March 14, 2022
Yoshiaki Honda, a fourth-year student, and Rino Nakashita, a first-year student, both from the Faculty of Policy Management and members of Professor Ken Jimbo's research group, have won the Foreign Minister's Award at the 37th International Affairs Presentation Contest hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"The International Affairs Presentation Contest" is a participatory event held annually by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It aims to help university students, who will shape the future of Japan, to deepen their interest in and understanding of Japan's foreign policy and the international situation through presentations on international issues. It also seeks to enhance their ability to be active in the international community through friendly competition and exchange with their peers.
The theme for the 37th contest in fiscal year 2021 was "My Proposal: The Future of Japan's Foreign Policy to Contribute to its Economic Security." Mr. Honda and Ms. Nakashita submitted a proposal and gave a presentation titled "The Challenge of an 'Economic Security Alliance': Deterring Economic Statecraft through Multilateral Cooperation." From among 62 teams (83 individuals), they advanced to the final round held on February 26, 2022, and won the first-place Foreign Minister's Award. Their proposal was praised for its concrete suggestions that balanced ideals with feasibility from a realistic perspective, leading to their win.
Comment from Yoshiaki Honda (4th-year, Faculty of Policy Management)
Discussions on economic security are always active in the Jimbo research group, and I am greatly honored that the learning and experience I gained there have been recognized. In preparing for this essay and presentation, I feel that I was able to utilize the group work and presentation skills I learned in various classes over my four years at SFC. I would like to express my gratitude to Professor Jimbo for his guidance and to the members of the research group.
Comment from Rino Nakashita (1st-year, Faculty of Policy Management)
This award would not have been possible without the warm guidance of Professor Jimbo and everyone in the research group, including my senior colleagues, who guided me as a novice. Therefore, I consider this award to be one won by the Jimbo research group. Throughout the rest of my student life, I will use this award as encouragement to advance my research, and I am determined to devote myself even more, with humility and ambition.
From: General Affairs Section, Shonan Fujisawa Campus (SFC) Office