Events

This year’s Awards Ceremony also went online for the first time ever. The jurors of the main event and prize winners around the globe were connected via Zoom. The COVID-19 pandemic prevented the program makers from attending in person this year but there was no doubting the joy in their voices and they also had no trouble explaining the thoughts and aims they had invested in their works. Simultaneous interpretation was provided and 263 people worldwide watched the ceremony online. The drum rolls for the announcement of the winners were played live by percussionist Sato Naoko, who also performed Hanasaki Taiko (Blooming Drums), a piece that incorporated the Japanese wadaiko drum and conveyed its Japanese flavor to the international audience. The member of the NHK Super Radio Calisthenics, led an invigorating loosening up session in which everyone at the venue and many online participants, too, took part, and Her Imperial Highness the Crown Princess also kindly sent a video message.