High School Essay Contest
2025 High School Essay Contest
Write an essay in English in 300 to 500 words responding to the prompt below:
Tell us about how and why you came to study Japan and the Japanese language. What is a particular cultural or social issue facing Japan today that particularly interests you? Explain how actually being in Japan would have a greater impact on your learning.
How to Enter the Contest
Submissions must be received before 11:59 pm (CT) on February 2, 20255. One winner will be selected by judges and contacted by telephone and announced on our website.
Qualifications
• high school students who will be at least 16 years of age by July 1, 2025
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• have formally studied the Japanese language for at least one year by June 2025
Requirements
• Entries must include a completed application and essay to be reviewed.
• Winner must be able to obtain a passport and travel independently to Japan in the summer of 2025.
• Contestants agree that KCC-JEE may publish their name and essay on our website.
Prize*
One winner will be selected and the prize includes roundtrip airfare to Japan, four weeks of Japanese language study in Kyoto, and room and board with a homestay family. There is no cash prize for this contest.
If you have any questions, please contact us at programs@kccjee.org.
*Details subject to change depending on availability of location.
2025 Essay Contest Application Materials
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Past Winners
Reflection
Eilís Frances Brannigan
The 2022 Winning Essay
Reflection
Payten C. Shimizu
The 2021 Winning Essay
Reflection
Josephine Kwok
The 2020 Winning Essay
Reflection
Jaden Martinez
The 2019 Winning Essay/Logo
Reflection
Kaila Nakamura