Since 1960, Japan’s Ministry of Education has presented the sōi kufū kōrōsha shō, the award for contributors to creativity and ingenuity. It honors people in companies and other organizations who have actually made creative improvements in their own workplaces. The examples it gives are a dramatic rise in work efficiency, better product quality and large cost reductions. Individuals and groups can receive it. In fiscal 2025, the ministry honored 450 people.