Introduction
'January Diary '26' is a global online photo contest hosted by cizucu, open to any creator registered on cizucu. Outstanding submissions are curated from among the entries, aiming to discover new talent for the platform and to foster support within the community.
January is a time when the flow of days feels a bit slower, making it easier to reflect on your surroundings and yourself.
New goals, the sense of new beginnings, and subtle changes that have yet to be put into words—surely there were moments you wanted to capture precisely because of this season.
We received many submissions documenting January’s events and emotional shifts, preserved as photographic diaries.
Now, let us introduce the submissions and the awarded works.
Submissions
Photo by masakun
masakun
“Happy New Year”
📷 NIKON D750
cizucu Editorial Team
This work captures an ema (votive plaque) with a magnificent white horse painted on it, in celebration of the Year of the Horse. The dynamic white horse and the character for 'peace' evoke hope for the new year. The reflection of a woman gazing at the ema in the frame adds another layer, allowing us to project our wishes for a good year onto her, drawing the viewer deeper into the work.
Photo by 服部まいこ
服部まいこ
📷 FUJIFILM X100V
cizucu Editorial Team
On a chilly morning, snow piled high on a fence sparkles like jewels in the gentle backlight. The snow bridge is not perfectly stacked—some parts have collapsed. It invites us to imagine the process behind it. The ability to capture a slice of everyday life that evokes a narrative is truly remarkable.
Awarded Works
Photo by takaomikim
takaomikim
📷 FUJIFILM SP-3000
cizucu Editorial Team
This lively New Year’s scene shows family and friends gathered around the table, sharing sushi and pizza. The soft winter light streaming through the window gently envelops the faces and dishes, conveying a sense of warmth and conviviality. The photograph beautifully balances the luxury of a special day with the comfort of everyday life, embodying the unique family gatherings of January. Just looking at it makes you feel as if you are part of the circle, sharing in the happiness.
Photo by T S
T S
Nighttime Delivery in the Snow
cizucu Editorial Team
This dramatic scene captures a single bicycle quietly making its way through a city at night as snow falls heavily. The monochrome palette accentuates the contrast between the white snow and the streetlights, creating a cinematic atmosphere. Even in such harsh conditions, the determination of the cyclist to reach their destination is palpable.
In Closing
We hope you enjoyed this feature.
January, with its New Year’s festivities, is a particularly special time of year, and perhaps many of you took countless photographs.
As winter deepens, even the most ordinary scenes are transformed by snow, offering more photographic opportunities.
The 'Diary' series will continue, so we encourage you to capture slices of your daily life and submit your works to the February contest as well!