"Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 2022" announced and ceremony held!

Global business magazine Forbes JAPAN announces 30 people under 30 from Japan who are "changing the world"
Forbes JAPAN, operated by Linktides Inc. (CEO: Makoto Takano), announced the Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 2022 list on Monday, August 22, 2022, selecting 30 people from Japan who are "changing the world under the age of 30." The award ceremony was held on Thursday, August 25, at WITH HARAJUKU HALL.
At the ceremony, five of the 30 award recipients, Shuzo Ohira, Fumitake Ezaki, Genji, Mira Hasegawa, and Rei, took to the stage to give their acceptance speeches. A mini talk session was also held, where new leaders of the next generation spoke about the future they envision.

Shuzo Ohira (Model, Actor, DJ)
■What was the moment when your outlook on life broadened?
Looking back, I think the turning points in my life were the "encounters" with people. I think I'm able to do things like TikTok and runway shows, which I'm currently involved in, because the timing of "encounters" with my parents, managers, stylists, friends, and others coincided. For me, that timing just happened to be when I was 19-21 years old, and I think there will be many more times in the future for everyone. It's a bit presumptuous of me to talk about my outlook on life, but I think it was my "encounters" that broadened it.
■Message to university students
We may have the same aspirations, but our activities may be slightly different, so let's work hard together. Nothing will happen unless we start. I think it's important to take action yourself.
Fumitake Ezaki (musician)
■What was the moment when your outlook on life broadened?
The designer Bruno Munari was the guiding principle that helped me think about how I wanted to end my life as an artist. At the end of his career, this leading designer was teaching children about the essence of design and how to look at things in a way that wasn't preachy. I also believe that it's important for me, as an artist, to pass on my thoughts to the next generation. When I come to the end of my career as a musician, I hope to be able to live a life in which I can convey the joy of music to the younger generation in a way that isn't preachy.
■Message to university students
I have been in the university system longer than most people, so I hope that you will use your time at university to find what you are truly passionate about.


Genji (YouTuber / MODERN TIMES CEO)
■What was the moment when your outlook on life broadened?
I believe that everyone has negative emotions. When I was a comedian in high school, I thought about how to turn negative emotions into positive ones. There's no need to force yourself to be positive, but I think the world should be a brighter place. When I thought about what I could do to help negative people become more positive, I decided to start sharing the joy and wonder of fashion, and as a result of continuing to do so, my outlook on life gradually changed.
■Message to university students
If I had to sum it up in one word, it would be "UXEIYO." It's a word that turns everything into something positive.
I think it's best to take action on your own in everything you do. When you're a student, you often do things because you've been told to, but I think it's good to be able to take action on your own.
Mira Hasegawa (Model / CEO of "jam")
■What was the moment when your outlook on life broadened?
When I was studying abroad at university in London and I was having discussions with my classmates, we all had a deep understanding of the social issues happening in our country and had our own opinions. However, at the time I didn't have any ideas to approach solutions, so the "embarrassment" that came from that led to my current outreach. Nowadays, the SDGs and LGBTQ are well-known, but in the past, many people didn't even know about them, so I feel like that "embarrassment" has greatly changed my life.
■Message to university students
I want to say, "Don't worry about it." Especially when you're a university student, there are a lot of situations where you're exposed to a lot of information and you end up comparing yourself to the kids around you, but if you can continue to challenge yourself without worrying about those things, I think you'll be able to move forward at your own pace.


Rei (singer-songwriter/guitarist)
■What was the moment when your outlook on life broadened?
A few years ago, I had the opportunity to sing with a female drummer at a large French music festival called "Les Eurockeennes." We weren't well known in France yet, so at first the audience was sparse, but as if drawn to the music, the crowd gradually gathered. Gradually, they began to cheer and call out, and through that performance, I felt that the "essence of music" can broaden borders, gender, and values. Since then, I've come to realize how important purpose in life and love are.
■Message to university students
As an entertainer, the enjoyment you have is clearly expressed and conveyed to the audience. It's about having fun. I want you to cherish your passion and the ability to have fun.
My thoughts on attending the "Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 2022" ceremony
The Forbes JAPAN 30 UNDER 30 award ceremony made me strongly feel that I want to live a life where I can "find what I want to do and work towards it with confidence." The thoughts expressed by the five award winners who took the stage, and the fact that they were even standing there, were truly dazzling. During the Q&A session, each award winner carefully answered my questions, and their values, while unique in their own way, were very coherent and typical of the award winners. If more people could have dreams and hopes through experiences like this, I believe that a more enjoyable life awaits us!
Rikkyo University, 4th year student, Sudo Kakuto
I think what all the award recipients have in common is that they are expanding the scope of their responsibilities every day. This is because they are thinking not only of themselves, but also of their friends, family, society, and sometimes even beyond national borders, and they are all working with that in mind. As someone who tends to think about many things in terms of what is close to home, I was keenly aware of my own immaturity. This was a great opportunity for me as an U30 to think about what it means to become an adult. Thank you very much.
Ayako Miyata, 4th year student at Tsuda University
It was very motivating to see and hear from people of a similar generation who are active on the world stage, including Ohira Shuzo, who is the same age as me. I realized that what the five award winners have in common is that they are concerned not only with their own happiness but also with the happiness of people all over the world, and that their guiding principle is to work towards a future filled with healing and love. They were truly radiant, working towards their dreams with their own strong beliefs and way of life. It was a meaningful and very educational opportunity for me to think about my future once again.
Yoshiyuki Okazaki, 4th year student at Kawamura Gakuen Women's University
It was very inspiring to see firsthand the young generation leading the times. The words of this year's award winners already had weight and color, and I was captivated listening to them. Everyone had different ideas and methods for what they wanted to do in the future, but at the core they all had a desire to make the world a better place, and I was deeply moved by the way they were working with a sense of ownership. With the words "Nothing will happen unless you start" that they gave to students in mind, I decided to take proactive action.
Koji Ishida, third year student at Nihon University



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