By MOOK Scenic Spots Family / Zhang Yingying, compiled and translated
Kumamoto Castle restarts night illumination on June 1. (Image source / Kumamoto Castle)
Affected by the Kumamoto earthquake, designated national cultural properties of Kumamoto Castle such as Uto Yagura, the turret group, and the Kobanmon Gate suffered damage, with many stone walls also collapsing and currently under repair. Meanwhile, the ongoing Kumamoto Castle Night Illumination Photography Contest, which originally began before the earthquake, is accepting entries from March 1 to June 30, 2016 (first phase), and from July 1 to December 31, 2016 (second phase). Entries are open to all nationalities—those who love Kumamoto Castle and have captured its beautiful nighttime scenery are encouraged to join the contest, share the beauty of Kumamoto Castle, and support the restoration plan for the 400-year-old castle.