#Japan #Tokyo #Child Development #Education #Hakuhou Award

Celebrating Excellence in Child Education: The 56th Hakuhou Awards

The Hakuhou Foundation has officially announced the winners of the 56th Hakuhou Awards, recognizing exceptional contributions in the field of child education in Japan. The ceremony is scheduled to take place on November 14, 2025, at the Japan Industrial Club in Chiyoda, Tokyo. This year's awards feature 12 Hakuhou Awards, 8 Merit Awards, and 15 Encouragement Awards.

What are the Hakuhou Awards?

Launched alongside the foundation itself, the Hakuhou Awards aim to invigorate and support educational environments focused on children. The core belief of these awards is rooted in the desire to nurture children's growth by cultivating their linguistic abilities. The awards commend grassroots activities and contributions that demonstrate a ripple effect in the education sector.

In addition, the foundation supports sharing the outcomes of these activities and encourages their continuation and expansion. Grounded in the objective to foster self-efficacy and personal development among children, the Hakuhou Awards highlight educational practices that exhibit pioneering and unique contributions.

Categories of Awards

The Awards are focused on educational practices related to the promotion of Japanese language and communication skills for children aged 6 to 15, or 4 to 18 for special needs education. The fields of activities recognized include:

• - Japanese Language Education
• - Special Support Education
• - Co-education of Japanese Culture
• - International and Multicultural Education
• - Creativity in Education

Nominations are made by eligible third parties such as education directors from local governments or qualified experts. Once the nominees are identified, a selection committee, chaired by Professor Kuniyoshi Takigawa from Kyoto Women's University, evaluates and determines this year’s recipients. There’s also an opportunity for those exemplifying exceptional practices to receive the Minister of Education Award in conjunction with the Hakuhou Award.

Merit Awards are given to individuals with notable contributions that may not meet the criteria for the Hakuhou Awards, while Encouragement Awards recognize promising activities that show potential. Each award recipient receives a commendation (certificate) along with a monetary prize; the Hakuhou Award winner receives 1 million yen, the Merit Award winner gets 500,000 yen, and those given Encouragement Awards receive 300,000 yen.

Winners Announced for 2025

The winners of this year's Hakuhou Awards are spread across various prefectures, showcasing a diverse range of initiatives. Here’s a brief overview of some key recipients:

Hakuhou Award with Minister of Education Award

• - Kazue Hayasaka (Ohsaki City Fifth Elementary School, Miyagi Prefecture) - A classroom dedicated to nurturing joyous communication skills among students through correct pronunciation.
• - Masayo Isobe (Hamamatsu City Kaba Elementary School, Shizuoka Prefecture) - A program to connect schools with society through open learning experiences.
• - Nishito Ginjou (Ginjou Elementary and Junior High School, Miyazaki Prefecture) - Focused on revitalizing education through a 30-year commitment to engaging with the region’s nature and culture.

Other Hakuhou Awards

A variety of innovative projects were also recognized, such as:

• - Yosuke Kobayashi (Kitaakita City School, Akita Prefecture) - Involves local historical material collection to enhance education about one's home region.
• - Otsukagayoshiga First Elementary School (Chiba Prefecture) - Focuses on inspiring children to embrace challenges as future leaders through creativity.
• - Kankon Project (Kanagawa Prefecture) - Creating impactful experiences for children suffering from serious illnesses.

Merit and Encouragement Awards

In addition, several others were acknowledged for their long-term contributions and promising initiatives, reflecting a rich tapestry of educational practices across Japan.

The complete list of awardees and additional details can be accessed on the Hakuhou Foundation’s official website.

Conclusion

Since its establishment in 1970, the Hakuhou Foundation has been championing efforts in child education, particularly focusing on language and support for children with disabilities. The Hakuhou Awards shine a spotlight on exceptional educational practices, fostering an environment where innovative and impactful teaching methodologies can thrive. This year’s recipients embody the spirit of dedication and creativity, paving the way for future generations to flourish in their learning journeys. For more information, visit the Hakuhou Foundation's official site.