CANON Photomarathon ASIA CHAMPIONSHIP 2017

Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship 2017

Ibaraki and Tokyo, Japan

15 May - 23 May

18 Challengers - 17 Marathons - 1 Face-Off - 1 Passion - Photography

From different countries around Asia, all of the Grand Prize Winners from Regional Canon Photomarathons gathered to an all expense paid trip to Japan to vie for the prestige title "Asia Champion" of the Canon Photomarathon in Asia.

It is indeed a great experience to be part of an international photography championship, Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship 2017. CPMC from previous years, widely known as Canon Photo Clinic, is an all expense paid trip by Canon to different places in Japan by which gave each participants privileges of learning from each other and also from an experienced photographer. Professional landscape photographer, Goto Aki, mentored all the participants in different places in Ibaraki and Tokyo in Japan which he shared his photographic insights on how each contestants can improve their artistic skills in photography and experiences on his journey to becoming Pro in photography.

I always dreamed to be part of a photography competition to represent my country, the Philippines. It's true that dreams do come true as I fulfilled my duties as a representative of a country (Singapore) in a competition like this in Asia which I am very proud of. When I'm still starting my photography career and learning the art all by myself thru reading books, magazines and searching over the internet,  I always join photomarathon in my country to try my best to win and to learn as much as possible from experienced photographers. Until I moved here in Singapore for work, it was my first time to join the Canon Photomarathon here and I can say that I am lucky enough to become the Best of Show that opens the door for me to be  part of an experience of a lifetime journey that many of us are dreaming of, the Canon Photo Clinic in Japan.

Our journey started from our country of origin and make our first meet-up at Changi Airport, Singapore. From there, we all leave the country going to Tokyo, Japan with our very generous sponsor, Japan Airlines. 

Briefing at Changi Airport before boarding lead by Evan Cheung of Canon Singapore and Rie-san of HIS.

Arrival at Haneda Airport in Tokyo, Japan.

Arrival at our first location, Ushiku Daibutsu, Ibaraki Prtefecture.

First day with mentor Goto Aki, lunchtime at Chateau Kamiya.

First lunch for the long trip.

First Day

Ushiku Daibutsu of Ibaraki Prefecture, recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest Buddha statue in the world weighing 4000 tons. It was built in 1993 to commemorate the birth of Shinran, the founder of Jodo Shinshu sect of Japanese Buddhism. Also known as the Ushiku ARCADIA ( Amida's Radiance and Compassion Actually Developing and Illuminating Area)

Different views outside the statue.

Inside the statue.

Chateau Kamiya

Rie-san as our first model :)

Kodokan is the largest Han school in the Edo period. Located in Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, three of it's buildings have been designated important cultural properties and the schools is a special historic site.

"The Keeper"

Challenge briefing by Evan Cheung followed by photo review.

Second Day

Oarai of Ibaraki Prefecture, is a town located in Higashiibaraki District in the northern part of Kanto region. It is located in the coast of central Ibaraki boardered by Pacific Ocean to the east.

Oarai Isosaki Shrine is a historic shrine established in 856 enshrines a deity of medicine who bestows happiness and good match. It was lost during war from 1558-1570 and was rebuilt in 1690 by patrons. The shrine has three torii gates at separate locations. Kamiiso-no-torii, the gate that stands on an island rock. Splash from the waves hitting the rock washes the torii repeatedly. Because the coast and the torii face the east, the rising sun seen from the spot has a mystical atmosphere fusing natural beauty and religiosity.

Ichi-no-torii towering up as if it was stradding a prefectural road is a huge ferroconcrete structure that is 15.60m high and 22.42m wide. Climb the steps behind Ni-no-torii single midedly, and you will see the shrine buildings

Selfie with the shrine.

3AM Call time

Nakaminato Fish Market, adjacent to the Nakaminato Fishing Port, has many big fish markets and seafood restaurants. This port is among the biggest bases for coastal and pelagic fishery so the market has a wide variety of fresh fish.

    

Hitachi Seaside Park is a  public park in Hitachinaka, Ibaraki Prefecture. It covers an area of 190 hectares that features blooming flowers around the year. The park has become known for its baby blue-eye flowers, with the blooming of 4.5 million of the translucent-petaled blue flowers in the spring.

Aratamiya-ryu Battojutsu is an old term for iaijutsu. It is often used interchangeably with the terms iaijutsu and batto. It is practiced as a part of a classical ryu and is closely integrated with the tradition of kenjutsu and is practice with the live blade, katana, often as simply the sole, kata. The training is for combative effectiveness through factors such as distancing, timing and targeting. As such, battojutsu is not intended for sports like or spiritual purposes as are modern budo like iaido and kendo. This place is in Mito Tobu Kan.

Meiri Shurui Besshunkan Museum of Umeshu and Sake Besshunkan is the tourist sake brewery which Meiri Shurui Co. Ltd. manages from the Edo period.

Third Day

Fukuroda Falls is located in Daigo, Ibaraki Prefecture. The Taki river has its source spring just above the falls. The river flows through the falls and ultimately joins the major Kuji river. The width of the falls is 73m, while the height reaches 120m. During winter, the falls may freeze. It is the 3rd most beautiful waterfall in Japan.

Local Restaurant with a Garden inside

Kairaku-en.  Ranked among Japan's three finest landscape gardens, Kairakuen is most famous for its over three thousand plum trees. The garden was damage from March 2011 earthquake, but was repaired and fully reopened in February 2012. It was built relatively recently in 1841 by the local Lord Tokugawa Nariaki that means "Park to be enjoyed together".

The garden was used for shooting location for our three Japanese models.

Fourth Day

Yokohama Chinatown is located in Yokohama, Japan. It's history is 150 years long and only few Chinese people still live in Chinatown. It is the largest Chinatown not only in Japan but also in Asia. There are roughly 250 Chinese-owned shops and restaurants scattered throughout the district.

Cup Noodle Museum is a fun and interactive museum in Yokohama's Minato Mirai District that shows the history of instant ramen noodles using a combination of whimsical exhibits and hands on workshops. It was opened by the Nissin Food company, whose founder invented instant ramen noodles in 1958 as a fast and convenient food.

Yokohama is the largest city in Japan by population and most populous municipality in Japan. It is the capital city of Kanagawa Prefecture. It lies in Tokyo Bay, the commercial hub of the Greater Tokyo area.

Kawasaki Factory Night View Being close to Haneda airport places height limitations on the factory zone, meaning most of the buildings are quite low. This keeps the horizon clear and allows a deep panorama of the light to be enjoyed.

Fifth Day

Tsukiji Market is the biggest wholesale fish and seafood market in the world and also one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind. The market is located in Tsukiji in Central Tokyo, between the Sumida River and the upmarket Ginza shopping district. While the inner wholesale market has restricted access to visitors the outer retail market, restaurants and associated restaurant supply stores remain a major tourist attraction for both domestic and overseas visitors.

J-League Watching at Nissan Stadium known as International Stadium Yokohama is a sports venue in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is the home stadium of Yokohama F. Marinos of the J1 League. It has a seating capacity of  72,327 seats. J1 League is one of the most successful leagues in Asian club football.

Sixth Day

Sanja Matsuri Festival is one of the three great Shinto festivals in Tokyo. It is considered one of the wildest and largest. The festival is held in honor of Hinokuma Hamanari, Hinokuma Takenari and Hajino Nakatomo, the three men who established and founded Senso-ji. It is held on the third weekend of every May at Asakusa Shrine. Its prominent parades revolve around three mikoshi as well as traditional music and dancing.

Shinjuku is a special ward in Tokyo. It is a major commercial and administrative centre, housing the busiest railway station in the world, the administration centre for the government of Tokyo.

Dinner Party after all the challenges.

with our guest judge, Sports Photographer, Shugo Takemi

and the winner is...

Congratulations! Areza Taqwim of Indonesia, Asia Champion,

Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship 2017

Seventh Day

Tokyo Disneyland located at Urayasu, Chiba, Japan, near Tokyo. Its main gate is adjacent to both Maihama Station and Tokyo Disneyland Station. It is the first Disney park to be built outside the United States, and it opened on 15 April 1983.

Thank you Mr. Goto Aki!

Our last group photo at Haneda Airport going back to Singapore...

and a teary eyed goodbye to our mentor Goto Aki...

markanthonylim|photography2017

Credits to Mr. Goto Aki (Group Photos), Wikipedia etc. (Informations)

Canon 5D Mark IV + 16-35mm f/4L IS + 70-200 f/4L IS

In behalf of all the participants, I would like to extend my greatest appreciation to the efforts of our leader, Evan Cheung of Canon Singapore for his undying patience during the trip; To our mentor, Goto Aki, who shared his professional insights to each and every participants; To our guest judge, Shugo Takemi, who shared his works of art; To H.I.S Travel Singapore especially Rie-san for accompanying us to all the places we visited; To Miko-san who endlessly shares her knowledge about the historical information of each places; To Wi-Ho, for providing us the internet routers during the trip; To Japan Airlines, for our safe travel journey to Japan; To JNTO, for allowing us to enjoy our stay and discover places in Ibaraki and Tokyo; To the Officials of Ibaraki Prefecture for your great help and;

 To CANON for making this trip possible. Arigatou Gozaimasu!

till we meet again... :)

LIM MARK ANTHONY PAMINTUAN

SINGAPORE

Canon Photomarathon Asia Championship 2017 Participants

Steve, representing Brunei

Smey, Cambodia

Latrell, Hongkong

Nish, India

Stuti, India

Areza, Indonesia

Arief, Indonesia

Santo, Indonesia

Goto Aki, Japan

Asmady, Malaysia

Azril, Malaysia

Evan, Singapore

Mark, representing Singapore

Nicholas, Singapore

Sewandi, Sri Lanka

Way Jin, Taiwan

Tan, Thailand

Hong, Vietnam

Quang, Vietnam

Thi, Vietnam