Established by Kodansha Publishers in 1995 and named in honor of Edwin O. Reischauer, the Noma-Reischauer Prizes in Japanese Studies are given annually to the best essays on Japan-related topics written by a Harvard undergraduate and graduate student. In early December 2026, the Reischauer Institute will award the following two individuals at the annual ceremony and reception held at the Japanese Language Program on 5 Bryant Street.

Sasha Hitachi-Kizziah, College '26 (East Asian Studies & Social Studies) and Regional Studies East – Asia '26
"Culture and Technology in America's Wagyu Industry"

Yi-Ern Samuel Tan, Ph.D. Candidate, G3, History of Art and Architecture
"A Headless Woman and Her Flared Skirt"

Congratulations to our 2026 Noma-Reischauer Prize recipients.