G's 10th Anniversary Essay Contest Awards Ceremony
On November 21, 2023, G's (Gear for Sustainability), a training institute for engineers and entrepreneurs operated by Digital Hollywood Corp in Chiyoda, Tokyo, celebrated its 10th anniversary by holding its inaugural essay contest. The theme of the competition was "Let’s Scare, Create, and Build Ourselves and The World."
The ceremony took place at G's TOKYO in Harajuku, where the winners were announced. The Grand Prize in the Real category was awarded to Ryo for their essay titled "What I Saw Beyond the Light," while the Grand Prize in the Future category went to the youngest participant, 16-year-old Shishifa Yokoyama, for their work titled "A Step to Live."
The ceremony featured judges Ayaka Wada and Kyosuke Higuchi, who not only presided over the awards but also engaged in a discussion about the profound themes explored in the essays. Both judges expressed their excitement for witnessing the unique, multifaceted perspectives presented by a diverse group of contestants.
Contest Highlights
Contest Structure
The G's 10th Anniversary Essay Contest was aimed at encouraging participants to share their unique views on self-creation and societal challenges. The submission period ran from August 19 to September 30, 2023, culminating in the awards ceremony on November 21. For those interested, a special website was created to highlight contest details and submissions, reflecting the commitment of G's to foster creativity among the youth.
The Winners and Their Essays
The Grand Prize essays presented deep emotional narratives and reflections on the human condition.
- - Real Category Grand Prize: "What I Saw Beyond the Light" by Ryo
This essay recounts Ryo's transformative life experiences with an extraordinary narrative style that captivates the reader. According to Ayaka Wada, the essay successfully bridges powerful personal accounts and universal themes, showcasing resilience in the face of adversity. Ryo expressed gratitude, crediting the award to their son, who inspired them to overcome personal challenges and write this piece.
- - Future Category Grand Prize: "A Step to Live" by Shishifa Yokoyama
This poignant essay raises critical social concerns through a youthful lens. Shishifa's reflections reveal the importance of questioning societal norms to forge a better future. In their acceptance speech, they emphasized the power of youth in driving change and conveyed appreciation for being able to share their message with the world.
The Judging Panel
The contest featured a highly esteemed judging panel, including artists and writers known for their contributions to the literary arts. Their rigorous selection process aimed to ensure that the winning essays truly represented innovative thought and creativity.
Awards Ceremony Highlights
The award ceremony at G's TOKYO was marked by heartfelt speeches from the winners and judges alike. After a formal greeting from the organizers, the awards were presented, followed by an engaging talk session. The judges discussed the themes of creativity, fear, and personal exploration that the essays addressed, encouraging deeper conversations about the human experience.
Live Testimonials
Both winners reflected on how their essays not only shared personal journeys but also inspired collective dialogue on broader societal issues. Ryo's emphasis on hope despite despair resonated strongly with the audience, while Shishifa's call to action for youth empowerment struck a chord with those present.
Conclusion: Looking to the Future
The G's 10th Anniversary Essay Contest successfully blended art, expression, and introspection, tightening the bonds within the community. As G's continues to cultivate talent and creativity, the impact of this contest will likely inspire generations to come. The judges left the audience with the reminder that personal stories hold the power to drive societal impact and that every individual's voice matters.
For more information on future contests and G's initiatives, be sure to visit their official website:
G's Essay Contest.