#Japan #Tokyo #Youth Engagement #National Policy #Japanese JC

3rd National High School Policy Contest Overview

The Japan Junior Chamber (JJJ) is excited to announce the launch of the 3rd National High School Policy Contest aimed at encouraging political participation among youth. Since its inception in 2023, this contest has provided an invaluable platform for high school students to think critically about social issues in Japan and propose actionable policies based on set themes.

Contest Purpose

The primary goal of this contest is to enhance the political awareness of young individuals, empowering them to actively participate in discussions concerning their future. Students will have the opportunity to formulate policies that address pressing social issues and present their proposals to the government, fostering a sense of responsibility as citizens and insuring that their voices are heard in the political arena.

Registration Deadline

Interested participants can register until June 15, 2025, at 23:59. A comprehensive registration tutorial is available in a video format, which can be accessed via the provided YouTube link.

Contest Structure

Who Can Participate?

The contest invites passionate high school students from across the nation. Participants may enter individually or as part of a group of 3 to 5 members. Multi-school collaborations are also encouraged.

Policy Themes

Participants are expected to analyze the current state of Japan and put forth innovative policy ideas that can tackle the identified challenges. This year, we have two distinct categories for submissions:

• - Set Theme Category: “Creating Sustainable Digital Policies for a Better Japan!”
• - Free Theme Category: “You Are the Prime Minister! Addressing Local Social Challenges Towards a Bright Future!”

Entrants may choose one of the categories or submit proposals to both. The policies proposed should include details on implementation, the entities involved, and any preliminary discussions that have taken place.

Submission Process

To enter, candidates must complete and submit their policies through the designated Google form. The link is provided in the contest materials. Detailed submission guidelines can be found in the same YouTube tutorial mentioned earlier.

Timeline

Document Review

Submissions will undergo a document review process from June 16 to June 30, 2025. Results will be communicated via email on July 1, 2025.

Regional Qualifying Competitions

Those who progress past the document review will participate in regional qualifying competitions:

• - Eastern Japan: July 24, 2025, at Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building
• - Kyushu-Okinawa: July 26, 2025, in Itoshima City Council
• - Western Japan: July 27, 2025, at Kyoto Prefectural Assembly’s old hall

In each of these competitions, a specific number of teams will advance to the finals.

Final Contest

The final event will take place at the National Diet Building’s House of Councillors on August 25, 2025, where teams will present their policies through public speeches and participate in an online voting process for the audience’s choice awards. The public vote will run from September 1 to September 20, 2025.

Awards

In both contest categories, distinguished awards will be given, including:

• - JJJ Chairman's Award: 1 team
• - JJJ Vice Chairman's Award: 1 team
• - Grand Prize: 1 team, determined by public vote.

Winners will have the opportunity to present their proposals to the relevant government minister or agency in a policy presentation meeting.

Conclusion

The 3rd National High School Policy Contest offers a unique opportunity for students to engage with real-world issues and contribute creatively to Japan's future. Don't miss your chance to make your voice heard!

For more information about the contest, please visit the official website here.