On the evening of Tuesday, October 22 (local time in Japan), the ABU Prizes 2024 awards ceremony was held in Istanbul, Turkey, organized by the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). Fuji Television Network, Inc.’s program “Baseball Boys of Ishikawa: Overcoming the New Year’s Day Earthquake” which aired on Thursday, April 4, 2024, received the Special Jury Prize.
The ABU Prizes are among the most prestigious awards in the Asia-Pacific region, recognizing excellence in television and radio programs produced by ABU member organizations. This year, there were 342 entries in the radio, television, and digital media categories.
The Special Jury Prize is awarded to programs that have significantly impacted the final judges in terms of subject matter, execution quality, and production value. All entries reaching the final selection are eligible for this award. Fuji Television Network, Inc. received this award in 2022 for “The Nonfiction: Memories of Me and Dad” marking its second honorable win.
Baseball Boys of Ishikawa: Overcoming the New Year’s Day Earthquake“Baseball Boys of Ishikawa: Overcoming the New Year’s Day Earthquake” is a sports documentary that closely follows a baseball team. After losing their home and training facilities due to the earthquake that struck the Noto Peninsula on January 1, 2024, they faced various challenges while competing in the National High School Baseball Championships, known as “Koshien.”
The story revolves around the deep conflict faced by young players practicing in Yamanashi, far from Wajima, the area most severely affected by the disaster. It explores their struggle with the question: “Is it right for us to play baseball now?”
The production team’s heartfelt desire to convey to as many people as possible the thoughts and emotions of the baseball players and those in the disaster-stricken areas was also recognized, earning them the Special Jury Prize.
■Masahiro Fujita, Producer, Sports Program Production, Fuji Television Network, Inc. comments: “Many people generously contributed to the interviews. I would have loved to feature all of them, but I had to make the difficult decision to cut some to effectively convey the theme of the work. This award does not belong to the production team; it is for those affected by the disaster in Ishikawa.”
■Yuji Shima, Program Director (クロスロード) comments: “With smiles, gratitude, and a sense of giving back in their hearts, the players returned to their alma mater in Ishikawa after competing at Koshien, not feeling downcast but beaming with smiles. They have faced and overcome numerous challenges ‘to support the disaster-stricken areas.’ I sensed that their smiles at this moment were more like ‘determined expressions,’ ready to confront the challenges that lie ahead while holding onto these three words.”
■Kentaro Takagi, Supervising Producer, Sports Department, Planning and Promotion, Fuji Television Network, Inc. comments: “This documentary was created with unconventional direction to convey the struggles of the baseball team members, the emotional turmoil of the people in the shelters, and the current situation in the disaster-stricken areas, so that as many people as possible can become aware of it. There is still a long road ahead for recovery. I sincerely hope that even in a small way, this work can, offer some comfort and support to those in these regions.”
■Official Website (ABU Prizes 2024 Finalists)
http://abuprizes.abu.org.my/?page_id=5622