Harry Sugiyama Left Speechless by Wataru Endo’s Unwavering Dedication: A Dinner Encounter with Japan’s Soccer Star
Harry Sugiyama Attends Japan Prize Media Briefing and Shares Heartfelt Thoughts
Talent Harry Sugiyama recently attended the “51st Japan Prize Media Briefing” held at the NHK Broadcasting Center. Upon his return to England, he shared a heartwarming experience of having dinner with Japan national soccer player Wataru Endo.
The Japan Prize is an international competition for educational content sponsored by NHK, established in 1965 to improve the quality of educational content worldwide. This year, the award received a record 423 works and projects from 59 countries and regions.
As a PR ambassador for the Japan Prize, Harry expressed his thoughts on the ceremony, stating, “It’s a ceremony that connects Japan with the current world. It’s not just about the ceremony, but about seeing and feeling the works and connecting them to some kind of action.” He believes that this is a period where the Japan Prize can make a significant impact.
Harry’s father, journalist Henry Scott Stokes, played a significant role in his life. “My father came to Japan in 1964 to report on the Tokyo Olympics. He always tried to tell the world about Japan’s postwar recovery and development. He worked hard,” Harry said, reflecting on his father’s legacy. He also shared that his father won the Japan Prize, and he feels proud to be following in his footsteps.
Harry’s passion for connecting Japan and the world is evident in his work. “Connecting Japan and the world has been my number one dream, or rather, my longing since I was a child,” he said. He is an ambassador for the Tokyo Marathon and a tourism ambassador for Tokyo, and he is committed to sharing the real Japan with the world.
During his recent trip to the UK, Harry had the opportunity to meet with Wataru Endo, a member of the Japanese national soccer team who plays for Liverpool in the Premier League. “I had dinner in Manchester. I thought it wasn’t Liverpool (lol),” Harry said, sharing a lighthearted moment. He praised Wataru Endo’s attitude and dedication to his craft.
Harry was moved by the experience of having dinner with Wataru Endo, saying, “I was a little moved by the fact that I was having a meal with my friends who were fighting on the front lines in Japan and the world, and I was able to enjoy the glory of the front lines. I thought he was doing an amazing job.”
NHK announcer Asahi Inoue also took the stage at the Japan Prize Media Briefing, adding to the excitement of the event.