top of page

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL OVERVIEW
Q1: What is this contest about?

  • This is a national writing contest for high school students in Japan. Participants will identify a regional problem (such as depopulation, lack of tourism, or economic decline) and propose a solution using business ideas and real-world data. Submissions must be written in English

​

Q2: What is the main theme of the contest?

  • The theme is “Japan’s Regional Revitalization through Business and International Collaboration.” Your task is to research a local issue and offer a business-oriented solution, supported by data and creativity


Q3: Who can participate?

  • Any high school student aged 13–18 who is currently enrolled in a high school or equivalent program (including international schools) is eligible

​

SUBMISSION OVERVIEW

For more information, please visit the our guidelines
Q4: What do I need to submit?

  • A 1,500–2,000 word English-language report that includes:

  • An introduction to your chosen region

  • Identification of a regional issue

  • Analysis supported by real data (from RESAS, Raida, JETRO, Local Government sites)

  • A proposed solution (business idea or program)

  • Potential impact and feasibility

​

Q5: What format should I follow?

  • Word count: 1,500–2,000 words

  • Language: English

  • File type: Microsoft Word (.docx) or PDF

  • Font: Times New Roman or Arial, size 12

  • Include graphs, tables, and sources

 

Q6: Can I work in a group?

  • Yes, you can work in a group (up to four high school students in one group)


THEME & RESEARCH
Q7: What does “regional revitalization” mean?

  • It refers to strategies to bring economic, cultural, or demographic vitality back to struggling areas of Japan

​

Q8: What kind of business ideas are allowed?

  • Any idea that contributes to local revival! Examples:

    • Eco-tourism

    • Educational tourism programs

    • International exchange programs

    • Local product exports

    • Tech-based solutions​

​

Q9: What resources can I use for research?


SUPPORT & TOOLS
Q10: Are there tutorials or guides to help with research?

  • Yes! Tips and Guidelines and sample essays are available on the website tcbj.net 

 

Q11: What if I don’t understand how to use the data tools?

  • You're also encouraged to ask teachers or mentors or case studies inside the data base website

 

Q12: Can I include interviews or local surveys?

  • Yes! Interviews and surveys are welcome to strengthen your proposal


JUDGING & AWARDS
Q13: How will entries be judged?

  • Criteria:

    • Market Research Identifying Issues & Opportunities (2%)

    • Product & Service Opportunities (20%)

    • Feasibility & Sustainability (20%)

    • Logical Structure & English Explanation (20%)

    • Regional & International Collaboration (20%)

​

Q14: Who are the judges?

  • Judges include entrepreneurs, university professors, regional leaders, and international advisors. Final names will be provided on our website

​

Q15: What are the prizes?

  • Awards include:

    • UTokyo IPC Special Innovation Prize (1 team/individual): ¥500,000

    • ​Grand Prize (1 team): ¥300,000

    • Excellence Prize (1 team): ¥200,000

    • Encouragement Prize (1 team): ¥100,000

    • Finalist Prize (6 teams): ¥50,000

    • Corporate Special Award: Special recognition and mentoring opportunities from sponsor companies


DEADLINES & LOGISTICS
Q16: What is the deadline to apply?

  • July 15, 2025

 

Q17: When is the final submission deadline?

  • July 21, 2025


Q18: When will finalists be announced?

  • July 31, 2025


TECHNICAL QUESTIONS
Q19: Can I include Japanese in the submission?

  • The report must be written in English. You may include translated quotes or short terms in parentheses

 

Q20: What if I go over 2,000 words?

  • Please keep it under 2,000

​

Q21: Can I reuse my school research or project?

  • Yes, as long as it's original work and hasn't been submitted to other contests


CONTACT & HELP
Q22: Who do I contact with questions?

​

Q23: Where do I submit my work?

  • Submit via the official contest form under submission guidelines

​

Q24: Can I get feedback on my work?

  • Yes, all finalists will receive feedback from judges

bottom of page