Sony reports youth future outlook and launches education essay grant

Sony Life Insurance released the results of its 2026 survey of 1,000 junior‑high and high‑school students across Japan. The study found that 58% of junior‑high students and 55% of high‑school students are optimistic about their own future, while 69% of junior‑high and 68% of high‑school respondents are anxious about Japan’s future. The top career aspiration for male junior‑high students is “IT engineer / programmer,” and the most popular future job for both male and female high‑school students is “public servant.” Gaming ranks as the primary source of enjoyment for male students, and about 77–79% of respondents report using generative AI.

Separately, the Sony Education Foundation announced a call for essay submissions for the 2026 Sony Education Grant, opening on 1 August. The competition offers up to ¥3 million for the best school essay, ¥500 000 for an excellent entry, ¥100 000 for encouraging works, and ¥100 000 for teacher‑individual submissions. Winners will receive Sony products and feedback, and successful schools or nurseries will present their projects publicly in the following year.