Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima speaks during the 12th Korea-Japan Photo Contest held at the ambassador’s residence in Seoul, Nov. 28. Courtesy of Embassy of Japan in Seoul
The Japanese Embassy in Seoul hosted an awards ceremony on Nov. 28 for the 12th Korea-Japan Photo Contest, a cultural initiative marking the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic ties between the two countries.
Launched in 2014, the annual contest aims to promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges and encourage tourism between Korea and Japan. This year’s edition was held as an official commemorative project for the 60th anniversary, inviting submissions that captured the appeal of both countries or depicted moments of friendship and exchange from 1965 to 2025.
The two neighbors marked six decades of normalized relations this year, reflecting on a relationship that has weathered colonial-era grievances, trade tensions and security challenges, but continues to be anchored by robust economic ties and shared democratic values.
Both governments have sought to use the anniversary to highlight cooperation in culture, youth exchange, tourism and emerging security issues as they work to stabilize and strengthen bilateral ties.
At the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Korea Koichi Mizushima said he was “deeply moved by the emotion and passion contained in each work,” adding that the photos went “beyond words” and offered an opportunity for both peoples to rediscover one another’s charm. He expressed hope that the contest would help spark “new exchanges for the future.”
The award-winning photographs will be on display at Gimpo International Airport’s international departures hall on the third floor from Dec. 19 to Jan. 14, and later at the Sowol Exhibition Hall of the Seongdong Cultural Foundation from Jan. 16 to 31.
Organizers said they hope the exhibitions will introduce a broader audience to the cultural richness of both countries and further expand bilateral exchange.
AloJapan.com