"Kenmin Show Travel Awards 2025" Award Ceremony

From left: Yuchami / Eiji Wentz / Michiko Hata / Sachiko Kobayashi / Crazy Magnet (Air, UraN, Mei Asami)

The Kenmin Show Travel Award Executive Committee (Yomiuri Television Broadcasting Corporation, Progress Co., Ltd.) is holding a contest to solicit short videos filled with "Kenmin Love"Kenmin Show Travel Awards 2025The award ceremony for the award was held on Friday, November 28, 2025.
The award ceremony was hosted by Tokyo native Wentz Eiji and Osaka native Yuchami, with guests including Niigata native Kobayashi Sachiko, Ibaraki native Hata Michiko, Gen Z-popular Crazy Magnet, and DJ Celly, who took to the stage for a diverse discussion that transcended region, generation, and genre, centered around "love for one's hometown." Following the ceremony, all the performers performed a spectacular Bon Odori dance to the smash hit "Senbonzakura."

■Kenmin Show Travel Awards Overview

"Kenmin Show Travel Awards 2025" is a participatory video contest open to all residents of all 47 prefectures in Japan, inviting short videos from a wide range of people, including the general public, video creators, and local influencers, with the grand prize winner to be determined.
The awards feature the ability for anyone to easily share the appeal of their "favorite hometown" or "favorite region" through TikTok or Instagram, and entries can be made on any theme, such as gourmet food, stunning scenery, unique people, or local culture. There is also a system in place that allows people to recommend people they would like to see introduced to their region, as well as people, things, and events they would like to be proud of in their hometown. With recommendations as a springboard, the awards are a fun way to spread the appeal of new regions across the country.

■ Sachiko Kobayashi
Thanks to you, I was able to celebrate my 60th anniversary in the entertainment industry last year. Many things have happened, but the people of Niigata have supported me, so I feel a sense of gratitude and want to give back. Niigata Prefecture's attractions include Tsukioka Onsen, the ocean, and snow. Niigata is a region with heavy snowfall. Their sake and rice are delicious. "Seafood, mountain produce, and Kobayashi Sachi." The intonation changes in Niigata. For example, when giving a compliment, the word "baka" (stupid) is added. It sounds like they're making fun of someone, but it actually means "extremely" or "very." When talking about food, they might say "baka oishii" (baka delicious). I don't know who came up with the idea of ​​"turning Senbonzakura into a Bon Odori dance," but it was a really fun time. I worked up a sweat.

■ Michiko Haneda
The fireworks festival in my hometown, Joso City, Ibaraki Prefecture, is a historic event, ranking among the top 10 in Japan. Ibaraki Prefecture is famous for its fireworks makers, boasting several top-ranked fireworks makers. They're very proud of their fireworks. What I like about Ibaraki is its abundant nature, with the sea, mountains, and lakes. It's a laid-back, peaceful, loving, warm, and somewhat funny place full of people. Crossing the Tone River completely changes the atmosphere. The moment I cross the Tone River, I feel like I'm home. Even though I haven't been back in years, I'm relieved to hear someone say, "Mitch, welcome back!" and I've come to appreciate my hometown. I heard that Ibaraki people speak in the local dialect, but subtitles are displayed. Ibaraki Prefecture is the closest prefecture to Tokyo, where you can enjoy the great outdoors. Despite its proximity, I think it's a place where you can still experience the countryside.

■Eiji Wentz
I'm from Tokyo, so I'm the one who gets the least attention. Seeing today's awards made me feel like I have to liven up my hometown. I feel like someone else will do it, but when I'm in another country, I sometimes feel like I have to do it. Tokyo is a bit rural, but it's also a big city. When promoting Tokyo, I tell people to "get over your shyness." People in Tokyo can be shy, and people who come to Tokyo from the countryside also try to adapt to the city. Try not to speak in dialect. I think that if you get over your shyness, you'll be able to experience the warmth of the people of Tokyo. Even in Tokyo, I want people to experience the different personalities of the eastern and western parts of the city.

■Yuu-chami
I'm from Osaka, and when I think of Osaka, I think of the "connection between food and people" and "kindness of people." When I went to buy takoyaki and they gave me an extra one, I felt the kindness of the people of Osaka and it made me realize just how much I love the city. The Expo just ended and there was a lot of excitement. I feel like so many different people came to visit. I think Osaka is a "city of humanity." I love the connections between people, how kind and warm-hearted everyone is, and how everyone feels like "home" like a mother or father, so even new people are friendly. I'd like to go to Tottori Prefecture. I'd like to go to the Tottori Sand Dunes. I really love Gegege no Kitaro, and I heard there's a road show there, so I'd like to go.

Interview with Student Newspaper Online on November 28, 2025, Haruna Shoji, a second-year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences

Haruna Shoji, a third-year student at Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences; Akina Yoshimatsu, a third-year student at Musashino University; Yurie Watanabe, a second-year student at Josai International University