Two SBU Students Receive Awards in Japan Center’s 20th Annual Essay Competition

The Japan Center of Stony Brook (JCSB) held an awards ceremony on May 4 for its 20th Annual Essay Competition, sponsored by Canon U.S.A. The goal of this competition is to celebrate diverse cultures and promote inclusion by offering young Americans the opportunity to think creatively and critically about their lives, broaden their horizons, and develop global citizenship. A total of 221 essays from high schools and colleges in the New York metropolitan area were carefully screened by JCSB committee and faculty members. Their decisions were approved by two honorary judges: Ambassador Mikio Mori, Consul General of Japan in NY, and Isao Kobayashi, President and CEO, Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Two Stony Brook students, Naomi Kirkup and Wynn Ng, were included among the eight awardees. Kirkup is a senior majoring in Asian and Asian American studies with minors in China studies, religious studies, and South Asian studies. She received the Best Essay Award in the College Division with a $3,000 prize and a Canon camera. Her essay, "Amaterasu's Mirror of Ecstasy: A Brief Encounter with Japanese Shamanism and Shintoism," explores the purpose of her life and her realization, through her study of Sufism, that different religions are ultimately compatible. Her essay analyzes the myth of Amaterasu, the sun goddess, and her mirror, as a symbol of the importance of actualizing one's inner nature. Chief Judge Murata commented that the ultimate goal of life is to keep the mirror of the heart polished and clear so that it will reflect the divine beauty.

Ng is a freshman majoring in psychology, aspiring to become a clinical psychologist. She received a Special Award with a $500 prize and a Canon camera. In her essay, "Between the Folds: The Life Lessons Found in Origami," she reflects on how origami taught her patience and mindfulness, lessons that helped her navigate the challenges of a college chemistry class. In both the art of folding paper and the science of chemistry, it is not only the outcome that matters, but the process - the quiet, deliberate steps that ultimately lead to transformation, where experiences become truly meaningful.

Chief Judge Murata commented to Wynn, "Origami, as you well know, is an art that requires discipline, patience, and skill. There is a big difference between a crane made with patience and one made in a hurry. You have seen how these human qualities apply just as well to chemistry. We hope you will continue to apply them throughout your academic career and your life."

During her opening remarks, Eriko Sato, chair of the JCSB Essay Competition, read the message by College of Arts and Sciences Dean David Wrobel, who expressed his appreciation to all participants "for modeling what it means to be global citizens committed to a world of communication, connections, and understanding," which is shared by Canon U.S.A.'s corporate philosophy, Kyosei, meaning "all people, regardless of race, religion or culture, harmoniously living and working together into the future."

JCSB President Iwao Ojima's introduction of the JCSB's mission, achievements and recent activities was followed by warm greetings from two distinguished guests: Kiyoshi Oka, executive vice president and general manager, Marketing Strategy Unit, Canon U.S.A., and Makiko Ai, director of the Japan Information Center and deputy consul general at the Consulate General of Japan in New York.

Since 2005, the competition has received a total of 4,018 essays from 262 schools across the New York metropolitan area. To enter this annual essay competition, contestants should write, in English, any aspect of Japan in relation to their personal views, experiences and/or future goals. They do not need to have any experience in visiting Japan or studying Japanese.

For more information, visit the Japan Center at Stony Brook website.