#Japan #Tokyo #Nippon Kodo #Photo Contest #Obon Festival

Nippon Kodo's Obon Photo Contest 2025: Celebrating Cultural Traditions

Nippon Kodo, a prominent Japanese manufacturer specializing in incense and fragrances, has unveiled the winners of its second annual Obon Photo Contest 2025. This year’s contest, themed "Isn’t Obon Wonderful?", received an impressive total of 1,307 submissions, showcasing the deep cultural significance of the Obon festival in Japan.

The contest encourages participants to submit photographs along with personal anecdotes that capture the essence of Obon, a period when Japanese families honor their ancestral spirits. The selected winners included a variety of heartwarming stories, resonating with the core values of remembrance and connection to heritage.

Award Winners Highlights

Grand Prize:

• - Winner: Hiro
• - Photo: "Welcoming Fire at Waterside"
• - Comment: Hiro submitted a serene depiction of a local tradition from Matsumae Town, Ehime Prefecture, where a straw mat lit on fire is carried downstream to guide the spirits of ancestors home. This annual event holds a special place in Hiro’s heart, symbolizing hope and reverence.

Excellent Award Winners:

1. Accun Papa
- Photo: "Excited Homecoming Report!"
- Comment: His daughter joyfully notified the family about her growing-up milestone, ringing a bell in memory of her grandfather who passed away when she was a baby. This touching moment reminded everyone of the passage of time and familial bonds.

2. Monyou
- Photo: "A Back Full of Dignity"
- Comment: Capturing a moment at their grandparents’ home, a child struggles to tie a festival sash, showcasing youthful determination and a bond with their heritage.

3. Valdivia
- Photo: "Reunion with Father"
- Comment: While Valdivia did not provide a comment, the sentiment behind the photo resonated with many.

Nippon Kodo Award Winner:

• - Winner: Aoringo
• - Photo: "The Sky of That Day"
• - Comment: Reflecting on the memories of a grandfather, Aoringo illustrated a beautiful sky and fireworks, creating a mystical scenery during Obon, presumably for the grandfather's spirit.

The ten additional awardees, recognized under the “Sadakichi & Seiun-kun Award,” can be viewed on the dedicated contest website. The results highlight personal stories that connect individuals to their ancestry, crafting a community narrative that both honors and celebrates Japanese cultural practices.

Continuing Cultural Heritage

Nippon Kodo, headquartered in Chuo City, Tokyo, remains committed to sustaining Japan’s unique fragrance culture and the practice of ancestor worship. This commitment resonates through their tagline: "A life enriched by fragrance." As a core subsidiary of the Nippon Kodo Group, which boasts 450 years of heritage, it aims to foster an appreciation for its traditional values.

The Obon Photo Contest is part of their ongoing initiative to engage younger generations in their cultural legacy, inviting them to share cherished moments that encapsulate the essence of the Obon festival.

Contest Overview

• - Submission Period: July 1, 2025 - August 24, 2025
• - Eligibility: Participants must possess an open account on X or Instagram to submit their entries.
• - Official Contest Website: Obon Photo Contest Site

Thanks to all who participated, making this year's contest a success and reflecting the memory and spirit of Obon through art and personal storytelling. Nippon Kodo looks forward to the upcoming years of fostering cultural appreciation through creative expression.

In conclusion, as we celebrate the winners of the Obon Photo Contest 2025, we are reminded of the importance of honoring our past while creating new memories, fostering a deeper connection between generations in an ever-evolving world. Let’s continue to cherish and embrace our roots, ensuring that tradition thrives.