Olympians Speak: Insights from Japan's National Representatives at the 2025 International Science Olympiad

On October 25, 2025, the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) in collaboration with the Japan Science Olympiad Committee hosted an insightful event titled "Olympians Speak: Discovering the World of the Science Olympiad". This event was part of the 'Science Agora 2025' program and featured a two-part format involving reports from Japan’s representatives at the recently concluded International Science Olympiad as well as a workshop led by the honorary ambassador, Taichi Masu.

The International Science Olympiad is an annual competition that occurs every summer, drawing high school students from around the world who have a keen interest in science. Participants compete in various fields including Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Information Science, Earth Science, and Geography, demonstrating their cognitive abilities and problem-solving skills. This year, the Japanese team, supported by the government, sent representatives for all seven subjects and achieved remarkable results, winning a total of 28 medals—8 gold, 19 silver, and 1 bronze.

The first session of the event began with an introduction to the Science Olympiad, followed by presentations from 21 students representing Japan across the seven disciplines. These young achievers shared their personal experiences and insights from their participation in the international event. They recounted stories of the robust exchange programs that characterize the Olympiad, the camaraderie they built through collaboration and competition with peers from other countries, and how unexpected challenges contributed to their personal growth.

The participants engaged the audience with vivid anecdotes, detailing both their scientific achievements and the rich experiences that accompanied their journey. The depth of their learning, derived from interactions with other international competitors, painted a vibrant picture of what it means to be a part of this global scientific community.

Highlights from the Second Session

In the second part of the event, titled "I Want to Know More! The Secrets of Science Olympians," Taichi Masu moderated an interactive workshop. This session featured 28 representatives and alumni of the Science Olympiad, alongside 21 attendees who joined the dialogue, totaling 49 participants. Participants were divided into teams and engaged the representatives in discussions revolving around the theme of "Secrets of Olympians"—exploring their hobbies, aspirations, and what drives their interest in science beyond academics.

The atmosphere throughout this engaging session was filled with curiosity, laughter, and a spirit of camaraderie as the students shared their life experiences. They captivated the audience with their genuine stories, showcasing not just their intellect but the relatable human aspect of their journeys.

Masu concluded the workshop by reflecting on the impressive talents displayed by the Olympians in the first part of the program. He expressed hope that attendees not only recognized the students' academic prowess but also appreciated their more personal and approachable qualities through the interviews. He emphasized the importance of honoring one's passions and encouraged the Olympians to aspire to be role models for future generations. Masu’s heartfelt message resonated strongly, reinforcing the sense of community nurture within the science-oriented society.

About the Japan Science Olympiad Committee

The Japan Science Olympiad Committee operates under the banner "After the Challenge, the Self You Want to Become". This organization is dedicated to the selection and dispatch of Japan’s representatives to the International Science Olympiad across the seven disciplines. It aims to strengthen the connections between government, education, academic, and industrial sectors to foster the development of scientific talent through nationwide collaboration.

As the exciting event wrapped up, it left attendees filled with inspiration about the potential future leaders in science, depicting a vibrant future for STEM fields in Japan and fostering an ongoing passion for scientific inquiry among the younger generation.