Two students from Linden Hall High School were recognized in the Junior High School Division of the Future Disaster Prevention Ideas Contest 2026, organized by Morita Holdings Corporation. Miss Nakamichi (Grade 8) received the Grand Prize, while Miss Yoshioka (Grade 10) was awarded an Honorable Mention. A school award ceremony was recently held to celebrate their achievements. (The students were in Grade 7 and Grade 9, respectively, at the time of submission.)

Both ideas incorporated creative approaches to improving safety during disasters, demonstrating not only a strong interest in disaster preparedness but also excellent problem-solving skills and innovative thinking.

Below are comments from the two award recipients.

Miss Nakamichi (Grade 8)
Concept: A Folding Umbrella That Can Also Be Used as a Personal Emergency Tent

“I decided to enter the contest after hearing about it from my teacher during a health and physical education class. I was very surprised to receive the Grand Prize, as I never expected to win. It is a great honor, and I would be delighted if my idea could one day become a real product.”

Miss Yoshioka (Grade 10)
Concept: A Helmet Designed to Help People Survive the First 72 Hours After a Disaster

“While learning about disaster preparedness in health and physical education class, I was encouraged to think more seriously about how to prepare for emergencies myself. I wanted to put what I had learned into practice, so I decided to enter the contest.

My family regularly prepares for disasters by discussing evacuation sites and emergency plans together. Receiving this award has made me very happy, and it has given me confidence that I was able to turn what I learned in class into a practical idea.”

Congratulations to Miss Nakamichi and Miss Yoshioka on their outstanding achievements.

We hope that through future challenges and opportunities, they will continue to expand their creativity, develop their unique ideas, and explore their full potential.