January Diary '26
'January Diary '26' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to all creators registered on the platform. The contest aims to curate outstanding submissions, discover new talents, and support the community.
Happy New Year, cizucu creators! We look forward to your continued creativity in 2026.
As we begin the first month of the year, what sights are you seeing, and what emotions are you experiencing in your daily life?
This time, the theme is ‘January Diary’.
The ‘Diary’ series is a contest where participants post photos taken daily, along with the stories of those days, much like a diary.
January often feels like a slower-paced month, offering a chance to reflect on your surroundings and yourself. It’s a time for new goals, the promise of beginnings, and subtle changes that are yet to be put into words. These are moments worth capturing.
Why not document your January experiences and emotional shifts through photos as a diary?
Inspiration
Photo by filmtaaabooo777
filmtaaabooo777
cizucu Editorial Team
Soft light filters through the winter trees, reflecting a faint golden hue on the stone steps. The chill of the handrail and the dry scent of fallen leaves linger. Time beyond the torii gate seems to gently nudge you forward.
Photo by umisora
umisora
Mount Fuji
📷 LUMIX DC-S5M2
cizucu Editorial Team
The shadow of Mount Fuji stands quietly above a sea of clouds, with only the boundary between light and darkness remaining sharp. It feels as though the auspicious first dream of the year blends seamlessly with the cold, silent altitude, promising a good year ahead.
Photo by Yosuke0312
Yosuke0312
Unfairly life's good fortune is sometimes distributed.
cizucu Editorial Team
Scattered red characters light up overlapping paper fragments, accompanied by the sound of dry paper rustling. A sense of New Year excitement seems to linger in the air.
Photo by たけぽん
たけぽん
“The first sunrise is dazzling.”
📷 RICOH GR II
cizucu Editorial Team
The light of the first sunrise streams through the window, gently warming the stillness of the room. The light softens on white fur, and shadows stretch long. In this cozy space, the cold outside seems forgotten, and time moves at a slower pace.
Photo by mar00ram
mar00ram
cizucu Editorial Team
Slanting light on the tiles reveals fine particles, with a small pair of shoes quietly placed there. This fleeting moment before heading out seems to be tucked into the pages of January, preserved in the shape of shadows.
Contest Information
【Event Period】
Thursday, January 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2026
【Winner Announcement】
Tuesday, February 10, 2026
【Rewards】
Free participation ticket for cizucu's 'Photo Poster Project' (valued at 6,000 yen, for 2 winners)
【How to Enter】
・Select the contest 'January Diary '26'
・Tap 'Agree to the terms and submit'
・Choose your submission content and enter your work
【Judging Criteria】
(1) Thematic Relevance: Does it align with the stated mission?
(2) Subject Focus: Does the photo convey the photographer's intent?
(3) Expressiveness: Does it demonstrate skill in perspective, composition, balance, focus, and color?
(4) Timing: Does it capture the subject at the perfect moment?
(5) Originality: Does it show unique creativity in location, subject, etc.?