Distance from the Sea
“Distance from the Sea” is a global online photo contest presented by cizucu, open to all creators registered on cizucu. Outstanding submissions will be curated, aiming to discover new talent through the platform and to foster support within the community.
There is an invisible yet profound bond between the sea and our daily lives. Whether it’s everyday life by the shore, the horizon at dusk, or moments enveloped by the scent of the tide, the sea quietly and beautifully enriches our existence.
This edition’s theme is “The Distance Between the Sea and Everyday Life.” We invite you to submit photographs that express your personal connection to the sea and the sense of distance between your daily life and the ocean. Don’t overthink it—simply turn your lens toward the beautiful seascape, follow your instincts, and press the shutter. We look forward to receiving many submissions from you.
Finally, we are pleased to welcome three official curators for “Distance from the Sea”: photographers Koki Manju, Kento Hirasue, and Utaumi, all of whom are based in the Setouchi region. We are excited to facilitate new encounters between participants and curators through this contest.
Official Curators
萬壽洸樹
Born in 1998. Currently divides his time between Okinawa and Okayama. Released the photobook “Beyond Ripples,” which encapsulates his feelings, movements, and the expansiveness he experienced in Okayama, and includes a limited recording of Hideyuki Hashimoto’s improvisational piece “hamon” performed at the exhibition “Ripple.”
Instagram: @manju_koki
cizucu: 萬壽洸樹/manjukoki
Website: https://bio.site/manju_koki
平末健人
Born in 1997. Works as a barista at Kinoshita Shoten while pursuing photography based in the Setouchi region. Through his work, he explores what should be preserved for the future from the present moment. Currently hosts the podcast “Setouchi no Kaze.”
Instagram: @_kentohirasue
cizucu: kento hirasue
Website: https://kentohirasue.studio.site
うたうみ
Born in 1999 in Yamaguchi Prefecture. Moved to Okayama, drawn by the tranquil seas of Setouchi. Captures photographs that gently accompany people’s thoughts and daily lives, while cherishing a lifestyle close to nature. Enjoys being barefoot by the sea and savoring delicious food.
Instagram: @utau_mi
cizucu: utaumi
Website: https://utaumi-photo.com/
Inspiration
Image by 萬壽洸樹/manjukoki
cizucu Editorial Team
The view from the seaside window is the same every day, yet always different. Occasionally, a fishing boat appears, reminding us of the subtle changes each day brings. The urge to wave at a distant boat is a small joy in the quiet rhythm of daily life.
Image by kento hirasue
cizucu Editorial Team
The scent of the sea breeze beyond the balcony and a vivid rainbow arching across the sky. I’d like to gather these small miracles hidden in everyday life and someday weave them into an anthology. Let’s bookmark these moments and cherish them as precious pages in our lives.
Image by utaumi
cizucu Editorial Team
A tranquil and beautiful moment as the sunset turns the sea’s surface orange. Quietly watching the day come to a close, I reflect on tomorrow’s sun and let my thoughts wander within.
Contest Information
Contest Period
February 7, 2023 (Wed) – March 6, 2023 (Wed)
Award Announcement
March 22, 2023 (Fri)
Rewards
Official curator merchandise (3 works)
Each curator will select one work, and the artist will receive a piece directly from the curator.
Koki Manju: Photobook “Beyond Ripples”
Kento Hirasue: Setouchi Life Photo Exhibition “Distant Blue” Limited Edition Postcard Set
Utaumi: Photobook “Fragments of Life” & Setouchi Life Photo Exhibition “Distant Blue” Limited Edition Postcard
How to Submit
・Select the contest “Distance from the Sea”
・Tap “Agree to Submission Guidelines and Post”
・Select your content and submit your work
Jury Criteria
(1) Thematic Relevance: Does the work align with the stated mission?
(2) Subject Matter: Is the photographer’s intention clearly conveyed?
(3) Expressiveness: Does the work demonstrate expressive qualities such as perspective, composition, balance, focus, and color?
(4) Timing: Has the photographer captured the decisive moment or timing of the subject?
(5) Originality: Does the work show unique creativity in location, subject, or approach?