Inaugural Premium Japan Awards Honor 16 Cultural Ambassadors
Sixteen innovators, artists, and organizations gathered at Tokyo’s Kanze Noh Theater on September 29 to accept the inaugural Premium Japan Award, a new accolade designed to recognize those who preserve and export the nation’s cultural heritage to global audiences.
The Grand Prix was awarded to the Japanese Culinary Academy for its exhaustive Japanese Cuisine Complete project, a systematic documentation of culinary techniques and history intended to serve as a bridge for future generations. The ceremony, hosted by the Japan Culture Creation Organization (JCCO) in partnership with the media platform Premium Japan, highlighted a diverse range of contributors, from traditional craftspeople to contemporary designers.
Among the honorees, Kabuki actor Hayato Nakamura earned recognition for his 2025 international tour, which included a performance at Carnegie Hall, while the fashion brand A-POC ABLE ISSEY MIYAKE was cited for its forward-thinking approach to textiles. Other notable recipients included the Okurayama Studio for its architectural use of regional stone and the Sea Vegetable startup for its marine ecosystem restoration efforts. These projects reflect a growing emphasis on blending ancient aesthetic sensibility with modern industrial and environmental applications.
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