Japanese documentary wins 2011 Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award

A documentary about the lives of two disabled children in Japan, has won the 2011 Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award for broadcasting.

Iori and Ibuki – Why We Were Born by Shizuoka Telecasting of Japan was named the winner of the award on 2 November in Hong Kong during the CASBAA Convention.

The Asia-Pacific Child Rights Award, created by CASBAA, ABU and UNICEF in 2001, is given annually to the best television program produced in the Asia-Pacific region with a focus on children’s rights. Nearly 50 entries from countries across the Asia-Pacific region were received for this year’s competition.

Shizuoka Telecasting of Japan spent 11 years tracking the lives of a brother and sister who were each born with a disability.

Iori, the older sister, is blind and grew up troubled and upset by why she can’t see while her younger brother, Ibuki, was born both physically and mentally impaired. He has undergone 11 operations and been admitted to hospital 33 times. Despite this, Ibuki is a vibrant and determined boy who does not let his disabilities affect his outlook on life.

The story is a compelling tale of resilience and optimism as Ibuki’s determination is ultimately a source of strength for his sister and parents. It also gives them an appreciation for their own strengths and weaknesses as well as the understanding that everyone has a purpose in life.

Mariko Hashimoto, the producer of Iori and Ibuki – Why We Were Born, visited Iori's school and house regularly. She also cultivated a relationship with Iori over the course of the 11 years while filming and interviewing her and her family.

“In Japan, children with disabilities tend to be bullied. Many have to live in isolation. They face a lack of nursing, schooling and service facilities. I believe that today's society, in which disabled people are obliged to live ‘secretly’, must be changed. I long for a society free from discrimination against the disabled,” said Ms Hashimoto.

The documentary was praised by the Child Rights Award jurors for its tremendous sensitivity while gaining access to a family and their daily lives for more than a decade. The documentary strengthens one’s will to honor life despite all odds.

“This documentary is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit and our ability to adapt and overcome,” said Madeline Eisner, UNICEF Regional Communication Advisor for East Asia and the Pacific. “It shines a light on how children with disabilities are treated in society and how this stigma affects them. But it also gives us a greater appreciation of their enormous strengths and the contributions they make to their families and countries.”

“CASBAA congratulates Shizuoka Telecasting for creating an inspiring and compelling documentary on children triumphing over disability,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO, CASBAA. “Part of our association’s mission is to ensure that we provide a platform for all industry organizations to harness their collective resources and to give back to the communities in which we all operate.”

“By giving children with special needs the skills needed to grow, we can encourage and inspire success,” said Dr Javad Mottaghi, Secretary-General of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). “With the gift of hope from Mariko Hashimoto and her production team, all children with special needs can be inspired to have the faith in themselves to continue their journey down the road towards a joyous, successful life. Congratulations!”

Please explore this site further for details on this year's finalists, the Award, co-organisers and a Question & Answer with the winning producer.

For further information, please contact:

Adela Chen, CASBAA (Hong Kong), + 852 3929 1711, adela@casbaa.com, pr@casbaa.com

Letchumi Achanah, ABU (Kuala Lumpur), + 603 2282-3592, letchumi@abu.org.my

Geoffrey Keele, UNICEF (Bangkok), + 662 356-9407, gkeele@unicef.org