The Mainichi Daily News is into the 3rd week of its My Japan photo competition. Here are some of the more interesting ones I’ve seen.

Before and After: Train accidents necessitated the uglification of this area in Saitama.

This was taken in Mother Bokujo in Chiba prefecture. The place was awesome, it is antithesis of everything that is Tokyo megalopolitan. I just love seeing vast, open space in this place. The weather was also beautiful thatday! (Wisnu Tejasukmana)

“Even the dead can view the cherry blossoms!” This photo was taken last year at a cemetery (in Toda Kinen Park) in Atsuta, Hokkaido. Walking though this lane during “sakura-fubuki” was breath-taking. We (and the graves on the left of the photo) were showered with blossom petals! (Corazon Niwase)

This one reminds me of the matsuri race level in Osu! Tatakae! Ouendan, which I’m taking a break from on account of its extreme difficulty.