A photo by Masayuki Hasegawa, a photographer from Hirosaki city, who was resident in Japan, was selected as one of the representative works of Japan for the international photo contest “WPC World Photographic Cup 2015”.

33 countries from Europe, North America, Asia and Oceania participated in the contest. 15 photographers selected from each country will exhibit their works in 6 categories such as digital art, portrait and landscape.

Hasegawa's work is exhibited in the bridal section. A photograph of a woman in a bride dressed in pure white against the backdrop of the cherry blossoms in full bloom in Hirosaki Park, taken in May last year at Hirosaki Park during the Sakura Festival. Mr. Hasegawa, who has won awards at overseas photography competitions, says that he expressed "Japaneseness in a European color sense" when he participated in the contest.

Mr. Hasegawa said he was careful about the color correction after taking a picture. "Because I'm Japanese, I wanted to convey the beauty of Japan to the world. Especially in the city of Hirosaki, the old streets and beautiful nature remain, and the soul of Japanese life is alive. We have devised ways to express that. "

As the owner of the photo studio Hasegawa (Higashi-Nagamachi, Hirosaki City), Mr. Hasegawa tries to show "Hirosaki's charm" in the background of his photographs. "The attraction of Hirosaki is that there is Hirosaki Park. Many citizens go to the park only during the Sakura Festival, but I want you to know that it is a wonderful spot whenever you come."

The contest will feature 10 finalists by category at the American Photographers Association party venue on February 2nd, and the top three will be gold, silver and bronze medalists. "I won zero Japanese medals in the contest last year. Since I was selected as one of the members this year, I hope that I can achieve good results both as an individual and as a country," said Hasegawa.