Ceremony for Japan’s FAI Young Artists Contest medallists
On Japan’s annual ‘Sky Day’ – 20 September – a national ceremony was held in Tokyo to recognise the achievements of the three Japanese medallists in the 2022 FAI Young Artists Contest.
Haruto Hirayama was a winner in the Junior Category, with Ami Chiba taking silver in the Intermediate and Ruka Oji gaining a gold in the Senior. Of the three winners, Ami Chiba was able to be present to receive her medal and diploma from Mr Shin, the Vice President of the Japan Aeronautic Association at the ceremony which was held in Tokyo. Several aerospace-representatives attended, as well as guests from the Japan Civil Aviation Bureau.
Promoting the contest
Japan has a strong tradition of participating in the Young Artists Contest, and the competition is promoted through schools, art clubs and via social media. Flyers were also sent to air sports organisations, for members to share with family. To encourage entries, in 2021 a team award was established, to recognise any organisation with two or more national winners.
An impressive 372 pieces of artwork were entered by 14 schools for the 2022 competition, an increase from 310 in 2021. Junior winner Haruto Hirayama was also a winner in 2021’s contest.
Ami Chiba's diploma
Congratulations to the winners
Japan is justly proud of the contribution and achievement of their young artists. Mikiko Miura of the Japan Aeronautic Association commented:
“In the closed atmosphere of the Covid-19 pandemic, many young people challenged themselves to draw their own dream aircraft, which made us feel happy. We are very proud of our three medal winners, and we thank to everyone who participated in the contest.”
FAI congratulates the three Japanese medalists and looks forward to seeing the entries from Japan in the 2023 Young Artists Contest, the theme of which is 'Air Sports and the Environment'.
Japan's three medal-winning artworks. L-R: Haruto Hirayama (gold, junior), Ami Chiba (silver, intermediate), Ruka Oji (gold, senior)
