Regarding the U-22 Programming Contest,
I have provided the following comments as a judge.

■Fiscal Year 2022

From works created using tools for expression—such as programming languages and game development environments—to highly polished games that could be commercialized
as-is, or highly original games
that make you want to know where the inspiration came from, to useful tools that leverage advanced technology to benefit people. The works born from
your imagination and creativity are diverse and of a very high standard. Judging them
is no easy task.
I’m sure you faced many obstacles on your journey to reach this stage.
However, I was deeply moved by
your passion—how you overcame them all with clear thinking and strong determination, and through continuous trial and error—and I’ve drawn energy and hope for the future from you. That’s why I want to give the highest score to
every single entry! I want to express my gratitude! That’s how I truly feel.As we stand at a crossroads of
technological and social change, I feel that you are the ones who will
build a new society and a bright future.
Please continue to look out into the wider world, cherish your own ideas, and keep creating.

■Fiscal Year 2021

Necessity is the mother of invention. A notable trend this year was the
large number of projects where participants “developed what they wanted themselves.” Rather than simply putting up with inconvenient situations, they thought of ways to improve them.

They carried it out with such ease and apparent enjoyment.
Seeing everyone so freely create environments that felt comfortable to them, I felt they could
soar to the very limits of their potential. I became convinced that great innovation awaits at the end of
this challenge.

■Fiscal Year 2020

This year marked the first time the final judging and awards ceremony were held online. I can only imagine that developing and
presenting projects amid the COVID-19 pandemic presented various challenges and hardships. However, I was deeply impressed by your resilience—specifically, your ability to make good use of the unexpected free time created
by school closures to deeply explore your own themes, and the way you found joy in everyday life through
creative expression.Furthermore,
I was amazed by your determination to
improve the society in which you live with your own hands—as seen in projects like the “Three Cs Checker”—and by your ability to actually conceive and implement ideas. It is you who will shape
the “new normal” in the post-pandemic era. I have high hopes for you.

■Fiscal Year 2019

I was completely overwhelmed by the exceptionally high level of talent on display. I was so captivated that I momentarily forgot I was judging and just
listened intently. A notable feature of this
year’s event was that all four recipients of the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award were individual entrants. I truly felt the power of outstanding
individual talent. And isn’t that “talent” simply the “power of
immersion”?In every presentation, I caught a glimpse of the countless obstacles they
overcame to reach this stage, as well as the journey of trial and error fueled by their unwavering passion. A “group” formed when
strong “individuals” clash and create a chemical reaction must be even stronger.
Next time, I look forward to seeing such a team emerge.

■Fiscal Year 2018

A record number of entries.
Once again this year, I
was greatly inspired by the many diverse and compelling works and the opportunity to meet their creators.

What all the award winners had in common was a deep sense of “passion.” Why did they want to create this? How could it be made more convenient? How could it be improved
to captivate a wider audience? They moved back and forth between fervent passion and clear-headed reasoning,

I was deeply moved by the works created through repeated trial and error. A notable feature of this
year’s event was that two elementary school students won the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award.
Everyone now has the means to bring their ideas to life.
That is precisely why we are living in an era where the substance of “what we create” is increasingly being scrutinized.
I hope you will continue to cherish your “passion” and keep creating.

■Fiscal Year 2017

I was deeply impressed by the exceptionally high level of their work and moved by their sincere dedication. Their insight in accurately identifying
challenges, their highly creative thinking, their rich design skills, and their advanced technical expertise,

And their ability to deliver presentations that resonated with the audience—they were head and shoulders above the rest in every respect.
Another thing that surprised me was that many of the award recipients stated they were “self-taught.” The ability to “keep learning” is essential for
surviving in an era of rapid change unlike anything anyone has ever experienced before.

I look forward to seeing what kind of future society you all—who have already acquired that ability—will
build.