On Air: Fukuoka City Information/2014.08.09(Sat)/09:00～

Asia has many different ethnicities, cultures, and languages existing side by side. In this multicultural environment, not only are the traditions of the past nurtured into the present, but new aspects of culture are born.

Fukuoka has been the doorway to Japan since long ago, and has played an important role in facilitating exchange between the areas of Asia. And, in such a role, it offers the Fukuoka Prize; an award created together by private organizations, academic world and Fukuoka City, that celebrates progressive culture, mutual understanding and the advancement of peace.

The 2014 Grand Prize goes to the American sociologist Ezra F. Vogel. He has unearthed great results in his research of post-world-war political economic change between 1960 and the year 2000 with a focus on Japan and China. His work contributes to peace and understanding as he analyzes the Asian Newly Industrialized Economies (NIEs) that developed in tandem in the region. Among his better known works, becoming a best-seller and selling over 700,000 copies, is his 1979 book, Japan as Number One.

And, the Indonesian historian, Azyumardi Azra, has been chosen to receive the Academic Prize. Specializing in Islamic ideology, his work has supported the advancement of the harmonious, pluralistic civilian society in Indonesia. Rooted in a deep understanding of Islamic culture, Azra’s work and activities have promoted understanding across cultures on the international stage. His 2004 book, The Origins of Islamic Reformism in Southeast Asia was published simultaneously in Holland, America and Australia.

The Arts and Culture Prize goes to the Hong Kong Cultural Worker Danny Yung. While active as a stage director, play write, and set designer creating multiple new and creative theater designs, he also engages actively in working with international exchange, cultural policy, and art education. Extending beyond physical boundaries, his work has helped tie tradition and modern life, generations, and lands across Asia with the world, contributing greatly to the development of Asian culture and art. His child The Tian Tian Xiang Shang character is known far and wide. Through his workshop creating this character, he deepened exchange with elementary school students in Fukushima Prefecture in the wake of the Great Eastern Japan Earthquake Disaster.

The 25th Fukuoka Prize Award ceremony in 2014 will take place in Fukuoka Symphony Hall located on the first floor of ACROS Fukuoka on Thursday, September 18th at 6:15 PM. In addition, there will be a public lecture held by Ezra F. Vogel, the winner of this year’s Grand Prize, on Wednesday the 17th in Elgala Hall. And, on Sunday the 21st, in the event hall on the B2 level of ACROS Fukuoka, both Azyumardi Azra and Danny Yung will also hold public lectures.

For more information on participating in the events, or about the Fukuoka Prize, please visit the event homepage at fukuoka-prize.org. Information is available in Korean, Chinese, English and Japanese.