2023 Once in Japan Photo Contest Winners and Exhibit

The Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco is pleased to announce the results for its 2023 Once in Japan Photo Contest. This year’s contest featured both a “Japan Category” for photos taken in Japan, and a “Local Category” for Japan-related photos taken in our jurisdiction. Over 230 photos were submitted across two categories, with entrants sharing the memories and stories of their unique experiences relating to Japan. In particular, all photos entered in this year’s contest were taken from 2022 or later, showcasing a current, thriving Japan and celebrating the revival of Japan and Japanese culture locally.

Consul General Osumi, a representative of our prize sponsor Canon U.S.A., Inc., and representatives of local Japan-related organizations selected the winning photographs. First and Second Place winners in the Japan Category, and the First Place winner in the Local Category will be awarded physical prizes from contest sponsor, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

The finalists’ photos will be displayed at the Japan Information & Cultural Center’s gallery from Monday, January 8 through early-March. We hope you will be able to visit our gallery.

	1st Place Japan Category Kevin Ash “Winter Trainquility” Mishima Town, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan Prize: Canon EOS R8 RF24-50mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit
	2nd Place Japan Category MD Foster “Ojima Neputa Matsuri” Ojima Neputa Matsuri, Ota City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan Prize; Canon PIXMA MegaTank G620 Photo Printer
	1st Place Local Category Brian Tokuyoshi “San Jose Obon Odori” Japantown, San Jose, California Prize: Canon EOS R100 RF-S18-45mm F4.5-6.3 IS STM Lens Kit

Honorable Mention (In Alphabetical Order)

Peter Altaffer
Monica Eng
Alcide “Three” Guillory III
Kenny Li
Francisco Marin
Angel Meza
Tiffany Nhin
Grant Wong
Aya Yoshida

January 8 – Early March (Monday – Friday, except holidays)
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Admission: Free and Open to the Public, Reservation Required for Entry

Location: Japan Information & Cultural Center (JICC)
Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco
275 Battery Street, Suite 2100, San Francisco CA 94111
 
TEL: (415) 780-6085
E-mail: japaninfo@sr.mofa.go.jp
Hours of Response: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon; 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Except Holidays)
 
Please call or e-mail the JICC to reserve your entry date and time in advance.
Gallery Hours: Monday to Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Except Holidays)
 
Note: If you contact the JICC by e-mail, your reservation is not considered completed until you receive a confirmation e-mail from our office. You may not be able to enter without the confirmation e-mail.
 

• Wearing a mask is recommended.
• Please also use the hand sanitizer provided at the entrance upon entering the facility.