Write an essay in English in 300 to 500 words responding to the prompt below:

Select an object or artifact from Japan, either something made in Japan or authentically “Japanese” that sparks your curiosity. It must be a physical object, not a person, place, or idea. In the essay, which should be between 300-500 words in English, describe the object, why it intrigues you, and its background. 

How to Enter the Contest

Submissions must be received before 11:59 pm (CT) on February 2, 2026. One winner will be selected by judges, contacted by telephone, and announced on our website.

You will include a photograph or picture of the object/artifact but you should not be in the picture. You will submit three things:  the actual essay with a picture of the object/artifact at the top of the essay, which may be in color or in black and white, and the application.

Qualifications
•    high school students who will be at least 16 years of age by July 1, 2026
•    U.S. citizen or permanent resident
•    have formally studied the Japanese language for at least one year by June 2026
 

Requirements

●    Entries must include a completed application, an essay with a picture/photograph at the top of the essay.
●    The winner must be able to obtain a passport and travel independently to Japan in the summer of 2026.
●    Contestants agree that KCC-JEE may publish their name and essay on our website.
 

Prize*

One winner will be selected for the prize which 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.