Innovators Revealed at the WIRED Innovation Award 2025 Ceremony

The WIRED Innovation Award 2025: A Celebration of Creativity and Ingenuity

Today, on December 1st, the WIRED Innovation Award 2025 ceremony celebrates a remarkable lineup of innovators who are shaping the future across diverse fields such as science, technology, art, and entertainment. Among a total of 21 recipients, the tech-pop trio Perfume has been announced as the final honoree for this prestigious award.

The event hosted by WIRED, a media outlet dedicated to implementing the future, showcases notable figures like media artist Yoichi Ochiai, responsible for projects at the Osaka-Kansai Expo, and emerging stars like Suiseki Hoshimachi, a virtual idol who made waves with her first solo live performance at Nippon Budokan this past February. Also among the honorees is author Sayaka Murata, celebrated for her Akutagawa Prize-winning novel, Convenience Store Woman.

Since its inception in 2016, the WIRED Innovation Award has recognized over 120 innovators within the first four years, aiming to uncover new possibilities for human happiness through innovation. The award will re-launch this year in collaboration with Sekisui House, under the new tagline, “This Innovation is for Future Happiness.”

Recipients of the WIRED Innovation Award 2025 Include:

- Jun Asakawa: Co-founder and CEO of Pale Blue, developing propulsion systems using water as a thrust agent for small satellites.
- AMI: A breakdancer who aims for the gold in the B-Girl category at the 2024 Paris Olympics, her spirited performances blend dance with personal philosophy.
- Takashi Ikegami: A researcher in complex systems and artificial life, pioneering new realms in science and art.
- Yusuke Imai: A tireless advocate for children's rights in Japan, who is reshaping the support systems for underprivileged youth with innovative voucher programs.
- Maki Ohnishi & Yuki Momota: An architectural duo focused on designs that bridge the gap between human experiences and memories of the land, emphasizing inclusivity in their work.
- Kiyotaka Oshiyama: An animator and director known for his visually captivating films, particularly praised for Look Back awarded at the Japan Academy Prize.
- Yoichi Ochiai: His groundbreaking work fuses digital technology with architectural design for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.
- Natuko Shoji: A chef whose exclusive cakes have taken the gastronomic world by storm, described as a blend of culinary artistry with a personal touch.
- Toshitake Suzuki: A linguist revolutionizing the understanding of animal communication, showcasing the complexities of avian languages.

Special Honorees: Perfume and Suiseki Hoshimachi

Perfume, consisting of members A-chan, Kashiyuka, and Nocchi, first came together in 1999 in Hiroshima and achieved mainstream success in 2005. Their track Polyrhythm catapulted them into the limelight, and they continue to innovate in music integration with cutting-edge technology.

With their 25th anniversary approaching in September 2025 alongside their 20th year since major debut, the group is set to perform at Tokyo Dome, further solidifying their influence in the industry.

On the other hand, Suiseki Hoshimachi, who has captivated audiences with her unique music style, has been recognized for making significant strides in the music scene with her popularity surging past 2.8 million subscribers on YouTube. Her hit single Bibideba not only charted well but also won a bronze at the prestigious Clio Awards, putting her on the global music radar.

A Forward-Looking Initiative

The WIRED Innovation Award 2025 serves as a catalyst for recognizing creativity that intersects with modern technology and societal needs, showcasing the diverse ways in which innovators are redefining traditional boundaries. This initiative emphasizes that through collaboration and innovative thinking, new horizons can be forged, setting a hopeful tone for the future.

For further information, readers are encouraged to visit WIRED Japan's official website to catch up with the latest in innovations that shape our world.

The highlights from today's event underline the importance of creativity driven by passion, emphasizing the human element intertwined with technological advancements. Recognizing these innovators not only brings attention to their achievements but also inspires others to explore the endless possibilities that innovation can yield.

As WIRED embraces its role in communicating future prospects, the message remains clear: innovation is not just a pursuit; it is a radical rethinking of what is possible.

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This comprehensive overview not only highlights today's honorees but also reflects how the WIRED community continues to push boundaries, ensuring that future happiness is a collaborative and innovative journey.