Daisuke Shinoda Receives Prime Minister's Award for Disaster Prevention Efforts in Sports Education

Daisuke Shinoda Honored with the Prime Minister's Award for Disaster Prevention

Daisuke Shinoda, the CEO of Think Inc. based in Chiyoda, Tokyo, has been recognized with the Prime Minister's Award for Disaster Prevention Efforts in the fiscal year 2025. This prestigious award acknowledges individuals and organizations that demonstrate remarkable achievements in areas such as life-saving during disasters, preventing further damage, promoting disaster awareness during normal times, and establishing robust disaster prevention systems. The award was granted following recommendations from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Japan Sports Agency.

The award ceremony took place on September 17th at the Prime Minister's official residence, where Shinoda proudly accepted the award.

Contributions to Disaster Prevention Through Sports

Daisuke’s inspiration stems from his experiences during the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake in 1995. He has developed a unique disaster education program known as Disaster Prevention Sports, which equips individuals with essential actions and knowledge for emergencies, utilizing sports as a medium. This initiative targets communities in disaster-affected areas such as Kobe City in Hyogo Prefecture, Kamaishi City in Iwate Prefecture, and Ishinomaki City in Miyagi Prefecture, among others.

Shinoda has spearheaded activities aimed at local residents while collaborating with professional sports teams and educational institutions to promote disaster preparedness. His contributions have been instrumental in spreading the philosophy surrounding disaster resilience through sports.

Reaction from Daisuke Shinoda

In a heartfelt statement, Shinoda expressed his gratitude for receiving such a significant honor, reflecting on the teamwork and collaboration experienced throughout his journey. “Receiving the Prime Minister's Award is an incredible honor, and I feel a renewed sense of responsibility. I sincerely thank all the partners, local governments, schools, and businesses that have supported me,” he remarked. He emphasized his commitment to continue promoting the concept of becoming resilient against disasters through sports, believing firmly in the potential of sports to foster a culture of disaster preparedness in society.

Shinoda also took a moment to thank Hiroshi Murafushi, the outgoing Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency, for his unwavering understanding and support since he took office.