March 29, 2020
East Nippon Expressway Co., Ltd.
Hokkaido Regional Head Office

Despite the fact that it was a year when sightseeing and outings were difficult due to the new coronavirus, well over 600 entries were received, and the quality of the works was probably the highest level ever, and the number of awards was insufficient. There were so many excellent works, good works, and masterpieces that I didn't think there would be.
"Yuyake no Sora," which won the Grand Prize in the "Scenery with a Expressway" category, depicts a quiet and calm summer evening, but on the other hand, its three-dimensional layout is attractive. The sunset-tinged clouds are captured in a one-point perspective, the dynamics of the river and water crossing in front of them, and Expressway that dynamically cuts in from above.
"Fairy in the Snow", the Grand Prize winner in the "Four Seasons of Hokkaido" category, is the first award for animal photography in the "Four Seasons of Hokkaido" category. It is said that he shot “a deer that suddenly appeared” in front of him. ) combined with it records a moment like a daydream. In the field of animal photography, where there are many "masters", the subject is often captured in a documentary or dramatic style, but this work has a taste that is not seen in the current contest.
With the arrival of the new spring, the social situation surrounding the new coronavirus has also reached a turning point. This season, we will finally be able to visit various places in Hokkaido and drive. Taking off the mask for the first time in a while, taking a deep breath and touching the landscape, the people you meet will make you look fresh and attractive like never before. I look forward to seeing your work through your unique “photo chance”. (The full text can be viewed on the DraPla dedicated page.)

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Ryusuke Ito
Born in Sapporo in 1963. Videographer. In the field of art film and video art, he makes presentations at film festivals and museums in Japan and overseas. Currently, he is involved in the education of video and media art including photography at Hokkaido Kyoiku University. There are also many manga reviews under the name of "Kenji Murasame". Professor, Imaging Laboratory, Department of Arts and Sports Culture, Hokkaido Kyoiku University. Completed the Graduate School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

The NEXCO EAST Group has positioned the period from FY2021 to FY2025 as "a period that contributes to the achievement of the SDGs and transforms into a new future society," and is making various efforts.
We believe that this "Hokkaido Expressway Four Seasons Photo Contest" will contribute to SDGs Nos. 8 and 17 as business activities that will lead to the promotion of sustainable tourism and the revitalization of local communities.