Call for Entries for the 32th Japanese Essay Contest for Foreign Technical Intern Trainees and Trainees

１．Eligibility

Foreign technical intern trainees and trainees who are residing in Japan during the application period
*Excluding those who will be residing in Japan on April 1, 2024, with a different status of residence, including designated activities and specified skills

２．Application period

Monday, April 1, 2024 – Friday, May 10, 2024
Postmarked no later than deadline

３．Theme

Please write about anything you desire. There is no specified theme.

４．Language

Japanese

５． Essay Format

Self-written essay on 3 pages of A4-size 400-character Japanese manuscript paper (written vertically or horizontally)
Be sure to write your essay title and name in the margin of the Japanese manuscript paper.
Japanese manuscript paper: 　 Vertical (PDF)   Horizontal (PDF)
*Essays typed using a computer or word processor; photocopies will not be accepted.
*You may use any writing utensil. Please write legibly.

６．How to apply

Only one original, unpublished, and handwritten essay will be accepted per person.
Click here for details on how to apply: Application Information Registration and Application Form Preparation
(1) Please download the Application Information Registration Form (Excel) and submit the application information registration list on the website.　
(2) Print out the designated application form from the downloaded document.
(3) Be sure to attach the application form to your entry and mail them in.

*Incomplete application forms will not be accepted.
Please check in advance with your supervising organization or implementing company concerning application form preparation and attachments.　　　　　　　　　

７．Prizes

First Prize (4 or so technical intern trainees and trainees)…Letter of commendation and cash award (50,000 yen)
Second Prize (4 or so technical intern trainees and trainees)…Letter of commendation and cash award (30,000 yen)
Third Prize (12 or so technical intern trainees and trainees)…Letter of commendation and cash award (20,000 yen)
Honorable mention (15 or so technical intern trainees and trainees)…Cash award (10,000 yen)

* Prize-winning essays will be included in the Award-Winning Essays Collection of the Japanese Essay Contest.
Please note that there will not be a list of applicants.
* A booklet of award-winning essays will be given free of charge to the winners and their affiliated institutions, and supporting members.
A PDF version will also be posted on the JITCO website.

８．Announcement of winners

Winners will be notified through their accepting organization. At the same time, their names will be posted on the JITCO website in mid-August 2024.

９．Points to Note

(1) JITCO will not respond to any inquiries concerning the screening process.
(2) Entries that do not satisfy the application requirements will not be screened.
(3) Personal information that is entered on the application form will be used only within the scope necessary for JITCO to administer the contest.
Please be sure to read and agree to our Handling of Personal Information before applying.
(4) Submitted essays will not be returned.
(5) JITCO retains the copyright to all submitted essays.

10．Mailing Address

Essay Contest Secretariat, Japan International Trainee & Skilled Worker Cooperation Organization (JITCO)
Igarashi Building 11th floor, 2-11-5 Shibaura, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-0023

11．Inquiries

Essay Contest Secretariat
Phone: 03-4306-1184 / Fax: 03-4306-1119