Voices

Canon U.S.A., champions students in 20th Annual Japan Center Essay Competition

At Stony Brook University on May 4, the spotlight wasn’t on technology or innovation, but on the written word. More than 200 students from high schools and colleges across the country submitted essays for the 20th Annual Japan Center Essay Competition, an event Canon U.S.A., Inc. has proudly supported since its inception in 2005.

The competition, organized by the Japan Center at Stony Brook, challenges students to explore Japanese culture through personal reflection. Essays span themes from art and philosophy to tradition, business, and technology—always with the goal of connecting cultural insights to students’ own experiences and aspirations.

Dr. Iwao Ojima, president of the Japan Center, praised the entrants for their creativity and depth. “We are proud to partner with Canon U.S.A. on the essay competition, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of diverse cultural perspectives,” Ojima said. “We congratulate the winners and every participant for their great work.”

A panel of judges selected winners across high school and college divisions, with top honorees receiving Canon products in recognition of their efforts. Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, president and CEO of Canon U.S.A., served as an honorary judge, while Kiyoshi Oka, executive vice president and general manager of Canon’s Marketing Strategy Unit, attended the awards ceremony.

“We are proud to partner with Canon U.S.A. on the essay competition, providing students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of diverse cultural perspectives.”

– Dr. Iwao Ojima, President, Japan Center

“It is a privilege to continue to partner with this great program and help support the Japan Center and all the work they do in fostering understanding of Japanese culture,” Oka said. “The students did a commendable job writing so eloquently about their experiences, and we congratulate the winners on their tremendous accomplishments.”

Among this year’s winners was Kazushi Kousaka of Choate Rosemary Hall, who earned first place and the Consul General of Japan Special Award for his essay “Daijoubu: Powerful Call for Unity.” Other standout essays included “Echoes from Hibakusha” by Erika Kawakami of Jericho High School, and “Amaterasu’s Mirror of Ecstasy” by Stony Brook student Naomi Kirkup, winner of the college division.

The competition also honored several special award recipients, including essays on themes as diverse as origami, perseverance, and cultural traditions. Each winner read their work aloud at the ceremony, underscoring the event’s celebration of storytelling as a bridge between cultures. What began two decades ago through the vision of the late Canon U.S.A. president Kinya Uchida has now become a tradition that continues to inspire. With Canon’s support, the Japan Center Essay Competition remains a powerful stage for young voices to connect cultures and imagine a more globally aware future.