IFTM has co-organised with the Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Macau, in holding the 4th ‘Japan in Macau’ photo contest in October 2022. The purpose of the contest is to promote students’ understanding of the current and historical relationship between Macao and Japan by focusing on the scenery in Macao. The photographers do not only wish to demonstrate the ‘Japanese’ side of Macao, but also try to let the audience to smell Japan with their essence of ‘Japan in Macau’ by looking at and appreciating the works.
With the cooperation of the Centre for Japanese Studies, the contest successfully attracted over 60 students from both higher education institutions to participate, which led to fostering communication and bonding in between. In the contest, 8 students were awarded the prizes and 10 students were given special awards. It is delighted to announce that 2 of our IFTM students, Diana Zhen Shiwen and Michael Mai Jiaming, have won the first prize at the contest and each of them was rewarded a cash prize of MOP1,000.
One of the winners, Diana, shared her joy and expressed her honour in receiving the winning aura. ‘Walking around the Mong Há hill under the autumn sky, I saw a bare tree in solitude which, to me, symbolising “wabi sabi: imperfect is also a kind of perfect, a Japanese philosophy,’ she said. Despite the fact that Japanese philosophers may not see that as a perfect example of wabi sabi, Diana was glad and felt grateful that her expression of wabi sabi in Macao was being appreciated in the contest.
‘Unbelievable!’ Michael, another awarded student exclaimed after showing his gratitude towards the organisers and judges. He expressed that it is amazing and fascinating to have his big interests in Japanese culture, as well as his photo-taking hobby fused into a dreamy framed work. ‘This piece of work will absolutely come to your mind once you envisage a night visiting Tokyo,’ one of the judges praised and commented on Michael’s work.
All prize-winning works will be exhibited on the 3rd floor of E21 building, Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Macau until the last day of 2022. IFTM will continue to make efforts in organising photo contests, aiming to pull students together and provide a chance for those who are interested in Macao-Japan relations and culture, to express and share their creative ideas and unique thoughts with one another, and to the public.
