Outstanding Creations: Celebrating the Winners of the 16th Kanji Creation Contest

A Celebration of Creativity

The 16th Kanji Creation Contest, a collaboration between Sankei Shimbun and Ritsumeikan University's Shirakawa Shizuka Memorial Institute of Eastern Character Culture, challenged participants with a thought-provoking theme: "Can you create a kanji that will endure for 100 years?" This year's contest received an impressive 21,856 submissions from creators eager to explore the depths of the Japanese language, and among them, two standout pieces were awarded the prestigious Shirakawa Kanji Creation Grand Prize.

Winner Profiles

1. Fujimoto Shuji (55, Kawasaki City) - Winning Character: 'くまにちゅうい'
Fujimoto's entry, 'くまにちゅうい', translates loosely to 'bear caution'. Reflecting the prevailing concerns in his local area, where bear encounters have increased due to food shortages in the mountains, Fujimoto expresses the urgent need for awareness and safety. He stated, "Due to the increasing incidents involving bears, my inspiration came from these unfortunate events. I wanted to convey this message effectively through my character. It is indeed an honor to receive an award for my first submission."

2. Hatanaka Takuma (14, Fukuoka City) - Winning Character: 'わんおぺ'
Hatanaka, albeit young, showcased profound insight in his character 'わんおぺ', representing the resilient spirit of a mother dedicating herself to her family. He shared, "I am grateful to be recognized with such an esteemed award. This kanji embodies the tireless efforts of a mother, which I witness every day."

Categories and Awards

The competition was divided into three main categories: adults, university students, high school students, and elementary/middle school students, allowing a wide range of participants to engage creatively. Alongside the grand prizes, further honors included:

- Fukoku Life Excellent Award (for working adults and university students) - 1 entry
- Z-kai Excellent Award (for high school students) - 1 entry
- Z-kai Excellent Award (for elementary/middle school students) - 3 entries
- Fukoku Life Chairman's Special Award (open to all participants) - 4 entries
- Special Awards for Idioms and Phrases - 2 entries

In total, 13 entries were recognized, with no honorable mentions or school awards given this year.

Encouraging Future Generations

By fostering an appreciation for the kanji and encouraging original thought, the contest not only celebrates linguistic artistry but also supports cultural continuity in a rapidly changing world. The hope is that the themes of these characters will resonate with readers today and in the years to come.

A Final Note

As we reflect on the creative brilliance displayed in this year’s contest, it's essential to acknowledge the efforts of all participants, as each character brings its unique story to life. The event continues to inspire a love for language and encourages everyone to think about how they, too, can contribute to the cultural tapestry of Japan.

For more information about the Kanji Creation Contest or if interested in future participation, please reach out to the contest office at: [email protected].