Yuma Konishi（freelance）, director of the program “The Old Man and the Sea Lion 〜Hokkaido Shakotan Sea lions swimming in the ocean〜” produced by Naoki Yonemoto, won The Encouraged Newcomer Award in the Documentary category at the 41th ATP Award TV Grand Prix!
What is the ATP Award TV Grand Prix? Held once a year, the judges are creators of television programs and other video content, who select outstanding works from their unique perspectives. The awards were established in 1984 as the only awards in Japan in which the producers and directors of the production companies themselves serve as judges to select outstanding works, in order to enhance the social function of production companies, which are important players in Japan’s video content industry, and to respond to the passion and spirit of each and every production staff member working there. Works are accepted in three core genres: documentary, information/variety, and drama, and the top prize Grand Prix will be awarded.
『The Old Man and the Sea Lion 〜Hokkaido Shakotan Sea lions swimming in the ocean〜』
NHK Educational 59-minute program First broadcast date: Sep 28, 2024
Shakotan Peninsula, Hokkaido. Every year, a flock of sea lions come to the frigid sea. An old diver has been fascinated by their appearance and has been following them for many years. He looks at the crisis facing the sea through the relationship between sea lions and humans.
Diving instructor Hisao Fujita, 71 years old. For the past 40 years, he has been conveying the wonder of the crystal clear sea and creatures known as Shakotan Blue. He is particularly particular about showing people the sea lions swimming wildly through the sea. Sea lions are designated as a near-threatened species by the Ministry of the Environment, but they are also a target for extermination because they eat fish caught in nets. What is the way for humans and sea lions to coexist? A three-year record of closely following Fujita, who sticks to his beliefs while facing his illness.
[Director] Yuma Konishi
[Producer] Naoki Yonemoto