The Fukuoka Prize Award Ceremony began with a spectacular opening video synchronized to projection mapping. After last year's Award Ceremony was postponed, this year's award ceremony could be held, attended only by the affiliates in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The overseas prize laureates participated online from their home countries. The ceremony was streamed live and was watched by many people in Japan and abroad, including Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess Akishino.

The ceremony started with an introduction of the prize laureates. The Grand Prize Laureate Mr. Palagummi Sainath and The Arts and Culture Prize Laureate Mr. Prabda Yoon appeared on screen, and The Academic Prize Laureate Professor Kishimoto Mio came on stage. A warm round of applause was given to the three laureates, who have contributed to the preservation and creation of Asian cultures.

Next, Mr. Takashima Soichiro, Mayor of Fukuoka City, addressed the viewers on behalf of the organizers. He remarked, “The role of the Fukuoka Prize in communicating the diverse cultures and the values of the Asian region will become more important than ever in the coming age when diversity will be more valuable.” His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino then gave his celebratory speech through a video message.

After video presentations of the laureates’ outstanding achievements, Mayor Takashima and Mr. Tanigawa Hiromichi, Chairman of the Fukuoka City International Foundation, presented certificates and medals to the laureates. Mr. Sainath and Mr. Prabda received their certificates and medals through the screen, and Prof. Kishimoto received hers on stage.

The following speeches by the laureates included words of gratitude and wonderful messages for the audience. Then, interviews with the laureates took place in a friendly atmosphere, with the recipients sharing their passionate thoughts and episodes that reflected their personalities.

The laureates once again appeared on the screen and the stage. They were presented with flowers while the affiliates and many viewers looked on. The 31st Fukuoka Prize ceremony, delivered in a new online format both in Japan and abroad, closed on a sensational note with a spectacular flurry of confetti in the venue.