A Tokyo-based citizens' group is holding an essay contest to determine what foreign students and researchers think about Japan and is ready to pay ¥300,000 to the winner.
Global Voices from Japan said Tuesday that the aim of the contest is to promote greater understanding of Japan in the countries of the authors.
Applicants for the contest, titled "Japan through Foreign Eyes," can submit essays in English, Chinese and Korean as well as Japanese. Essays must be submitted by March 31 via the group's Web site (www.glovoicesjp.com), the organizer said.
The best essay will be chosen by judges, including former U.N. Undersecretary General Yasushi Akashi, by the end of April.