Hello, all foodies!! Thank you for your patience. 🕰️ We are finally ready to announce the winners of the Japan Month Social Media Post Contest 2023.

Firstly, we would like to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who participated in this contest. 🙏 Your voices, echoing through your posts, exclaiming "Delicious" and "I never knew about this dish" while savoring regional Japanese cuisines, truly warmed the hearts of all involved.

We are committed to continuing our efforts to let you enjoy the various charms of Japan, including Japanese food and regional cuisines. 🍱🍣🗾

Now, without further ado, let's move on to the announcement of the winners. 🏆

In late June, representatives from the Consulate-General of Japan in New York, JETRO, and JAL gathered to conduct the final judgment, selecting three winners from the 30 finalists.

Choosing between the posts was not an easy task, each one having its own unique charm and creativity. However, against our theme "We Love Japanese Food", we considered not only the photos but also the caption of the posts, and have decided on the winners that we believe embody the theme best.

So, let us now announce the winners for each area. 📣

Final Selection

Winning Comments,

There are so many aspects to love about Japan and Japanese culture, among the greatest being the cuisine! After visiting Japan once before, one experience that really stuck with me was all of the delicious food I ate while I was there, and I have been eagerly awaiting the opportunity to return. While I am lucky to live in NYC where there are several fantastic Japanese restaurant options, I look forward to sampling even more authentic dishes while visiting Sapporo!

Winning Comments,

My love for Japanese culture started with my love for anime. I was raised on shows like Sailor Moon, Inuyasha, Rurouni Kenshin, and I have lost count of how many more anime that I have watched! My love for Japan grew even more when I got the chance to take Japanese language and Japanese civilization classes in college!

Nowadays, my sister and I cosplay at conventions all around the US and attend Japanese festivals whenever we can. In fact, we heard about this contest at the 2023 Japan Day Parade and decided to enter! I cannot believe that I won and that I will finally be going to Japan! This will be my first time going. :) I am so grateful for this once in a lifetime experience! どうもありがとうございます!!

Winning Comments,

I decided to enter the contest because Japan, for me, is a magical place. It is made of tradition and steeped in culture, cross sectioned with innovation. It holds you captivated with its folklore and enamored by the generosity of spirit. Japanese food is a  reflection of it's history and geography. You can literally taste where the country was born from and the direction they are choosing to go. My heart is FULL! I am ready to share my love and enthusiasm of all that I will experience in this most beautiful land! 

JAPAN HERE I COME 💖 

To our winners, a heartfelt congratulations! 🎉 And once again, thank you to all the participants. 🙏

Moving forward, we will continue to share the charm of Japan throughout the year, not only in May but all year round, through various events and initiatives such as JAPAN Fes.

Together, let's thoroughly enjoy the wonderful things Japan has to offer! 🎌🍣🌸