Fukushima unveils new posters for tourism promotion

The Fukushima prefectural government on Feb. 24 revealed a set of official posters for fiscal 2022 that showcase local tourism resources including beautiful scenery and food items. In a public competition seeking photographs for the campaign posters, Mitsuru Takahashi, a 63-year-old prefectural government official living in Koriyama city, won the grand prize for his photo titled "Bridge of Hope for Tomorrow." It features in a poster with the message "Come visit." In an award ceremony held at the prefectural office, Gov. Masao Uchibori handed Takahashi a certificate of commendation and urged people in and outside Fukushima Prefecture to "hang these posters" crafted with the prize-winning photos. Takahashi photographed the Second Tadamigawa Bridge on East Japan Railway's Tadami Line in the town of Mishima, with a local train traveling on it and a mystical mountainous landscape in the background. "I chose a place where everyone can 'come visit' safely," he said. Michihiko Yanai, the prefecture's creative director who oversaw the poster creation, praised the photo during his online appearance at the ceremony. "It's an artistic work that fits the phrase 'hanging for decoration.'" One of the two awards for excellence was given to Yasuhiro Tago of Iwaki city, whose photo taken at Isasumi Shrine in Aizumisato town was selected for a poster with the message "Come reside." The other went to Fumikazu Sato of Date city, who captured a scene at Handayama Natural Park in Koori town that was chosen for a poster titled "Fukushima." The contest had 3,580 entries from inside and outside the prefecture. The local government will give copies of the official posters free of charge to businesses and other organizations upon request. (Translated by Kyodo News)