Canon U.S.A. Continues Support of Annual Japan Center Essay Competition at Stony Brook University

Canon U.S.A., Inc. sponsored the 21st Annual Japan Center Essay Competition Awards Ceremony on May 3 at Stony Brook University. This collaboration highlights Canon’s commitment to empowering students and supporting education.

The essay competition, organized by the Japan Center at Stony Brook University, encourages students to explore and connect aspects of their personal lives to Japanese culture. Participants are invited to write about various elements including art, tradition, values, and technology in relation to their personal experiences and future goals.

Dr. Iwao Ojima, President of the Japan Center, expressed gratitude for the long-standing partnership with Canon U.S.A. "Since 2005, we have worked together to provide this opportunity to high school and college students. It is a pleasure for us to see the excellent work of the students, and we extend our congratulations to the winners and all the participants," he stated.

Winners of the competition were chosen by a qualified panel of judges and received Canon products as awards. Sammy Kobayashi, President and CEO of Canon U.S.A., Inc., served as an honorary judge. During the ceremony, Jami Schultz, Vice President of Corporate Human Resources at Canon, delivered a speech acknowledging the creativity and passion of the participating students, emphasizing Canon’s dedication to education and empowerment.

Among the award-winning essays in the high school division were "Keeping the Shape: What Mujo Taught Me About Impermanence" by Chelsy Arrata, who took first place, and "Tadaima: A Small Space with a Deep Return" by Venus Huang, who secured second place. The complete list of winners, finalists, and semifinalists is available on Stony Brook University's website.