Hokkaido's tangible and intangible assets, "Hokkaido Heritage," are those that we would like to pass on to the next generation. The winners of the "Hokkaido Heritage Photo & Tanka Challenge 2024," a contest calling for photographs and tanka poems on the theme of Hokkaido's 74 heritage sites, have been announced. This year, entries via SNS are newly allowed, and a new tanka category has also been established. The works of outstanding quality will provide an opportunity to rediscover the charms of Hokkaido. We hope you will enjoy the charms of Hokkaido's heritage expressed through photographs and tanka poems.

Photo Division Grand Prix & Runner-up Grand Prix

Grand Prix

Shigezo Hayashi / The Land of Untold Stories

Subject / Location / Period
Shakotan Peninsula and Cape Kamui / Cape Kamui, August 2022

Comments
While preparing to shoot "Candle," a collaboration of Kamui Rock and the sun in spring and autumn, I unexpectedly encountered a dramatic scene of an "angel's ladder" spreading across the sky. I photographed the scene while thinking of a secret story handed down in the area.

Jury Critique
The bold yet soft glow and the golden color that remains between the dark clouds are the highlights of this work. Sometimes it is difficult to find a satisfactory scene no matter how many times you visit the same place, but this time you were able to capture the exact moment. It takes not only luck but also sensitivity to recognize it. The shape of the Kamuiwa, which gives the impression of upward movement, is also alive.

Runner-up

Kazuharu Hirata / mikuni no aki

Subject / Location / Period
Tokachi Mimata Sea of Trees / Mikuni Pass, October 2021

Comment
After staring at the weather forecast, I went to Mikuni Pass after the rain. The morning sun lit up the peak of the autumn leaves, and the sea of clouds was in a perfect position.

Judges' Comment
The sea of trees seen from Mikuni Pass is one of the most popular spots for camera enthusiasts. While there are similar shots, this one is good because the photographer took advantage of a perfect shutter opportunity. It is good that a small part of the overwhelmingly powerful sea of trees is highlighted by the morning sun, and the composition of the Matsumi Ohashi Bridge, a symbol of modern architecture, is reflected in the image without being too assertive. It is a dramatic work.

Kinue Ezaki / Solitary

Subject / Location / Period
Notsuke Peninsula and Uchise-bune / Notsuke Peninsula, Todowara, February 2021

Comment
The Todowara trees are a valuable part of the peninsula, which is decreasing and disappearing year by year. The tree that existed at the time of the photo shoot is now rotting away and no longer exists, and I am reminded of the power of photography to document.

Judges' Critique
A single, leafless, unreliable tree stands firm, with the setting sun shining brightly beside it. It is a picturesque scene, isn't it? The bright red snowfield is magnificent, and the photo has the look of Hokkaido in winter. The composition of the picture is well balanced, with some shadows in the foreground and the blackened area in the center, and the composition is refined.

Tanka Division Grand Prix and Runner-up Grand Prix

Grand Prix

Yusuke Endo

■Subject
Karuta of the lower part of the verse

Comment
When I used to enjoy playing competitive karuta, I became friends with a female karuta player from Hokkaido, and through her I learned about Shimonokyu karuta. She got married to another karuta player (not from Shimonokyu karuta), but I heard it was a reverse proposal. It was interesting to think that ordinary karuta must have been embarrassing for her, and I decided to write a song about it.

Jury Critique
The idea of combining the lower part of the verse with a marriage proposal is good. It is a skillful way to bring the theme to the bottom of the poem.

Runner-up

Tetsu Nakamura

Subject
Wakka / Koshimizu wildflower garden

Comment
I traveled from Shiretoko to Koshimizu in June this year. I have wanted to visit this area since I was a student (more than 50 years ago). As I looked out over the Okhotsk Sea from the hills of Koshimizu, my heart was filled with memories of the past and the many people who have passed through the area, and I felt as if the Yezoensis flowers waving goodbye and good-bye to me.

Judges' Critique
The proper noun part, which could have been used in any way, is completed with "Koshimizu no kisuge," showing stability. Shirabe is good.

Toshihiko Matsumoto

Subject
Lake Mashu

Comment
I visited Lake Mashu more than 30 years ago on my honeymoon. We toured many places in Hokkaido, but the blue of Lake Mashu still leaves the strongest impression on me. It was blue, but it was a different kind of blue. When I looked up at the sky, it was the usual sky. It is also blue, but it is a familiar blue. That is why the blue of Lake Mashu will always remain in my memory.

Judges' Critique
The magnificent image is vividly spread out. The use of refrain to make each "blue" look like a different color is skillful.