Came across this very simple stuff and i felt taking part in the contest alone without sharing it to you is erm… greed! The Toshiba International Foundation is inviting young non-Japanese researchers to enter an essay contest to commemorate their 25th anniversary. Application deadline is 30 October 2014.
Toshiba International Essay Contest Topic:
What does the world expect of Japan?
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Japan must look to the past and build the future. As it continues to recover from the devastation of the 2011 Tohoku earthquake, it is also preparing for the 2020 Tokyo Olympiad. Strong currents of change are flowing through Japan and the wider world, the country faces many questions and must make choices, some of them tough. We ask our essayists to consider today’s Japan, and to explain and share their views on three points. :
1. What does Japan need to reform, and what should it protect and preserve?
2. As a country, What kind of message should Japan be sending to the rest of the world?
3. What does the world expect of Japan?
Prizes
Grand Prize (1 person) – A 1-million yen research grant
Outstanding Performance Prize (2 people) – 500,000 yen research grants
The three prize winners listed will be invited to receiver their awards at a ceremony in Tokyo
Essay language and length
Japanese or English
3000 – 4000 Japanese characters, or 3000 – 4000 English words
Entry conditions: Submitted essays must be unpublished. The copyright of the winning essays will become the property of the Toshiba International Foundation.
Entry qualifications
Young researchers engaged in Japanese studies. Assistants or trainees at research institutions, art galleries, museums, etc., who are either enrolled in or who have completed a doctoral program at the time of application. Lecturers, assistants and associate professors at universities who have yet to obtain tenure. Entry is open to all non-Japanese citizens. The object of the contest is to promote Japanese studies overseas.
Applicants must attach the following when submitting their essays:
1. Resume
2. A statement of future aspirations
3. Intended use of the research grant
4. A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s supervisor or leader
Application deadline October 30, 2014

For Details on submission visit http://www.horizonia.net/the-toshiba-international-foundation-essay-contest-2014/