2025 Okinawa Resort Wedding Photo & Movie Contest – Local Government Award – Chatan Town Award

Photo & Movie Contest 2025
Award-winning works and winners announced!

 

Based on the results of votes from everyone and those of members of the Okinawa Resort Wedding Association
"Okinawa Resort Wedding Photography & Movie Contest 2025"
The award-winning works and winners have been determined!

We received comments from the winners of the Contest.

 

Municipalities Award Chatan Town Award

Title of the work: "Beautiful Sunset and Palm Tree Umbrella"

Photographer: Yuji Hayama

■ Comments on the award

Thank you very much for the recognition in the form of the Chatan Town Award. Chatan Town is where I have lived for nine years from the northern part of Okinawa, and it is also my second hometown. I believe that the photo, not just of the two of you, but also of the people who think of them, is a reminder of the memories of those who cherish them. I want to deliver photos that serve as a reminder of every day, so that one day they can become a source of support for someone else. I will continue to sincerely serve our customers.

■ About the winning works

A quiet time as the sunset fades away. Looking back on my way home, I saw a sky painted in beautiful orange colors. We joined together to support one another, and I put our shared desire to overcome whatever obstacles in front of us into a single umbrella. Since the sunset fades away quickly, I made adjustments and captured the beautiful moment before it faded away.

■ Why I became a photographer

My previous job involved work related to architecture. One day, I suddenly had time to think deeply about what I wanted to do with my life and whether I wanted to earn money or gain experience. That’s when I came up with the idea of taking photos that I had been doing since I was 20. Being able to capture people’s happy moments and for those photos to become something irreplaceable in someone’s life. I was reminded of the value of that, and I decided to pursue the path of photography. While I was still based out of the prefecture at the time, I searched for job postings based on my desire to take photos, and I met the current company. I was strongly drawn to the store manager’s vision and the photos, and I realized that I had come to hand over my resume with the intention of conveying my thoughts from Tottori to Okinawa. It’s been nine years since then. My desire for people and photography has not changed.

■ Future goals

Our future goal is to continue without bending the beliefs we have held dear up until now. Rather than doing something special, we believe that it is important to trust in who we are now and not stop building on that foundation. We believe that challenging ourselves means not just starting something new, but also continuing to be who we are now. We will continue to remain true to our original intentions while remaining honest with the people and the photography.