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Tori Matsuzaka and Rio Olympic medalists win! Best Smile of the Year 2016
The Japan Dental Association held the Best Smile of the Year 2016 Awards Ceremony on November 8th, "Good Teeth Day," at the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo in Marunouchi. In the celebrity category, actor Tori Matsuzaka and Rio de Janeiro Olympic women's weightlifting bronze medalist Hiromi Miyake received awards.
(From left) Ms. Miyake, Mr. Matsuzaka
Now in its 23rd year, this event began in 1993 as part of the "8020 Campaign," which promotes the slogan "Keep at least 20 of your own teeth even at age 80." This year also marked the 10th Smile Photo Contest, which solicits photos themed around "the most brilliant smile" and honors outstanding entries.
Award recipients Matsuzaka and Miyake received certificates of commendation, commemorative plaques, and plush toys of the PR character "Yobō-san" from Dr. Norio Hori, President of the Japan Dental Association. They also received supplementary prizes from Mr. Katsumi Kawai, Vice President of Lotte, a sponsoring company.
Mr. Matsuzaka shared a childhood anecdote, expressing gratitude to his parents: "When I was little, people said my smile looked like my mother's, and I thought 'I kind of dislike that.' But receiving this wonderful award is thanks to my parents." Mr. Miyake also expressed his joy, saying, "I never dreamed I would receive this award, so I'm truly delighted."
When asked about their impressions of each other's smiles, Matsuzaka described it as "soft, with a sense of kindness," while Miyake commented, "His smile is truly refreshing and cool; it just naturally comes out."
The Smile Photo Contest received 5,281 entries nationwide. After rigorous judging, eight works capturing exceptional smiles were selected as winners. Among these, Hiroka Kishimoto's work "Fukuwarai" won the Grand Prix.
Photographer Shinpei Asai, who served as the judging committee chair, offered his overall assessment: "Among the many photography contests held, I've never seen such a warm and friendly awards ceremony. This year featured surprises, like the Grand Prix winner appearing in the very pose of their model (Fukuwarai), making it a truly wonderful ceremony."
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