Frontrunners

Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori

NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko

Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke

Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito

Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro

Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru

Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi

NPO Founder - Doya Yuto

Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

Japan's population is aging, and millions suffer from dysphagia-they find it difficult to chew and swallow food. Nutritionist Egashira Fumie has helped thousands continue to eat normally.

Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

Higashi Mitsuhiro works to revitalize regional communities by combining solar power generation with agriculture. He's been perfecting the idea in Japan, and has begun implementing it in Ethiopia.

Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

Yabusame is traditional horseback archery. It's preserved as a Shinto ritual, but is not accessible to all. Kamimura Ayuko runs competitions open to women and international participants.

World-Leading Nearsightedness Specialist: Ohno-Matsui Kyoko

Ohno-Matsui Kyoko is an expert in high myopia—severe nearsightedness. She runs the world's first specialized clinic, and pushes the boundaries of diagnosis and treatment.

Recycling Specialist: Nakamura Takatoshi / Vietnam