Also known as the SAMURAI Photographer, Kent Shiraishi is introducing the beauty of his hometow: Hokkaido, Japan, to the world.

"A Samurai has no self-interests," said Kent Shiraishi, "and puts his life on the line in service to his vallal, lord or master. In today's terms, it is a person who contributes what one does well to where one was born. In this sense, I am a Samurai Photographer."

He was the winner of 2011 National Geographic Photo Contest.

His photo, featuring the same location when the water was of a beautiful green color, was the editor's choice in this year's contest.