The Fukuoka Prize 2022 Award Ceremony commenced with a spectacular opening image combined with magnificent music full of hope and projection mapping. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, overseas laureates participated online last year, but this year, all laureates could attend the ceremony in person for the first time in three years, Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess Akishino also attended the ceremony. The ceremony was held with invited guests only, to ensure thorough infection control measures.

The ceremony started with an introduction of the prize laureates. The Grand Prize laureate, Mr. Hayashi Eitetsu, the Academic Prize laureate, Professor Timon Screech, and the Arts and Culture Prize laureate, Ms. Shahzia Sikander, appeared on stage. The venue was filled with warm and congratulatory applause.

Then, Fukuoka City Mayor Takashima Soichiro made welcoming remarks on behalf of the organizers. He mentioned that the role of the Fukuoka Prize in promoting the diverse cultures and values of the Asian region will become more important than ever as we enter a time of change that demands a sustainable and diverse society. His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino then extended his congratulations to the audience in his Imperial Address.

After, Ishibashi Tatsuro, President of Kyushu University and Chairperson of the Fukuoka Prize Jury, reported on the selection process of the laureates. Mayor Takashima and Tanigawa Hiromichi, Chair of the Fukuoka City International Foundation, presented the award certificates and commemorative medals to the laureates.

Each of the laureates expressed their gratitude and joy in their speeches. In the follow-up interviews, they talked about their activities and research progress in a more relaxing atmosphere, and also expressed the thoughts they valued most and their aspirations for the future.

The laureates once again took the stage and received bouquets of flowers. This was followed by a screening of the Grand Prize laureate, Mr. Hayashi Eitetsu's Taiko performance. Although it was a video, the powerful performance overwhelmed the audience and the Fukuoka Prize 2022 Award Ceremony ended on a moving note.