Curated by cizucu, ‘Sakai Colorful Journey – Colors of the City, Colors of the People’ is a special photo contest held in Sakai City with the support of Nankai Electric Railway. The contest aims to uncover the unique appeal of Sakai City, discover new talent through the platform, and support the creative community.
With the theme of ‘The Diverse Charms of Sakai City,’ submissions were invited that captured not only the beauty of architecture, the sea, and mountains, but also the individuality of distinctive shops and long-standing local cafés. Many outstanding works were submitted, each revealing unfamiliar facets and unique personalities of Sakai City.
* As an innovative startup, this project was selected for Sakai City's FY2023 Startup Demonstration Promotion Project (Trial Round Table).
Awarded Artworks
Old Sakai Lighthouse
Image by てっとう日和
てっとう日和
📷 Canon EOS KISS M
cizucu Editorial Team
This work captures a moment where the light illuminating the history of the Old Sakai Lighthouse intersects with contemporary sensibilities. Under the soft blue hour sky, the gentle glow of the lighthouse asserts its presence, while the star-shaped lights around it evoke pathways to the past. The robust structure of the expressway and the gentle curves of the stairs symbolize the transformation and growth of this place, quietly narrating the serene beauty of Sakai City in the tranquil blue hour.
Daisen Park Japanese Garden
Image by 栄樹
栄樹
📷 FUJIFILM X-T30
cizucu Editorial Team
This vibrant work captures the beauty of the Japanese garden in Daisen Park through the lens of autumn foliage. The crimson leaves accentuate the tranquility of the garden, and their reflection on the water mesmerizes the viewer. The garden’s architecture, with its subdued tones, serves as a stage that enhances the natural beauty. Even as the seasons change, the garden’s enduring calm and peace express the timelessness of traditional Japanese gardens, beautifully illustrating the unique harmony of nature and culture in Sakai City.
Mozu Hachimangu Shrine
Image by ゆらぎ
ゆらぎ
cizucu Editorial Team
This image powerfully conveys the cultural heritage and communal spirit of Sakai City. The backs of the participants, clad in white happi coats with red lettering, exude a sense of unity and pride as they bear the weighty mikoshi. The vivid red of the portable shrine stands out against the blue sky, highlighting the vibrancy and color of traditional festivals. This photograph encapsulates the rich traditions that celebrate Sakai’s history and the passion of its citizens who carry these customs forward, leaving a lasting impression on the viewer.
Sakai City Urban Greening Center
Image by youmage
youmage
cizucu Editorial Team
This work, photographed at the Sakai City Urban Greening Center, captures the remarkable detail and vibrancy of plant life. The vivid magenta and green leaves reveal a complexity and mystery of color beyond human creation. The water droplets resting gently on the leaves symbolize the delicacy of life and Sakai City’s commitment to greening and ecosystem preservation. It tells the story of the beauty of nature found within the urban environment and the city’s dedication to valuing its rich greenery.
Fenice Sakai
Image by Shou
Shou
cizucu Editorial Team
This dynamic image captures the excitement of a Christmas event at Fenice Sakai, conveying the sense of community and festive joy of winter celebrations. This moment is a testament to how Sakai City nurtures diverse talents and provides spaces for people to gather, vividly expressing the city’s cultural richness through color.
Hankai Tramway Sakai Line, Terajicho Station
Image by the Oji brown
the Oji brown
📷 SONY ILCE-7M4
cizucu Editorial Team
The colorful flowerbeds heralding the arrival of spring and the vibrant blue and yellow tram passing in front embody the city’s vitality and harmony with nature, beautifully capturing Sakai City’s everyday life. The retro design of the tram evokes nostalgia for a bygone era, serving as a bridge between Sakai’s rich history and the present, leaving visitors with a warm impression. This work powerfully conveys the beauty and charm of Sakai City’s daily life in every detail.
In Conclusion
Through this photo contest, the diverse landscapes, culture, and daily lives of Sakai City’s citizens have been vividly conveyed through the submitted works. From the historic lighthouse to the flowers that signal the coming of spring, and the lively festivals, Sakai City’s everyday life is full of color, weaving together a rich tapestry of stories.
The creative perspectives of all participating creators have uncovered new facets of Sakai City, and will continue to share the city’s beauty with many more people through their works.
The awarded artworks are scheduled to be exhibited at the following location and period.
Exhibition Information
■ Location
Nankai Koya Line, Sakaihigashi Station (next to the station office, inside the ticket gates) | Map
■ Address
61 Mikunigaoka Miyukidori, Sakai-ku, Sakai City, Osaka 590-0028
■ Period
February 1 (Thu) – February 14 (Wed), 2024
We invite you to experience the charm of Sakai City as seen through the eyes of these creators, whose perspectives expand the city’s appeal.
cover image by tom