#Japan #Tokyo #Waseda University #Journalism Award #Ishibashi Tanzan

26th Ishibashi Tanzan Memorial Waseda Journalism Award Announced

Waseda University, located in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Takeyuki Honma, has announced the winners of the 26th Ishibashi Tanzan Memorial Waseda Journalism Award. After a rigorous selection process involving 154 submitted works during the application period, the prestigious accolade will recognize three Grand Prize winners and three Outstanding Achievement winners. The award ceremony will take place on December 3rd at the Hotel Regal Royal Tokyo.

Award Winners

Grand Prize Winners:
1. Public Service Award:
Title: "Pressure from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries to Increase Rice Production – Reporting on the Rice Crisis of the Reiwa Era"
Recipient: Akita Sakigake Shimbun Rice Issue Reporting Team, led by Tomonori Sato
Media Outlet: Akita Sakigake Shimbun, Akita Sakigake Shimbun Digital Edition

2. Grassroots Democracy Award:
Title: "NHK BS Special: Searching for My Japanese Midwife – 80 Years After the War"
Recipient: Manami Fusa (Temujin Inc.)
Media Outlet: NHK BS

3. Cultural Contribution Award:
Title: "Hokkaido Road Special: The Okhotsk Anomaly – What’s Happening in the Paradise of Life"
Recipient: Hokkaido Road Special: Okhotsk Anomaly Reporting Team, led by Yasunori Hattori
Media Outlet: NHK General Television (Hokkaido Block)

Outstanding Achievement Award Winners:
1. Public Service Award:
Title: "ETV Special: Looking at the Scars of Agent Orange – 50 Years Since the End of the Vietnam War"
Recipient: ETV Special Production Team, led by Masako Sakata
Media Outlet: NHK Educational TV (E-Tele)

2. Grassroots Democracy Award:
Title: "Hiroshima's Flame: The Kiko Association and Journalist Toshihiko Akinobu"
Recipient: Naomasa Hirao
Media Outlet: Book by Chiheisha

3. Grassroots Democracy Award:
Title: "The Women of Kurokawa"
Recipient: "The Women of Kurokawa" TV Asahi Reporting Team, led by Fumie Matsubara
Media Outlet: Nationwide Release Film

Overview of the Ishibashi Tanzan Memorial Waseda Journalism Award

The aim of this award is to develop an environment that fosters free speech and to support journalists committed to idealistic and fair discussions in the media landscape. The award is divided into three categories: Public Service, Grassroots Democracy, and Cultural Contribution.

The eligible works must have been publicly presented to a general audience through various media from April 1, 2025, to May 31, 2026. The application period runs from April 14 to May 31, 2026. In total, 154 works were submitted for selection. An evaluation committee of 11 members, consisting of Waseda University faculty and external experts, conducted a rigorous assessment in alignment with the award's mission.

In its mission to cultivate responsible and socially aware journalists, Waseda University established this award in 2000, aiming to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the public good through journalism.

For More Information

For official details and updates regarding the award, interested parties can visit the official website.

Since its establishment, Waseda University has been a cornerstone in producing a multitude of outstanding professionals in journalism and the media. By continuing to uphold the traditions of its predecessors, the university strives to ensure a vibrant environment for free speech, which remains a crucial responsibility as society evolves.