Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo & Video Contest 2024: Interview with Rina, Winner of the Okinawa Charm Award

Photo & Video Contest 2024
Grand Prix Announcement!

 

Based on the results of votes from everyone and those of members of the Okinawa Resort Wedding Association
The “Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo & Video Contest 2024”
The Grand Prize and Runner-Up winners have been announced!

We received comments from the winners of the Contest.

 

Okinawa Charm Award

Title: "Connecting"

Photographer: Rina

Video of the Work:https://youtu.be/d3C_TCel6-8

Through a series of fortunate circumstances, I had the opportunity to photograph the Gushikawa Youth Association’s “Michi-June” performance. The Gushikawa Youth Association has a 150-year history. A friend of mine—whose involvement with the group ends this year—shared his passion for “carrying on the tradition,” and their performance was filled with soul. It was an unforgettable summer that truly inspired me.

Category: Okinawa's Charms—Photos & Videos Category

Affiliation: Member of the Okinawa Resort Wedding Association

Location (City/Town/Village): Uruma City

Location: Gushikawa

 

Grand PrixRinaInterview with [Name]

Acceptance Speech

Thank you very much for this wonderful award. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at the Gushikawa Youth Association for their assistance with the photo shoot, as well as to everyone who voted and to the Okinawa Resort Wedding Association for organizing such a wonderful contest.

 

About the Award-Winning Works

Since this is the final year for my friend, who serves as president of the Gushikawa Youth Association, I had the opportunity to film this video. The Gushikawa Youth Association has a 150-year history. I made a conscious effort to convey their desire to carry on this history and tradition and pass them on to the children of the future. I hope that those who watch this video will gain at least a small sense of Okinawa’s traditional culture and its beauty.

 

What Led Me to Become a Photographer and Videographer

My father loves taking photos and shooting videos, and I think that’s had the biggest influence on me. When I was a child, my father was constantly filming our family, and to be honest, I used to wonder why he was so obsessed with it. But when I grew up and watched those home videos, I was deeply moved by the love I felt in those ordinary, everyday moments, and I realized how wonderful it is to preserve those memories on video. I came to appreciate the charm of video—its ability to authentically capture the expressions and voices of each moment—and now I work as a wedding videographer.

 

Future Activities

We hope to continue creating videos that touch the hearts of many people. In 2025, we plan to focus not only on weddings but also on showcasing the charms of Okinawa’s nature and culture.