On March 9, 2025, Ritsumeikan University Kinugasa Campus in Kyoto hosted the 8th Annual National Junior High School Biblio Battle Championship, showcasing the talents of junior high students across Japan. Among the highlights of the event were two remarkable presentations: Moa Maeda's runner-up showcase and Hayate Sato's award-winning performance.
Moa Maeda, 15, representing Wakayama Prefecture as part of Yuasa Junior High School, captivated the audience with her discussion of the mystery novel Yuuzai, to AI wa Tsugeta by Shichiri Nakayama. Her presentation aimed to highlight the book's theme amid society's increasing reliance on AI. "There is a growing trend to increasingly utilize AI for efficiency. I believe this is a book worth reading as we approach the era where AI will hold people's destinies," Maeda remarked during her delivery, emphasizing the relevance of literature as technology evolves.
After advancing through local and regional competitions, Maeda and five other finalists competed on this significant stage. The closing ceremony saw the presence of Akiko Mikasa, who awarded Maeda with accolades including a certificate, shield, and three books such as Aka to Ao no Gaun Okkusufoodo Ryuugakuki published by PHP Institute. Maeda fondly recalled the experience, stating, "I could tell the audience members were serious and focused on listening to the presentations."
Meanwhile, Hayate Sato, also 15 and representing Akita Prefecture through Yokote Municipal Jumonji Junior High School, won the Ritsumeikan University Award with his engaging presentation on the 2024 hit novel Shinda Yamada to Kyoushitsu by Rinka Kaneko. Describing his experience, Sato declared, "The portrayal of boys' high school life is accurate and makes me feel nostalgic even as a junior high student." He used humor and gestures to keep approximately 300 audience members entertained, turning serious toward the end to stress the emotional climax of the story, confidently stating, "A thrilling conclusion awaits!"
Sato was visibly thrilled after the ceremony, where he received three books, including Aka to Ao no Gaun Okkusufoodo Ryuugakuki from Akiko Mikasa. He expressed happiness about creating lasting memories during his first trip to Kansai, saying, "I was able to create the best memories in Kansai, which I visited for the first time."
The National Junior High School Biblio Battle Championship serves as not just a showcase for remarkable talent but also as a platform promoting reading among youth. This year's event highlighted the deep connections students forge with literature, whether exploring futuristic themes like AI's role or cherishing nostalgic school experiences.
Overall, the event reflected on how literature remains pertinent for junior high students. Through engaging presentations, both Maeda and Sato showcased the importance of storytelling and the emotional resonance books can have on young readers. With such enthusiasm for literature, the future generation appears well-prepared to tackle the challenges of technology and storytelling alike.