Fukuoka Prize 2021 Award Ceremony Held Online for First Time in Its History;

Arts and Culture Prize Awarded to Mr. Prabda YOON of Thailand

Fukuoka City (Secretariat of Fukuoka Prize Committee) announced on October 1 that the City and the Fukuoka City International Foundation held an award ceremony for Fukuoka Prize 2021 on September 29. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, it was held with no audience and only a few authorized persons present in the venue. The ceremony was broadcast online via YouTube streaming while Their Imperial Highness Crown Prince and Princess Akishino also watched the ceremony online.

The Grand Prize was awarded to Mr. PALAGUMMI Sainath (India/ journalist), the Academic Prize to Professor KISHIMOTO Mio (Japan/ historian), and the Arts and Culture Prize to Mr. Prabda YOON (Thailand/ writer, filmmaker and artist). Mr. Sainath and Mr. Prabda attended online from abroad.

First, Mr. TAKASHIMA Soichiro, Mayor of Fukuoka City, addressed the audience on behalf of the organizers. Next, His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino offered his celebration in a video message.

Then the video introductions of the laureates were screened, including the personal history and outstanding achievements of Mr. Prabda, a writer who represents Thailand, and an artist with multiple talents.

After being presented with their certificates and medals through the screen, the laureates sent out their great messages though their acceptance speeches and interviews. They expressed their gratitude in their own words, and Mr. Prabda also gave a passionate speech on his thoughts on arts and creativity.

With the presentation of flower bouquets, the award ceremony was closed in a splendid atmosphere. The historical award ceremony of the Fukuoka Prize, held after overcoming the challenges of COVID-19, was broadcast online in Thailand as well.

In October, each prize laureate will give a public lecture, which can be viewed via live YouTube streaming if you apply in advance. Please apply now.

For information and application for the public lectures:

https://fukuoka-prize.org/en/events/

(Photos: https://kyodonewsprwire.jp/release/202109300903?p=images)