#Japan #Tokyo #Ocean Project #Umi Bunka #High School Radio

Delivering the Voices of the Sea: A New High School Radio Contest

The special program announcing the results of the nationwide high school radio contest, titled "Deliver the Voices of the Sea", was broadcast on January 11, 2026, on Radio Kansai. Sponsored by the general incorporated association, Umi Bunka Kenkyujo, this contest aimed to express high school students' feelings about the ocean through audio works as part of the Nippon Foundation's "The Ocean and Japan Project." A total of 181 entries were submitted from 25 prefectures, showcasing the creativity and commitment of Japan’s youth to addressing ocean issues.

With guest speakers like Hayate Komori from GENERATIONS, listeners were able to hear the heartfelt creations of students, reflecting the challenges faced by the oceans of Japan and beyond. The program not only highlighted their artistic endeavors but also encouraged discussions on how they could act in the future regarding ocean conservation.

The event consisted of multiple categories, including radio dramas, documentaries, public service announcements, announcements, and readings. A distinguished panel of judges evaluated the submissions, comprising industry professionals such as Takahiko Fujii (announcer), Akira Ishii (scriptwriter), and Miku Narusawa (ODYSSEY). These experts were impressed by the high caliber of the works, noting that some were on par with professional productions.

One aspect that stood out was the depth of research demonstrated by the contestants. Many submissions tackled local ocean issues, such as the decline of ama (female free divers) and the repercussions of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The judges praised the insights students provided, highlighting their ability to bring attention to pressing matters through their unique perspectives.

Hayate Komori reflected on the program's impact, stating that interacting with heartfelt creations encourages personal awareness and growth. He expressed gratitude to the participants, hoping their messages will illuminate future pathways. Further emphasizing the beauty of radio, he encouraged young voices to express their feelings and take action towards the ocean.

Exploring New Avenues in Ocean Education

This innovative approach of combining ocean inquiry with a broadcasting contest has garnered attention from marine experts involved in the judging process. They shared their thoughts on the significance of the competition.

Yasuda Taguchi expressed admiration for the students' ability to invoke a desire to visit the ocean through audio, highlighting the richness of imagery conveyed. He remarked that this project should not only serve as a one-time effort. Instead, he urged all participants to explore the ocean firsthand to deepen their understanding of both beauty and challenges.

Megumi Nakagawa noted that while immediate experiences often shape perceptions of ocean issues, the students’ audio creations left a lasting impression, and she hopes they will continue investigating and reporting on their findings. However, she cautioned that while they addressed challenges significantly, appreciating the ocean's allure is equally essential.

Miku Narusawa encouraged students to maintain their curiosity and sensitivity towards the changes the ocean undergoes, as this awareness enhances their expressive capabilities and messages. Their work reflects the passion for communicating the ocean’s essence, which she found inspiring.

This groundbreaking contest and its accompanying special program signifies the beginning stages of transforming youth perceptions and engagements with ocean conservation. The potential for growth is as vast as the ocean itself, and the initiative promises not only to amplify young voices but also to inspire greater community involvement in ocean issues.

Recognizing Outstanding Works

Radio Drama Category

• - Grand Prize: North Asia University Meisou High School - "The Sea Monsters"
• - Excellence Award: Wakayama Prefectural Naka High School - "The Promised Sea"
• - Umi to Nippon Project Award: Hiroshima Prefectural Onomichi East High School - "Who Will Save the Sea's Life..."

Announcement Category

• - Grand Prize: Chiba Prefectural Kemiwa High School - Yui Sawai
• - Excellence Award: North Asia University Meisou High School - Chisaki Oshima
• - Umi to Nippon Project Award: Aoyama Gakuin Yokohama Eiwa High School - Shiori Sugawara

Public Service Announcement Category

• - Grand Prize: North Asia University Meisou High School - "The God's Fish, Hatahata, Is Missing — The Sea of Akita"
• - Excellence Award: Wakayama Prefectural Naka High School - "Can You Hear the Voices of the Sea?"
• - Umi to Nippon Project Award: Mie Prefectural Yokkaichi High School - "Ocean's Future Map, Forest's Past Map"

Reading Category

• - Grand Prize: Hokkaido Sapporo Okadama High School - Shogo Honma
• - Excellence Award: Okinawa Prefectural Naha International High School - Nazuki Miyakuni
• - Umi to Nippon Project Award: Iwate Prefectural Morioka Shirayuri Academy - Ayamu Takakura

Radio Documentary Category

• - Grand Prize: Fukui Prefectural Fujishima High School - "Women Who Cultivate the Sea"
• - Excellence Award: Fukushima Prefectural Soma High School - "Voices of the Sea, Voices of People"
• - Umi to Nippon Project Award: Mie Prefectural Sakuragaoka High School - "Living with the Sea"

Strengthening Community Through Awareness

Listener feedback has highlighted the importance of youth engagement with ocean themes, emphasizing the ability of high school students to bring fresh perspectives to critical issues. The insightful observations shared by the students have resonated deeply, suggesting a transformative potential in how the next generation relates to the ocean. As these young creatives embark on their educational journeys, they carry with them the charge to disseminate awareness and urge collective action for a sustainable future.

The sea continues to be an ever-evolving tapestry, and these budding ocean advocates remind us of the necessity to connect, reflect, and act as stewards of an environment that binds us all. It is this youthful passion infused with knowledge and creativity that can propel us toward a future where the sea is celebrated, protected, and enjoyed by generations to come.