#Japan #Tokyo #Community Building #Regional Revitalization #Nippon Immigrant Award

Second Nippon Immigrant Award 2023 Winners Announced

On December 9, 2023, the much-anticipated selection process and award ceremony for the Second Nippon Immigrant Award took place in Minato Ward, Tokyo. This prestigious event, organized by the Fujisankei Group, including Sankei Shimbun, Nippon Broadcasting System, Pony Canyon, and BS Fuji, recognizes individuals who have successfully transitioned to rural living in Japan, creating ideal lifestyles in their new communities. The official website for the award is here.

Grand Prize Winner

The Grand Prize of the event was awarded to Yuko Mizuno and Takahiro Suzuki, both from Yaizu City in Shizuoka Prefecture. Their proactive use of social media to solve local challenges with enthusiasm genuinely impressed the judges.

Regional Revitalization Award

The Regional Revitalization Award went to Tomohiro Suzuki and Motoki Asano from Numazu City. Their efforts to pioneer a decentralized hotel model effectively generated local networks, addressing the issues faced by declining communities, which caught the attention of the jury.

Children’s Future Award

The Children's Future Award was presented to Shunta Mikasa from Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture. His commitment to operating an NPO and running an antique shop while collaborating with children to preserve and nurture the forest earned him this commendation.

Wellbeing Award

The Wellbeing Award was granted to Mari Okayama from Maizuru City, Kyoto. Through her comic essays detailing the struggles and joys of moving, she showcased a fulfilling life that embodies the essence of wellbeing, making her a worthy recipient.

Regional Industrial Award

The Regional Industrial Award was received by Kei Kato and Takuma Saeki from Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture. Their dedication to preserving the tradition of the local Izira-manju persimmon, along with their initiatives for product commercialization and conservation, was recognized as a significant contribution to creating a sustainable regional industry.

Selection Process

During the primary selection phase, the evaluation considered contributions to community engagement, revitalization of local industries, improvement of quality of life, and enthusiastic support from local governments. Eight groups from eight municipalities advanced to the selection process.

Participating Areas

The areas represented in the selection included:

• - Shirako Town, Chiba Prefecture
• - Koshigaya City, Saitama Prefecture
• - Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• - Yaizu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• - Yamagata City, Gifu Prefecture
• - Maizuru City, Kyoto Prefecture
• - Karatsu City, Saga Prefecture
• - Matsuura City, Nagasaki Prefecture

Evaluation Committee

The Nippon Immigrant Award features a selection committee composed of experts well-versed in regional revitalization and rural migration strategies. They assess the submissions from diverse perspectives, including self-fulfillment, family happiness, community contributions, business startups, tradition inheritance, and nurturing the next generation. Not only do they evaluate the award nominees, but they also recognize municipalities that implement attractive settlement promotion initiatives for both migrants and local residents.

Chair and Members of the Committee

The committee is chaired by Ryo Hayasaki, the Executive Director of the Regional Revitalization Center, alongside members such as Takuya Oikawa, Yoshito Kazama, Junichiro Nakagawa, and Fumiko Yamamoto, each bringing their unique insights into the selection process.