23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Artistic
Giant Serpent Flight

This photo was taken of the Blue Impulse, Japan's acrobatic flying team. They train hard every day, repeatedly experimenting with flight speed, angle, and timing. The show we see lasts about 30 minutes, but behind the scenes, they spend countless hours preparing.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2024
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Higashimatsushima City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Camera: NIKON Z 8
Copyright: © Cain Shimizu