#Japan #Tokyo #Photo Contest #fotowa #Shichigosan

Celebrating the Heartwarming Chaos of Shichi-Go-San

Fotowa, a family-oriented photography platform, recently concluded its photo contest themed '#OurShichiGoSanEvents'. On December 16, 2025, the results of this engaging competition were shared, highlighting the delightful chaos that often accompanies the Shichi-Go-San celebrations across Japan.

The Shichi-Go-San festival is a significant event for families, marking the growth of children as they turn three, five, or seven years old. It’s a day filled with emotions, and while parents strive for perfection during this milestone, mishaps often become cherished memories that families look back on fondly.

Fotowa, led by President Daisuke Komata and operated by Pixsta Inc. in Shibuya, Tokyo, aimed to encourage families to relax and embrace the unpredictable nature of the day. In total, 43 heartwarming and often hilarious photos were submitted for consideration. The judging panel, composed of Fotowa's staff and chief judge Hiroshi Masuda, selected one grand prize winner and ten outstanding entries based on creativity and representation of the event's essence.

The Grand Prize Winner

Among the submissions, the grand award went to an unforgettable photo titled “Where Did You Sleep?!” This hilarious moment captured a little girl who, despite the formal ambiance of the ceremony, couldn't resist the urge to lie down and enjoy the sun. “Ahh! This feels great!” she exclaimed as she tumbled onto the ground, showcasing the pure, carefree joy of childhood.

Judge's Commentary

Hiroshi Masuda, the chief judge and a talented photographer from Fukuoka, discussed the irony of the winning photo. Initially, he mistook the image for a child throwing a tantrum. However, upon closer inspection, he realized it depicted a content little girl overwhelmed by her gratifying experience, showcasing her innate sense of comfort over formality. “This incident truly embodies the spirit of the contest, reflecting genuine family moments filled with laughter and love,” he remarked. The photo skillfully contrasts the girl’s spontaneous joy with the expected formalities, making it a clear standout.

Showcasing Joyful Entries

Additionally, ten remarkable submissions were recognized with awards based on their heartfelt depictions of Shichi-Go-San moments, showcasing the unique experiences of different families:

• - A father, lifting his daughter, reflects on how her growth symbolizes love, humorously commenting on her increasing weight.
• - A young child exclaims in frustration when her parent fails to hold her hand, expressing the ups and downs of a three-year-old’s emotions.
• - A sweet moment captured in the car reveals a little girl waking up just in time to smile for the camera after a long nap.
• - An enthusiastic daughter dressed in a formal kimono exclaims her delight, literally jumping with joy amidst the day’s celebrations.

Embracing the Unexpected

The contest was not just about showcasing perfect moments but rather about embracing the beautiful chaos of parenting. Each submitted photo encapsulated a unique family narrative, reminding us that the essence of events like Shichi-Go-San lies in the joy, laughter, and surprises that come along the way. Fotowa's initiative emphasizes that it is perfectly alright not to have everything planned out and encourages families to celebrate life's spontaneous moments.

In the end, the contest served as a gentle reminder to relax, enjoy, and create lasting memories as families navigate the ups and downs of parenting. Fotowa remains committed to framing these precious family experiences, ensuring that no matter what happens, the memories created will always bring warmth and joy.

For more details, visit the results announcement page at Fotowa Results. Their mission is to continue providing a platform where families can document their unique traditions and the inimitable chaos that comes with them, assisting in preserving family memories for years to come.