#Japan #Kyoto #Iwata #Seasonal Photography

Celebrate the 24 Seasons of Japan with IWATA's Photo Contest

The renowned bedding company IWATA, based in Kyoto, invites photography enthusiasts to participate in its exciting "24 Seasons Photo Contest". This event aims to celebrate the beauty of Japan's four distinct seasons by bringing together stunning photographic moments that capture the essence of seasonal transitions. Participants are encouraged to submit photographs depicting the subtle changes in nature and climate throughout the year, emphasizing the deep connection between our daily lives and these natural rhythms.

What's So Special About the 24 Seasons?

The concept of Nijushi Sekki (二十四節気), or the 24 seasons, breaks down each of Japan's four seasons into six distinct phases, creating a rich tapestry of seasonal experiences. Every 15 days, these segments illustrate the transformations happening in nature, from the planting and harvesting of rice to the blooming of flowers. This calendar continues to influence our perception of seasonal change, guiding us in choosing the appropriate bedding materials to ensure a comfortable sleep. For instance, during the chilly Shokan (小寒) and Daikan (大寒) periods, the use of high-quality down comforters becomes crucial, while breathable linen or lightweight cotton is preferred during the warmer Boushu (芒種) and Geshi (夏至) segments.

How to Enter the Contest

Participating in the photo contest is simple and can be done through Instagram. Here’s how you can submit your entry:

• - Follow IWATA's official Instagram account @iwata_sleep.
• - Post a photo related to the 24 seasons on your own Instagram, tagging IWATA and using the hashtag #IWATA節気2025.
• - Don’t forget to include the location and the month when the photo was taken in your caption.

Submission Period

Entries will be accepted from August 1, 2025, to August 31, 2025.

Contest Rules

To ensure a fair competition, please adhere to the following rules:

• - Participants must be 18 years or older. Those under this age require parental consent.
• - Only original photographs taken by participants will be accepted.
• - Each entry must be exclusive to this contest and not submitted to other competitions.
• - Simple edits for brightness are permitted, but significant alterations to the image's content are not allowed.
• - Submissions with recognizable signage, logos, or those deemed inappropriate will be disqualified.
• - Ensure you have obtained permission for any identifiable people included in your photos.
• - Only Instagram submissions are accepted; multiple submissions of similar photos or collaged images are not allowed.

Judging and Awards

After the submission period, a panel of judges will review the entries. The results will be announced after October 2025, where winners will be contacted via direct message on Instagram.

Grand Prize: 1 winner will receive a ¥100,000 coupon for IWATA.
Second Prize: 23 winners will each receive a ¥10,000 coupon.

Contest Judge

One of the judges, Sakura Matsutani, is a noted photographer who specializes in capturing the unique beauty of Japan through her lens. With over 15 years of experience in various photography settings, she is also a familiar face at IWATA.

About IWATA

Founded with a commitment to health and sustainability, IWATA creates bedding that resonates with the changing seasons of Japan. Their design philosophy revolves around Authentic & Sustainable principles, focusing on using natural materials and innovative designs while minimizing environmental impact. From ensuring the longevity of their products to promoting recycling and upcycling, IWATA is dedicated to creating a sustainable future.

Store Information

Kyoto Main Store:
Address: 701-2, Sakai Machi-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, 604-8102
Telephone: 075-211-8321
Opening Hours: 11 AM to 7 PM (Closed on Wednesdays)

Tokyo Store:
Address: 5F Living Design Center, OZONE, 3-7-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 163-1005
Telephone: 03-5989-0838
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM (Closed on Wednesdays, excluding public holidays)

Osaka Regal Royal Hotel Store:
Address: B1F Palace Royal, 5-3-68 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka, 530-0005
Telephone: 06-6479-2870
Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at present)

Nihonbashi Store:
Address: 3F Nihonbashi Takashimaya S.C., 2-5-1 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 103-6103
Telephone: 03-6262-5666
Opening Hours: 10:30 AM to 8 PM

In light of the changing seasons, IWATA is committed to providing bedding solutions that are tailored to ensure a healthy sleep environment, no matter the time of year.