Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo & Video Contest 2023 / A free photo wedding on Ishigaki Island, shot by the Grand Prix-winning photographer, will be provided to one couple whose wedding was canceled due to the Noto Peninsula Earthquake and other factors - [Official] Okinawa Resort Wedding Association

To all media representatives:

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　May 28, 2024

　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Okinawa Resort Wedding Association (General Incorporated Association)
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Photo and Video Committee

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Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo and Video Contest 2023

A Grand Prix-winning photographer will provide a complimentary photo wedding shoot on Ishigaki Island for one couple who were unable to hold their wedding or photo wedding due to disasters or crises, such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

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The Okinawa Resort Wedding Association (a general incorporated association based in Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture; Representative Director: Yuka Onaga; hereinafter referred to as “the Association”) has announced the results of the Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo and Video Contest, which it has held for the past eight years. has decided to provide a complimentary photo wedding shoot on Ishigaki Island—conducted by photographer Takeshi Masuda, who won the Grand Prix in 2023—to one couple who were unable to hold their wedding ceremony or photo wedding due to disasters or crises such as the Noto Peninsula Earthquake.

Award-Winning Work by Takeshi Masuda

https://photocon.e-bridal.tv/

Please take a look here.

To all the couples who had to put their weddings or photo shoots on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic or natural disasters but have since overcome these challenges, we are launching this project—thanks to the generosity of photographer Masuda—to present you with a photo shoot on Ishigaki Island that will capture your irreplaceable happiness and help you preserve these memories.

In 2023, the number of marriages nationwide fell to 489,281 couples due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time since World War II that the figure has dropped below 500,000. Among the factors contributing to this decline is the rise in the number of couples who, since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, have felt it acceptable to simply register their marriage without holding a wedding ceremony or reception—a trend known as “Nashi-kon” (the opposite of “Ari-kon”). This trend, combined with the declining birthrate and the trend toward later marriages, has led to a decrease in the number of weddings held in Japan.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Okinawa resort weddings—which can be held with small groups consisting only of the couple and their immediate families, making it easier for hosts to monitor attendees’ health and track their movements—reached a record high of 18,430 couples in 2022 (according to Okinawa Prefecture statistics). However, statistics for 2024 show a downward trend of approximately 70% compared to the previous year. An increasing number of people are choosing to forgo weddings altogether, and interest in traditional wedding ceremonies and photo weddings is currently waning.

Building on the success of this project, we will continue to promote the appeal of Okinawa resort weddings nationwide through the Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo & Video Contest, which we will be holding again this year.

Below is an overview of the winners and interviews from the 2023 Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo and Video Contest.

We would therefore appreciate your understanding of the purpose of this project and your cooperation in arranging interviews and other matters related to this article.

Application form for this project:https://forms.gle/jfGiqvmJMajgotT59