Colorful moving lights and magnificent music were combined with a movie to create a brilliant stage to mark the opening of the Fukuoka Prize 2023 Award Ceremony. In the presence of Their Imperial Highnesses Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, all three laureates, who play leading roles in their respective areas, attended the ceremony in person. Representatives from various fields and many Fukuoka citizens were also in attendance.

The ceremony started with an introduction of the laureates: Grand Prize laureate Professor Thongchai Winichakul; Academic Prize laureate Professor Khatharya Um; and Arts and Culture Prize laureate Mr. Zhang Lu. When they appeared on stage, the venue was filled with warm congratulatory applause.

Next, Fukuoka City Mayor Takashima Soichiro gave welcoming remarks on behalf of the organizers. He emphasized that growing global trends toward a sustainable and diverse society would further increase the importance of the Fukuoka Prize’s role in widely advocating the cultural diversity and values of the Asian region. His Imperial Highness Crown Prince Akishino then extended his congratulations to the laureates in his Imperial Address.

After that, the jurors’ statement for 2023 was presented by Kyushu University President Ishibashi Tatsuro, Chairperson of the Fukuoka Prize Jury. Mayor Takashima and Tanigawa Hiromichi, Chair of the Fukuoka City International Foundation, then presented the laureates with their award certificates and commemorative medals. Each laureate also received a bouquet of flowers amid loud applause from the audience.

The next feature of the ceremony was a celebratory performance given by the Kayoko Akimoto Thai Dance Troupe. The audience was captivated by the Thai dance performance, which was on the theme of peace and happiness.

After a video outlining the outstanding achievements of the laureates, each laureate delivered a speech expressing their gratitude and delight at receiving their prizes. In the subsequent interviews, they talked about the paths they had followed in their research and activities, the thoughts they cherished, and their aspirations for the future.

The Fukuoka Prize 2023 Award Ceremony closed with even louder applause from the audience.