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Little Lunch Wins Japan Prize, Receives Acclaim from Judging Panel

Photo: NHK JAPAN PRIZE 2017

The international judging panel for NHK’s Japan Prize has praised Australian television series Little Lunch, following the announcement that special episode ‘Little Lunch: The Nightmare Before Graduation’ had won the Japan Prize for Best Primary Series.

In a winners’ announcement ceremony in Tokyo last week, Brett Pierce, Leader of the Primary Category for the Awards Ceremony, described the Gristmill series as “practically perfect”:

Stocked with interesting characters and edited with perfect comic timing, this is the story of an ensemble of kids who are struggling with the seismic move from [primary] school to high school.

The beauty of this program is that inside of this relatively benign narrative set-up – planning a graduation party – are beautifully rendered stories about social and academic insecurity that are at the core of many pre-teens’ lives.

In the end, common values, overcoming differences, and selflessness rule the day, but in ways that never break stride from the comic, breathless pace of this world that is infused by pre-teen hormones. The match of educational content to narrative format has rarely been so beautifully executed.

Photo: NHK JAPAN PRIZE 2017

The Little Lunch special received the award from a field of 13 finalists in the Primary (6-12) category, across live action, documentary and animation from around the world.

With programs in its category from the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Taiwan and Turkey, Little Lunch was the only Australian finalist across all six children and adult categories in the competition.

Actress Heidi Arena, who plays the beloved Mrs. Gonsha, travelled to Tokyo to accept the award.

“We’re so excited for Little Lunch. It’s been such a journey for the makers of this series – Gristmill, the ACTF and the ABC. This award shows that our stories and our humour resonate around the world,” Heidi said.

Gristmill producers Robyn Butler and Wayne Hope said they were thrilled with the result.

“We’re delighted to discover that the extremely big moment of kids leaving primary school is the same in any language,” said Robyn Butler.

The Japan Prize is a highly prestigious competition that was established in 1965 by the national Japanese Broadcasting Corporation, NHK. The Japan Prize recognises the world's best programming with high education values and positive social themes.

Photo: NHK JAPAN PRIZE 2017

The Little Lunch - Graduation Special was also announced as a finalist for the International Kids Emmy Awards this week. Results will be announced in April 2018.

View the complete list of NHK Japan Prize winners here.