The 74th annual Nikkor Photo Contest in Japan recently celebrated its winners, showcasing talent from photographers across the nation. Known as this prestigious competition, it has been running since 1953 and is a staple for both amateur and professional photographers, offering significant prizes across its categories.
Mayumi Takeuchi from Kanagawa claimed the Grand Prix with a stunning underwater photograph featuring a diving booby. Captured less than a meter away, the photo earned Takeuchi a 500,000 yen cash prize and a Nikon Z8 camera, valued at $4,300. Judges hailed the image as a “miracle,” a testament to its technical brilliance and captivating imagery.
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Web Category Winners
Open Category
In the Open Category, Tokushima’s Toru Shinohara outshone 6,288 competitors with a dynamic surfing photograph. Tatsuya Sato from Niigata received the Silver Prize, while Erika Iguchi, Junko Kato, and Mitsumasa Fujishita each secured Bronze Medals.


Nature Category
Koichiro Ikeda of Fukuoka earned the Gold Prize with a mesmerizing image of two owls in flight, captured using an 800mm super-telephoto lens. This intricate mirror-like composition solidified his win. Keiko Negishi secured Silver, and Masato Nakata, Yasuyuki Konishi, and Akira Sato won Bronze. Such mesmerizing talent is a highlight of the show.


Under 35 Category
Ryo Takano from Niigata was honored for their serene night-time glacier landscape, taking home the top prize in this year’s contest. Minaho Imai received Silver, with Kumiko Takane, Go Marui, and Ryo Takase each winning Bronze.


Print Division Winners
Open Category
Kanagawa’s Sanae Ono triumphed in the Open Print Competition, while Masaya Akamatsu earned Silver. Reiko Toki, Yoshiyasu Nagura, and Teruhiko Yono shared Bronze.


Nature Category
Tokyo photographer Rui Nagumo captured hearts with an adorable squirrel photo, winning the Nature Print competition. Silver went to Norihiro Ikuma, while Ryo Omoto, Akira Sato, and Arihiro Saito clinched Bronze. This renowned event continues to inspire with such delightful entries.


Junior High and High School Students
Akari Ogushi from Wakayama won Gold in the student category. Yui Kawashima from Osaka received Silver, with Koto Isomura, Shiori Tanaka, and Aoi Nakano achieving Bronze. This year saw 824 students participating in the competition, showcasing the promising skills of young Japanese photographers.
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Source: petapixel.com
Frequently asked questions
Who won the Grand Prix at the 74th Nikkor Photo Contest?
Mayumi Takeuchi from Kanagawa won the Grand Prix with a stunning underwater photograph featuring a diving booby.
What was the prize for the 74th Nikkor Photo Contest Grand Prix winner?
The Grand Prix winner, Mayumi Takeuchi, received a 500,000 yen cash prize and a Nikon Z8 camera, valued at $4,300.
Which photograph won Koichiro Ikeda a prize in the Nature Category?
Koichiro Ikeda of Fukuoka won the Gold Prize in the Nature Category with a mesmerizing image of two owls in flight, captured using an 800mm super-telephoto lens.
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