Canon U.S.A., Inc. sponsored and participated in the 17th Annual Japan Center Essay Competition Awards Program on April 23.
The essay competition, organized by the Japan Center at Stony Brook University, honored seven students for work that demonstrated their awareness and understanding of the Japanese culture. The program encourages students to think creatively and critically about their lives by relating experiences to aspects of Japanese culture to help broaden horizons and promote global citizenship through thought-provoking essays.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. and the Japan Center at Stony Brook University have a longstanding partnership, which began in 2005 with former President and Chief Executive Officer of Canon U.S.A., Inc., the late Mr. Kinya Uchida. Contestants were asked to write about one or more aspects of Japan including art, culture, tradition, values, philosophy, history, society, politics, business, and technology in relation to their personal views, experiences, and/or future goals.
Isao “Sammy” Kobayashi, senior vice president and General Manager of the Hybrid-workplaces Solutions Group, Canon U.S.A., spoke at the virtual awards ceremony and congratulated the winners. Kobayashi said working with the Japan Center helps bolster Canon’s corporate philosophy of Kyosei, which means “all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future.”
“It’s important to support youth, education and our communities, and our continued collaboration with Stony Brook University’s Japan Center helps demonstrate the benefits of local social responsibility initiatives,” Kobayashi said. “The Japan Center continues to do great work, and we are very proud of all the students who wrote so passionately about their experience and understanding of Japanese culture as it relates to their personal lives.”
Among the 140 essays submitted by students from high school to college undergraduates in the New York metropolitan area, seven winners were selected by a committee of judges and received awards including a Canon camera.
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