Junichi Hamada
President

The Hoso Bunka Foundation was founded in 1974 with Ichiro Nakayama, an economist and then honorary professor at Hitotsubashi University as President. Then making the transition to a public interest incorporated foundation in April 2011, the foundation will mark the 50th anniversary of its establishment in 2024.

The total amount of the “broadcast-related grant funding” has reached approximately 12.7 billion yen that exceeds the foundation’s basic fund amount. We remain committed to continuing our broad-based support for the development and improvement of broadcasting culture.

The “HBF Prize” has been highly regarded as an award with a history and tradition that opens the door not only to broadcasters but also production houses throughout Japan. In addition, this year, we have expanded the scope of awards to include digital media content. It is quite characteristic that the prize is awarded not for outstanding content creation alone, but for various broadcast-related efforts and technological improvement.

The “forums for producers” have been held in five districts in Japan, aiming at offering an opportunity for producers to know each other beyond the organizational boundaries between NHK and commercial broadcasters. I hope they inspire one another by competing in short program contests and exchanging views, and will grow as superb broadcasters.

Television has made various changes with times, but over the past years, the circumstances have changed even drastically. The radical transformation of the media environment resulting from internet services such as simultaneous distribution of broadcasting programs and video delivery is about to change our TV viewing habit in life. Even in the midst of such changes, it is indisputable that broadcasting requires quality and reliable content.

Amidst the rapid progression of the convergence between broadcasting and telecommunications, we would make determined efforts to contribute more to the development and improvement of the broadcast-based media culture. I deeply appreciate your continued understanding and support.