, the color of the setting sun was very bright. Because of the backlight, the rocks’ surface looked powerful, combined with the bright, warm colors of the setting sun. I’m happy to have been able to take this picture of a spectacular landscape.（Taken January, 2025）

• Winner
  “Oda River Timber Float through Fresh Green Trees” INOUE Yuji
  Ehime, Uchiko Town [Kawanobori River Festival / Rafting]

  From the late Edo period to the early Showa era, in the Odagawa River, trees cut from the mountain were made into rafts and joined together to form timber rafts, and floated down to the river mouth. Today’s rafting is an event that revives the scene of that period. Rafters, wearing mino (raincoats made of straw) and sugegasa (sedge hats) use long bamboo poles to maneuver the float down the river. One timber raft consists of more than ten individual rafts tied together. They are so long that I had to use a wide-angle lens to capture the scene, with the background of fresh green trees along the river.（Taken April, 2025）

• Winner
  “Autumn Night” WATANABE Kazuhiro
  Tochigi, Utsunomiya City [Bamboo Forest, Wakayama Farm]

  Wakayama Farm cultivates bamboo and chestnut trees. The well-tended bamboo grove is as large as five times the size of the Tokyo Dome. This is a very rare bamboo grove even on national scale, and is often used as the stage for films. The farm is open to public, so everyone can enjoy walking through the vast bamboo forest. During winter, a special lighting event takes place. I visited the event and felt really good witnessing the scene.（Taken October, 2024）

• Winner
  “Dance of Fireflies in Flower Garden” MIZUNO Takao
  Toyama, Tonami City [Ranjyo-no-mori Japanese Water Iris Festival]

  Ranjyo-no-mori Park in Toyama Prefecture is one of the largest Japanese water iris gardens in the Hokuriku region. There are 700,000 iris plants of 600 varieties that bloom each season. During the day, the garden was crowded with many visitors, but as night fell, it was enveloped in silence. The sky was without even a faint hint of cloud, and the stars were shining, while on the earth, fireflies were flying around. A fantastic landscape was presented where the lights from the stars and the fireflies intersected. I wish we could preserve this beautiful scene in Toyama prefecture by keeping the air and water clean.（Taken June, 2024）

• Winner
  “Salute!” KAWAMOTO Kazuhiro
  Ehime, Osu City [JR Yosan Line, Goro Station]

  The Iyonada Monogatari is a limited express sightseeing train service famous for its local hospitality. The most famous station related to this hospitality event is Goro-eki station, famous for its tanuki (raccoon dog) stationmaster. As the train with the title of “The Third Year Anniversary: Monogatari Train” comes into the Goro-eki station, local children wearing the costume of tanuki, as well as residents, stand along the station to cheer and salute the train, to which the train conductor returns his salute. As I look at this picture, I feel as if I could hear their warm voices, “Thank you for your hard work!” and the train conductor’s voice replying, “Thank you for cheering us up!”.（Taken April, 2025）

• Winner
  “Brave Hot Men” HAYASHI Takumi
  Nagano, Iida City [Nanakuri Shrine, Autumn Festival]

  The Autumn Festival at the Nanakuri Shrine is a tradition that started in the 13th century. It is also called a naked festival because young men, wrapped around the waist with the sacred rice-straw belt, swing around a wooden bucket over their heads while being showered with firework sparks. It was my first visit to the festival, and I found it to be hotter than I expected. Fortunately, I could take pictures of the brave young men, but because many other people were moving around, taking the photo was not easy. This is one of the pictures taken in continuous shooting mode to capture the exact moment.（Taken September, 2023）

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