#Japan #Okayama #Okayama University #essay contest #Diversity Promotion

Okayama University's Heartfelt Initiative

On January 26, 2026, Okayama University partnered with the Okayama Economic Federation and the Okayama Prefecture Diversity Promotion Committee to celebrate the winners of the 2025 "Messages from Children to Parents" essay contest. This initiative aims to highlight the everyday dedication parents make as they balance work and family life, especially through the eyes of high school and college students. The university is located in Okayama City, with its president, Yasuyuki Nasu, leading the efforts to foster a spirit of appreciation for parents among students.

The contest attracted an impressive 58 submissions from across Japan, with many touching stories reflecting gratitude and respect towards parents. Among them, four standout essays were awarded—each uniquely expressing the students' insights and personal experiences. The awards consisted of the Okayama University President Award, the Okayama Economic Federation Representative Secretary Award, and the Okayama Prefecture Governor Award.

During the award ceremony hosted at the Okayama Prefectural Office, four students were honored for their heartfelt narratives. The event began with the presentation of certificates and congratulatory gifts. Following this, a discussion session took place moderated by Takafumi Terasawa, the President of the Educational Domain at the Academic Research Institute. The award winners shared the inspiration behind their essays and their feelings towards their parents.

Included in the discussions were Ryuta Ibaraki, the governor of Okayama Prefecture, and Yoshio Nakajima, the representative secretary of the federation, who offered questions and insights into the students' essays while recounting their own personal experiences. Yuukari Mimura, a director at Okayama University overseeing SDGs and Diversity & Inclusion initiatives, praised the winners, highlighting the importance of acknowledging the often-overlooked sacrifices made by parents. She expressed her anticipation for their future endeavors, saying, "It’s remarkable how the winners have eloquently expressed their gratitude towards their parents, something that we often take for granted."

The essays featured in the contest were as diverse as the students themselves, addressing various themes related to family life and parental support. Notably, the winning entries included:

• - High School Category (Governor's Award): “It’s Not Just Everyday” by Ryono Nitta from Kurashiki Amagi High School.
• - High School Category (Economic Federation Award): “My Unique Family Structure” by Miyuna Nakano from Ikeda Gakuen.
• - University Category (President's Award): “The Scent of Disinfectant and the Sound of the Washing Machine” by Sota Imai from Aoyama Gakuin University.
• - High School Category (President's Award): “My Dreams and Thoughts About My Mother” by Kurara Tanaka from Soji Academy High School.

Additionally, several students received honorable mentions for their exceptional work, including students from Sanyo Gakuen University, Shimane University, Tokushima Prefectural Jonan High School, and others. The Diversity Education Promotion School Award was also presented to various high schools emphasizing inclusive education.

Overall, the event served not only to recognize talented young writers but also to foster a culture of gratitude and understanding between generations. The Diversity Promotion Committee of Okayama University is proud to continue enhancing these initiatives that nurture empathetic and thoughtful communication among students and their families. This commendable effort aligns with the university's mission to be a key player in driving community engagement and promoting sustainable development, particularly in the realm of education and family dynamics.

To view the award-winning essays that stirred hearts across the nation, visit the Okayama Prefectural Website.

Conclusion

By recognizing and encouraging the voices of young people, Okayama University is making significant strides in promoting awareness and appreciation for parental roles in society, fostering not just academic excellence but emotional intelligence and social responsibility.