The 2nd Nikkei "Hoshi Shinichi Award" Commemorative Symposium Held

The Nikkei Inc. held the 2nd Nikkei "Hoshi Shinichi Award" Commemorative Symposium "Imagination Engine / Geniuses of Imagination" at Kuramae Hall, Tokyo Tech Kuramae Kaikan in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, on July 22. The Hoshi Shinichi Award was established last year as Japan's first "science-based literature" prize, named after the renowned late science fiction writer Shinichi Hoshi. This symposium commemorated the second award ceremony and was attended by approximately 800 people.

 

  Yoshiyuki Yamakai   First, Professor Yoshiyuki Yamakai of the University of Tsukuba Graduate School and President of Cyberdyne gave a presentation titled "The Future Entrusted to Cybotics: Pursuing Business and Dreams." He introduced examples of functional improvement therapy and training, independent movement support, and nursing care support using the world's first cyborg-type robot HAL, along with the path to implementing research and development outcomes as social business. Regarding the role of researchers, he stated: "In engineering research and development, the image of people and technology supporting each other is crucial. Looking around with a heart that cares for people and society reveals challenges. The core of research to solve these challenges must be grounded in a view of humanity, ethics, and society."

 

    Kazuki Yoshikawa (left) During a Q&A session with Kazuki Yoshikawa, President of Nikkei Science, when asked how to turn dreams into reality, he stated, "If researchers and companies, driven by a strong awareness of solving major societal challenges, identify the missing pieces across society and commit to filling them themselves, they will naturally be needed by society and their goals will be realized."

 

Next, the talk session "Dissecting the Imagination of Mr. U, Mr. M, and Mr. E" featured manga artist Naoki Urasawa, comedian Naoki Matayoshi (Peace), and Shinichi Endo, winner of the first Nikkei Hoshi Shinichi Award.

Naoki Urasawa	Mr. Naoki Matayoshi	Shinichi Endo

 

Regarding his own approach to creativity and tips, Mr. Urasawa stated, "Imagination isn't something you force out. It doesn't come from nothing; it arises from what you've seen, felt, and experienced. It's right there if you reach out. Working with editors during meetings is incredibly effective for simultaneously creating the story and artwork under the grueling schedule of a serialized manga. Conversations with others can spark ideas you never would have thought of yourself." Mr. Matayoshi shared, "As an elementary school kid, I was a daydreamer who constantly thought 'What if...' so much that my teachers even said I had a habit of lying. Comedy material becomes too narrow if you try to create everything from scratch alone. The back-and-forth with my partner during rehearsals pulls me out of myself." Endo said, "Fragments of scattered knowledge, experiences, and thoughts connect to form a story."

Asked for advice for students at this university symposium, Urasawa said, "As the late Kiyoshiro Imawano once said, think concretely about your future. By pushing things as concretely as possible, you see what you must do today and what you'll need tomorrow. That's how I got to where I am now." Matayoshi added, "I wasted time worrying by constantly comparing myself to successful people. I should have just accepted that I am who I am." Endo encouraged the packed audience of students, saying, "Finding mentors in life—not just school teachers—enriches your existence."

 
 	Motoki Ishibashi

Next, engineer and artist Motoi Ishibashi (Rhizomatiks) gave a talk themed "Challenge Art with Scientific Thinking." As an engineer-artist with a science background from Tokyo Tech, Ishibashi introduced his own works and the thinking behind their creation.

 

The 2nd Shinichi Hoshi Award (General Division & Junior Division) is currently accepting submissions (until September 30).

Details can be viewed on the award website.
http://hoshiaward.nikkei.co.jp/