On December 1st (Sunday), at Takushoku University in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, the Kanto Area Competition of the “The 2019 Grand Prix of Fostering the Essential Competencies for the 100-Year Life” (Hosted by General Incorporated Association - Society Basic Ability Council, sponsored by Japan Association of Corporate Executives, The Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, etc.) was held. 14 teams from 10 universities gave their presentations. The Akio Nishiura Seminar of the Faculty of Economics, who participated from Soka University, won the Most Outstanding Award (1st place), obtaining the right to participate in the national competition to be held on February 18th next year. The Yoshinori Yasuda Seminar of the Faculty of Business Administration won the Outstanding Award.

“Essential competencies as the members of society” consists of three abilities: “take a step forward,” “thoroughly think,” and “work as a team.” These abilities were proposed from 2006 by the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry as “basic abilities needed to work with various types of people in a workplace or community.” Due to changes in the environment that surrounds corporations and youth, it has become increasingly important to consciously foster such basic abilities as members of society in addition to “basic academic abilities” and “specialized knowledge” in order to wisely make full use of them.

Team Sun of the Nishiura Seminar presented under the theme, “Towards a Society that Can Provide Spiritually Healthy Home Care－Providing a WEB Service ‘Kakunomi’ for Caregivers.” They shared how services were improved based on feedback from caregivers and cooperating companies related to the “basic abilities of members of society.” The judges evaluated the level of their abilities to set a theme, to take action, and to present as very high.

The leader of the team, Ms. Honami Naito, who participated together with Ms. Chihiro Harada and Ms. Miyuki Sugimoto shared, “There were many struggles, but I believe this is a result thanks to each person who supported us. Without forgetting this sense of appreciation, we will do our best and challenge ourselves towards the national competition and win.”

＜Members of Team Sun of Nishiura Seminar＞
Ms. Honami Naito, Ms. Chihiro Harada, Ms. Miyuki Sugimoto, Mr. Masamichi Hashimoto, Mr. Daiseiki Sugayama, Ms. Yumi Hashiguchi, Ms. Yuri Harada, Ms. Hiromi Kato, and Mr. Ryo Shirokoda