Two winners will receive round-trip airfare to Japan, room and board with a homestay family, and four weeks of Japanese language study in Kyoto in the summer of 2027!

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The 2027 KCC-JEE High School Essay Contest prompt:

How would you explain Japan’s relationship with nature and the impact it has on its approach to environmental issues?

 

Respond to the prompt in English in 300-500 words. Be sure that all work is original and that no AI is used in the process or the submission. We will not accept essays exceeding 500 words. Do not include a name anywhere on the essay.

How to Enter the Contest

Submissions must be received before 11:59 pm (CT) on February 1, 2027. This year, judges will select two winners, thanks to the Robert Mason Memorial Fund.  Rob was a former KCC-JEE board member and also a Bryant Drake Guest Professor. Winners will be contacted by telephone and announced on our website.

Qualifications
●    High school students who will be at least 16 years of age by June 1, 2027
●    U.S. citizen or permanent resident
●    Formally studied the Japanese language for at least one year by June 2027  
●    Mature and responsible - able to be independent in Japan, getting to and from school each day by public transportation
 

Requirements

• Entries must include a completed application and an essay of 300–500 words written in English. Essay must not exceed 500 words.

• The winner must be able to obtain a passport and travel independently to Japan in the summer of 2027.

• Contestants agree that KCC-JEE may publish their name and essay on our website.​

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Prize*

We will select two winners for the prize, which includes round-trip airfare to Japan, four weeks of Japanese language study in Kyoto, starting in early July *, 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.