Team Clarus of the Akio Nishiura Seminar of Soka University’s Faculty of Economics, representing the student category, won the NTT West Japan Award.

This contest provides an opportunity for youth that are interested in solving social issues to learn about the values of Yunus Social Business. From the planning stage, members of society (leaders of business corporations, consultants, and entrepreneurs) support each team as mentors, and they work for approximately two months toward the final contest to build an executable plan. This contest was the seventh of its kind.

In total, 134 teams participated in this event, 61 teams participated in the primary contest held on September 30 (Saturday), and six teams won in the primary, with all participants aiming for the final contest. Team Clarus, which won the NTT West Japan Award, presented business planning for solving the issues of litter cleanup after fireworks events, as such litter can destroy the landscape and be a cause for odor. In some cases, holding a fireworks event itself can become a risk. The team pondered a “structure” with which those that produce litter can take responsibility for the trash and invented a cardboard trash box called the “Clarus Box,” which utilizes original LEDs that emit a bright light and which can thus be distinguished by color even in the dark. The judges commented: “Its simplicity is outstanding, with a combination of ‘design and problem-solving.’”

Team Leader Mr. Ryoma Ohashi (Faculty of Economics, senior) shared: “We have been active since March of this year toward solving trash issues. I sincerely feel that it is thanks to the many people that supported us that we have been able to continue challenging ourselves to this day. I will continue to exert myself to contribute to Soka University while mentoring those coming up after me.”

Team CUE, of the Yoshinori Yasuda Seminar of the Faculty of Economics, did not proceed to the finals but received a Veolia Award as a special recommendation. Team CUE brought to light the issue that the rate of cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice is lower in Tokyo compared to other cities around the world. They have also conducted surveys and research, focusing on the fact that in countries and cities with higher rates of cardiopulmonary resuscitation practice, education is emphasized from the infant stage and those efforts are made to inspire awareness and disseminate knowledge on the subject on a long-term basis. The team developed a card game that teaches children about cardiopulmonary resuscitation methods and presented a business plan toward sales of these cards.