Japanese School Award Ceremony Hyoshoshiki Guide (Class 6-8)
Conduct a formal Japanese junior high school award ceremony (hyoshoshiki) with structured order, certificate readings, proper bows, and etiquette.
A formal Japanese junior high school award ceremony (hyoshoshiki) held in the school gymnasium to recognise student achievements.
Solemn, respectful, and highly structured with emphasis on collective dignity.
ご受賞おめでとうございます。 Go-shusho omedetou gozaimasu.
- Runs
- 25 min
- The order
- 7 steps
- Citations
- 3 templates
- The hall
- 3 things to do
- Stand straight during the national anthem Kimigayo and school song.
- Maintain quiet posture with hands at sides or folded neatly in front.
- Applaud in unison only after the formal bow is completed on stage.
- Hoisting
- The national flag is raised smoothly and steadily to the top of the pole before the ceremony begins.
- Lowering
- The national flag is lowered solemnly and slowly at the conclusion of the formal gathering.
- How the hall stands
- All attendees stand at strict attention facing the flag with straight back and eyes forward.
- The salute
- Attendees pay respect by maintaining silent, dignified posture toward the flag.
- The anthem
- Kimigayo is sung silently or aloud in full solemnity, lasting approximately one minute.
- Never
- The flag is never allowed to touch the floor, ground, or any obstacle beneath it.
- Who may hoist it
- The designated school staff member or appointed student leader hoists the flag.
Step by step, with the ceremony clock
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1
Entrance and Opening Announcement
We will now begin the school award ceremony, the hyoshoshiki. Please stand and maintain formal posture.
The hall stands in silent, straight posture as the stage lights align.
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2
Singing of Kimigayo and School Song
All participants stand straight with hands at sides and sing the national anthem, followed by the school song.
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3
Compère Opening Address
Welcome teachers and students. Today we honour the dedication and effort shown across our school community. Please receive each recognition with calm applause after the formal bow.
The compère bows lightly at 15 degrees before stepping to the side lectern.
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4
Reading of Academic Excellence Certificate
Reading the hyoshojo certificate for Academic Effort. Kenji Sato, Class 2-B. For exceptional diligence in daily studies, you are hereby commended.
Student steps onto the stage, walks to the principal, and stands at attention.
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5
Two-Handed Handover and Formal Bow
The principal holds the certificate with both hands (teiwatashi) to hand it over. Both principal and student perform a deep bow (ojigi) from the waist.
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6
Reading of Fine Arts Achievement Certificate
Reading the hyoshojo certificate for Artistic Excellence. Yui Tanaka, Class 3-A. For outstanding creative artistic achievement, you are hereby commended.
Student walks onto stage, receives certificate with two hands, and completes a three-breath bow.
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7
Principal's Closing Words and Formal Congratulation
Congratulations to all awardees today. Your sincere effort honors the entire school community.
The hall applauds respectfully together after the principal completes the closing bow.
The last line: Rei. Please bow as we end the ceremony.
Pick the template, fill the blanks, read it from the card
The opening, the lines between names, the closing
Welcome teachers and students. Today we gather in the gymnasium for our formal hyoshoshiki award ceremony. We gather to honour the quiet dedication, effort, and unity of our students. Please listen in silence as certificates are read, and offer your respectful applause together after each formal presentation is complete.
- We continue with the next certificate reading.
- Please welcome the next recipient to the stage.
This concludes our formal hyoshoshiki ceremony. Let us carry forward the spirit of diligence, respect, and shared effort in all our daily activities. Thank you for your exemplary conduct today.
Who hands it, which hand, where the photo is
The principal presents the hyoshojo certificate using both hands (teiwatashi) to demonstrate undivided respect. The student receives the paper with both hands at upper chest level. Both student and principal perform a formal bow (ojigi) from the waist, bending straight and pausing for three breaths before the student steps off stage.
- All students present share in the honour of the collective achievement.
- No individual numerical ranks or comparisons between students are spoken aloud.
- Absentees awarded certificates are formally acknowledged by name with equal respect.
What a first-time compère should know
- Maintain clear, slow cadence when reading the hyoshojo text.
- Pause long enough for each recipient to complete their full bow before moving to the next name.
- Maintain a clear, measured voice with distinct pauses between student names.
- Keep your posture straight and bow at a 30-45 degree angle from the waist.
- Inhale before bowing, exhale at the lowest point, and inhale while returning upright.
- Hold the certificate firmly with both hands at side chest height after receiving it.
- Ensure all stage movements remain synchronized and dignified.
Worth knowing
- The hyoshoshiki is a formal Japanese school award ceremony held in the gymnasium.
- Bowing (ojigi) is done from the waist with a straight back and a three-breath rhythm.
- Certificates are always received using both hands (teiwatashi) to demonstrate respect.
- The compere maintains a solemn, respectful tone throughout the presentation.
- Group harmony and mutual respect take precedence over individual boastfulness.
- The ceremony begins and ends with formal bows to the principal and dignitaries.
Where it is done, and why
A Japanese school award ceremony, known as hyoshoshiki, is a formal event held to honour student efforts and build collective harmony. This guide helps you conduct or participate in a junior high school hyoshoshiki with proper respect, structure, and tradition. You will find exact stage directions, compère lines, formal bows (ojigi), and the two-handed certificate handover (teiwatashi).
Use this ceremony script to run a smooth and dignified assembly. Practice the timing of the readings, the synchronized bows, and the two-handed certificate presentation before stepping onto the stage.
About this piece
- Japanese school award ceremonies (hyoshoshiki) take place in the school gymnasium.
- Events follow a solemn atmosphere focused on collective dignity and quiet respect.
- Proper bowing (ojigi) from the waist is essential during certificate handovers.
- Certificates are given and received using both hands (teiwatashi) to demonstrate undivided respect.
- The ceremony opens with the national anthem (Kimigayo) and the school song.
- Equal applause is offered together after each formal bow is completed.
How it is done
- Hyoshoshiki ceremonies take place in the school gymnasium and prioritize group harmony, formal bowing (ojigi), and two-handed certificate handovers (teiwatashi).