#Japan #Tokyo #Takahashi Shoten #Techo Awards #Positive Future Diary

Celebrating the 29th Annual Techo Awards at Takahashi Shoten

Takahashi Shoten, a publisher known for its planners, practical lifestyle books, and children's literature based in Toshima, Tokyo, held its 29th Techo Awards ceremony on November 11, which included the prestigious Quote Award and Idea Award.

The event featured notable judges including writers Seiko Ito, Naoko Higashi, and food essayist Saki Hirano. They announced the winners of the Quote Award, awarding trophies to the winning entries. Attendees had the opportunity to hear insights on this year's winning work and engaged in discussions about the results of the 'Techo White Paper 2026,’ which surveyed public perception on the importance of planners. A highlight was the introduction of a product stemming from the Idea Award-winning entry titled 'Positive Future Diary: Tomorrow’s Self', created by a middle school student from Ishikawa Prefecture, inspired by events surrounding the Noto Peninsula earthquake.

The Quote Award segment was particularly competitive, showcasing creativity in the form of meaningful phrases. A staggering 45,328 submissions were received, from which seven exceptional pieces were selected, including one grand prize winner and three juror awards.

Winners and Highlights

Grand Prize Winner - Quote Award

Entry: "Today, who can I make happy?"
Submitted by: Junichi Kobayashi, 74, Miyagi Prefecture.
Context: This phrase came from preschoolers during a morning discussion about their thoughts upon waking. It resonated deeply with all present.

Judges' Comments:

• - Seiko Ito praised its suitability for daily reminders.
• - Hirano expressed that such altruistic sentiments could improve societal morale. The question posed by the phrase encourages reflection each morning, creating a meaningful interaction with the planner.

Award by Seiko Ito

Entry: "I’m now basking in the clouds!"
Submitted by: Kyoko Sato, 43, Saitama Prefecture.
Context: Inspired by her daughter’s joyful proclamation during a rainy day, this quote highlights positivity amidst adversity.

Award by Naoko Higashi

Entry: "Life was a blink of an eye."
Submitted by: Junichi Moriyama, 58, Tokyo.
Context: A reflection from his late grandmother, sharing humorous insights about longevity and life’s fleeting nature.

Award by Saki Hirano

Entry: "Life is fun because there's always something missing."
Submitted by: Sumika Aihara, 28, Tokushima Prefecture.
Context: A simple yet profound remark from a stranger that brought enlightenment about embracing life’s imperfections.

Additional Winners

The event also recognized several excellent submissions, such as a child’s innocent remark about wanting to simply be alongside their mother, and a humorous perspective on pain being a sign of growth.

The Idea Award

Alongside the Quote Awards, the Idea Award celebrated innovative projects with 2,152 entries. The following stood out:

• - "Daily Total Log" by Mami Hirata, which facilitates holistic daily recording, promoting self-awareness and mindfulness in daily habits.
• - "Sun Tango Diary" by Kento Kawase, designed to reduce barriers to journaling by allowing entries in just three words.
• - "No Pressure Planner" by Miho Suzuki, offering a flexible planning style without the stress of rigid daily commitments.

Final Thoughts

During the event, the judges shared overarching themes emphasizing the power of listening to impactful words. They expressed a hope for greater societal appreciation for the significance of everyday language.

Beyond just awards, the ceremony was a reminder of how words can inspire and significantly alter human sentiment in daily life. With featured discussions on 'pre-end of life planning' and 'smartphone induced memory loss', the event provided a platform to explore the relevance of planners in modern life, reaffirming the importance of analog methods in a digital world.

The Techo Awards will continue to foster creativity and reflection in the coming years, with a mission to enable everyone to harness the power of words in their daily journey.

For more information on the awards and the winners, visit the Takahashi Shoten Techo Awards website.