Theme for May: “The Season of Lush Green”
Please specify the lens used and various settings
- Deadline: May 22, 2026 (Friday)
- Unpublished works taken by the applicant themselves. Works that have won or been selected in other contests, published in newspapers, magazines, websites, etc., or similar works are not allowed.
- Submit prints (cabinet size or 2L size) by mail, or attach JPEG format images to an email.
- On a separate sheet, clearly state the title (with furigana), date taken, location, detailed description of the work, postal code, address, full name (with furigana), age, occupation, phone number, lens used (e.g., 24-70mm), shutter speed (e.g., 1/500 sec), ISO (e.g., 100), and aperture (e.g., F8) (same for email attachments).
- Obtain consent from the subject.
- Clearly indicate any special photography, image compositing, or processing.
- Works will not be returned.
- Digital images with small data size may not be selected.
*Selected participants will receive a commemorative gift.
The Season of Lush Green
“The Season of Lush Green” likely refers to a cultural celebration of spring or the monsoon season in parts of Asia, such as the Indian festival of Vasant Panchami or the Japanese tradition of hanami. These events historically mark the renewal of nature, with communities celebrating the vibrant greenery and blooming flowers through rituals, feasts, and outdoor gatherings. Rooted in ancient agricultural cycles, they symbolize hope, fertility, and the enduring bond between humans and the natural world.
Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, typically celebrated in January or February. It is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, and is considered an auspicious day for starting education or creative pursuits. Historically, the festival has roots in ancient agricultural traditions, symbolizing the end of winter and the renewal of life.
hanami
Hanami is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers, particularly cherry blossoms (sakura). Dating back over a thousand years to the Nara period, it originally began as an elite practice among the imperial court, inspired by Chinese flower-viewing traditions, before spreading to samurai and commoners. Today, hanami is a beloved springtime festival where people gather in parks for picnics and parties under the blooming trees, celebrating nature and the fleeting nature of life.
Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is a vibrant Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. Historically, it is associated with the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, and is observed with prayers, wearing yellow clothing, and flying kites. The festival also has agricultural roots, signifying the harvest season and the blooming of yellow mustard flowers.
hanami
Hanami is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers
Vasant Panchami
Vasant Panchami is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring, celebrated on the fifth day of the Hindu month of Magha. It is dedicated to the goddess Saraswati, the deity of knowledge, music, and arts, and traditionally involves wearing yellow clothing and offering prayers. Historically, the festival also signifies the start of preparations for Holi, and in many regions, it is an auspicious day for beginning education or creative pursuits.
hanami
Hanami is the traditional Japanese custom of enjoying the transient beauty of cherry blossoms (sakura), which dates back over a thousand years to the Heian period. Originally a practice among the imperial court, it evolved into a popular springtime celebration where people gather for picnics and parties under blooming trees. The tradition reflects the cultural appreciation of impermanence, as the blossoms typically last only a week or two.
Saraswati
Saraswati is the Hindu goddess of knowledge, music, arts, wisdom, and learning, often depicted holding a veena (a musical instrument) and seated on a white lotus or swan. Her worship dates back to the Vedic period (c. 1500–500 BCE), where she was originally revered as a river goddess before evolving into the patron deity of education and creativity. Today, she is widely celebrated during the festival of Vasant Panchami, particularly in India, Nepal, and parts of Southeast Asia, where students and artists seek her blessings.
Nara period
The Nara period (710–794 CE) was a pivotal era in Japanese history when the imperial capital was established in Heijō-kyō (modern-day Nara). During this time, Buddhism became deeply entrenched in Japanese culture, leading to the construction of iconic temples like Tōdai-ji, which houses a massive bronze statue of Buddha. The period also saw the compilation of important historical texts, such as the *Kojiki* and *Nihon Shoki*, shaping Japan’s early national identity.
cherry blossoms
Cherry blossoms, or “sakura,” are iconic flowers in Japan, celebrated for their brief but stunning bloom each spring. The tradition of viewing them, known as “hanami,” dates back over a thousand years to the Nara period, originally associated with the imperial court. Today, cherry blossoms symbolize the transient nature of life and are a beloved cultural event across the country.
sakura
Sakura, or cherry blossoms, are a beloved cultural symbol in Japan, representing the fleeting beauty of life due to their brief blooming period. The tradition of viewing sakura, known as hanami, dates back over a thousand years to the Nara period (710–794), when it was initially practiced by the imperial court and later spread to all levels of society. Today, sakura season remains a major event, drawing locals and tourists alike to parks and temples for picnics and celebrations under the blossoms.
Magha
Magha is a significant archaeological and cultural site located in present-day Burkina Faso, known for its ancient stone circles and burial mounds dating back to the first millennium AD. These structures are part of a larger complex of megalithic sites in the region, reflecting the sophisticated funerary practices and social organization of early West African societies. The site offers valuable insights into the pre-Islamic history of the Sahel, though much of its original context and meaning remains a subject of ongoing research.
yellow mustard flowers
Yellow mustard flowers are not a single cultural site but rather a widespread natural phenomenon, often associated with agricultural fields in regions like California, India, and Canada. Historically, mustard plants have been cultivated for thousands of years for their seeds, which are used to produce mustard condiment, and their bright yellow blooms have become iconic seasonal landscapes. In places like Napa Valley, the flowers symbolize the arrival of spring and attract tourists for photography and festivals.
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