On February 25, Moe Katagiri, a second-year student in the School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, won the Grand Prize (Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Award/Business Grand Prize) at the 2024 Campus Venture Grand Prix National Competition. This marks the first time in six years that a Hiroshima University student has received the top award at the national level. The last recipient was Takuya Kitamura in 2019, who was then a second-year doctoral student in the Graduate School of Engineering and is now a specially appointed assistant professor in the Startup Initiatives Division, Department of Academia-Government-Industry Collaboration, Office of Research and Academia-Government-Community Collaboration.

Katagiri’s winning proposal, "Folk Performing Arts Consulting," aims to ensure the sustainable preservation of Japan’s traditional folk performing arts for future generations. As a specialist consultant in this field, she seeks to address regional challenges—such as a shortage of performers—by increasing the number of spectators and expanding community involvement through social media and other initiatives. Her proposal includes two key programs: one to boost participation and another to recruit new performers. Drawing from her own experience, she hopes to revitalize local communities through folk performing arts.

"When I applied, I received guidance and encouragement from many people. My project is filled with excitement, and the progress I make each day, little by little, is thanks to everyone who has supported me along the way. This award is not the finish line but a new beginning. I will continue to take on challenges while staying true to the vision and ideas I want to bring to life," Katagiri said, expressing her joy upon receiving the award.

The Campus Venture Grand Prix (CVG) is a competition that invites, evaluates, and awards business plans from students in graduate schools, universities, technical colleges, junior colleges, and vocational schools across Japan. Known as a "gateway to success for student entrepreneurs," the competition currently takes place in eight regions—Hokkaido, Tohoku, Tokyo, Chubu, Osaka, Chugoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu. One or two Grand Prize winners from each regional competition advance to the national finals. 

The national awards ceremony was held on February 25 in Osaka at the Osaka Business Development Agency. Prior to this, the 2024 Campus Venture Grand Prix Chugoku Area Competition took place on January 22 in Hiroshima City (Rihga Royal Hotel Hiroshima), where Katagiri won the Grand Prize, securing her spot in the national competition. At the same event, Tomoko Izumikawa (Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences) received a special award.

Winning Proposal

Presentation Theme: Redesigning the Management and Participation System for Folk Performing Arts – Toward Sustainable Folk Performing Arts 

Folk Performing Arts Consulting
As a folk performing arts consultant, I draw on my own experience to tackle the various challenges facing folk performing arts in different regions. Through hands-on support for those involved, guidance in councils and discussions, and organizational reforms, I seek to revitalize local communities through folk performing arts.

1. Program to Boost Participation
   By implementing public relations initiatives such as advertising, event announcements, social media, and inbound support, this program aims to increase the number of spectators and community involvement in folk performing arts.
2. Program to Recruit Performers
   A system will be established for publicly recruiting participants for matsuri—traditional Japanese festivals—allowing them to join as performers. Participants pay an entry fee and gain a unique local experience, while preservation organizations generate revenue and address the shortage of performers.