The Japan Center of Stony Brook (JCSB) recently celebrated its 20th Annual Essay Competition, supported by Canon U.S.A., with an awards ceremony on May 4. The competition aims to honor cultural diversity and foster inclusion by encouraging young Americans to think creatively and critically about their lives, expand their perspectives, and nurture global citizenship.
A total of 221 essays from high schools and colleges in the New York metropolitan area were evaluated by JCSB committee members and faculty. Their selections were confirmed by two honorary judges: Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consul General of Japan in New York, and Isao Kobayashi, President and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Among the eight awardees were Naomi Kirkup and Wynn Ng, students at Stony Brook University. Kirkup, a senior majoring in Asian and Asian American studies with minors in China studies, religious studies, and South Asian studies, won the Best Essay Award in the College Division. Her essay titled “Amaterasu’s Mirror of Ecstasy: A Brief Encounter with Japanese Shamanism and Shintoism” earned her a $3,000 prize along with a Canon camera. The essay discusses her personal journey through Sufism and explores how different religions are ultimately compatible. Chief Judge Murata remarked that life's ultimate goal is to maintain the clarity of one's heart to reflect divine beauty.
Wynn Ng, a freshman studying psychology with aspirations of becoming a clinical psychologist, received a Special Award along with a $500 prize and a Canon camera for her essay “Between the Folds: The Life Lessons Found in Origami.” In it, she shares insights on how origami taught her patience and mindfulness—skills that aided her during challenging college chemistry classes. Chief Judge Murata noted to Ng that qualities such as discipline and patience are crucial both in origami and chemistry.
During opening remarks at the ceremony, Eriko Sato, chair of the JCSB Essay Competition, conveyed College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Wrobel's appreciation for all participants "for modeling what it means to be global citizens committed to a world of communication, connections, and understanding." This aligns with Canon U.S.A.’s corporate philosophy Kyosei—meaning harmonious living among people regardless of race or culture.
JCSB President Iwao Ojima also introduced the center's mission and recent activities. The event featured greetings from Kiyoshi Oka of Canon U.S.A. and Makiko Ai from the Consulate General of Japan in New York.
Since its inception in 2005, this annual competition has attracted over 4,018 essays from 292 schools across the New York metropolitan area. Participants are invited to write about any aspect related to Japan based on their personal experiences or future goals without needing prior experience visiting Japan or studying Japanese.
For more details about this competition or future events visit the Japan Center at Stony Brook website.