Cover photo by yohei funakoshi
The cizucu community regularly hosts global online photo contests open to everyone. These contests range from those organized by cizucu to collaborations with various brands, covering a wide variety of themes. The goal is to inspire individual creativity and enable rich, unrestricted expression.
Currently, five contests are ongoing: 'What I Feel,' 'September Diary '25,' 'Intentional Water,' 'Gradient of Time,' and 'Parks Vibes ~ Encounters in the Park ~.'
This time, we introduce selected submissions and contest details from each ongoing contest.
What I Feel
Theme: My Feelings
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Photo by yohei funakoshi
yohei funakoshi
Touching and parting, the traces of waves.
cizucu Editorial Team
The ever-moving waves, leaving no fixed form, evoke emotions that continue to stir within. The powerful yet fleeting motion of the waves brings to mind fluctuations, conflicts, and tranquility. The smooth trails captured through long exposure reflect the passage of time, while the shells left behind seem to symbolize an unchanging core of oneself. This is truly a photograph that encapsulates indescribable feelings.
September Diary '25
Theme: September Diary
Submission Deadline: Tuesday, September 30, 2025
Photo by S.Yasu Photo
S.Yasu Photo
September 11th—
The signs of autumn are becoming visible.
📷 NIKON Z5II
cizucu Editorial Team
The shimmering pampas grass under the sunlight spreads across the scene, as if conveying the breeze blowing through. The vivid green of the grass and the soft sunlight reflect the remnants of summer, while the extended plumes of the pampas grass herald the arrival of autumn. This is a moment unique to September, capturing the transition between seasons as a memory.
Intentional Water
Theme: Expressions Using Water
Submission Deadline: Sunday, October 6, 2025
Photo by Jun
Jun
At Hanayutei
On a rainy day
Everything is made of waves.
cizucu Editorial Team
The raindrops lined up on the leaves shine as beautiful spheres. This fleeting sculptural beauty, created only by water's ability to change form, is captured magnificently. The monochrome expression highlights the transparency and contours, while the contrast of light and shadow vividly brings out the presence of the raindrops. Within limited elements, this photograph captures the pure beauty of water, leaving viewers captivated.
Gradient of Time
Theme: Transience
Submission Deadline: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Photo by dsuke087
dsuke087
📷 NIKON 1 J5
cizucu Editorial Team
The large and small trees evoke the process of growth and the accumulation of time. The light streaming through reflects the ever-changing flow of a day, while the two benches standing alone seem to tell the stories of the conversations and thoughts of those who once sat there. Each element captured in the frame conveys the sense of 'transience,' creating a simple yet deeply evocative piece.
Parks Vibes ~ Encounters in the Park ~
Theme: Encounters and Favorites in the Park
Submission Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025
Photo by ずっしー
ずっしー
Octopus Sausage
Every year, during the season when pomegranates bloom, I find myself arranging the calyxes that fall without bearing fruit.
📷 FUJIFILM X-T5
cizucu Editorial Team
This shot was taken at one of the featured parks, Hattori Ryokuchi. The seasonal flowers, changing with the passage of time, convey the joy of visiting every year and every season. While the fruits and petals often draw attention, the vibrant gradient of the calyx's beauty irresistibly captures the eye. The resemblance to an octopus sausage brings a smile to the viewer's face, making this a delightful piece.
