The Fukuoka Prize 2023 Award Ceremony opened with an opening movie to introduce past prize laureates. The ceremony was held with invited guests, parties concerned and the citizens of Fukuoka city, and Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess Akishino also attended.

Firstly, the prize laureates were introduced to the audience. Then the Grand Prize laureate, Professor Thongchai Winichakul, the Academic Prize laureate, Professor Khatharya Um and the Arts and Culture Prize laureate, Mr. Zhang Lu, appeared on stage. A round of applause filled the venue.

Secondly, 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 since the realization of a sustainable and diverse society is demanded. His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino also extended his congratulations to the laureates in his Imperial Address.

Then, Ishibashi Tatsuro, President of Kyushu University and Chairperson of the Fukuoka Prize Jury reported on the selection process of the laureates. That is followed by the presentation of award certificates and commemorative medals by Mayor Takashima and Tanigawa Hiromichi, Chair of the Fukuoka City International Foundation. Then each laureates received a bouquet of flower as the audience gave a rousing round of applause.

Subsequently, the video to introduce each laureate’s accomplishment has been screened, and the laureates expressed their gratitude and joy in their speeches and interviews. They talked about their activities, research progress and their future aspirations and the Fukuoka Prize 2023 Award Ceremony ended in a warm and emotional atmosphere.