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Celebrating NISA Day with an Essay Contest

On February 13, 2026, the Japanese financial landscape will celebrate NISA Day, an event vital for raising awareness about investment strategies. In honor of this day, the Soken Co., Ltd. is organizing an essay contest focused on "Thoughts on Long-Term Investment through Investment Trusts." This initiative aims to inspire individuals to think critically about their investment strategies, specifically emphasizing the significance of long-term commitments in a financial setting.

Understanding NISA and Its Importance

The NISA (Nippon Individual Savings Account) system was introduced in 2014 to encourage small-scale investment in Japan. As of now, the program has gained considerable traction, with nearly one in four adults holding an account. However, amidst the allure of short-term trading practices, the philosophy of long-term investment is often overshadowed, leaving many individuals unsure of how to approach their financial futures.

In a country facing rising living costs and pension uncertainties, reassessing the true purpose of asset management—sustained investment for future security—is more crucial than ever. This essay contest seeks to provide a platform for sharing insights on this very topic, encouraging participants to reflect on their investment journeys.

Contest Details

The competition invites submissions across two categories:
1. General Individuals Category: Open to the general public, encouraging anecdotes or experiences related to long-term investment through trusts.
2. Practitioners Category: Targeted at professionals in the investment trust sector, focusing on insights gained through client interactions.

Submission Criteria

The contest runs from November 17, 2025, to January 4, 2026. Each submission should be an original work written in Japanese, containing between 800 and 1200 characters. Entrants can send multiple submissions, but only one per entry.

Winners in each category will receive:

• - Grand Prize (1 winner): 300,000 yen
• - Excellence Prize (1 winner): 100,000 yen
• - Honorable Mentions (5 winners): 20,000 yen each

Application Process

Interested individuals can submit their essays through the special contest page on the Finasee and finasee Pro websites. It’s crucial that submissions adhere to the rules regarding originality and copyright.

Judging and Announcement

The results will be announced on February 13, 2026, on the websites, accompanied by direct notifications to winners via email. A panel from Capital International and Soken Co., Ltd. will evaluate the entries to ensure a fair and thorough selection process.

Exploring Collaborative Wisdom

This initiative is fueled by a collaborative spirit, supported by the NPO DC/iDeCo Association, and special sponsorship from Capital International. By sharing personal stories and insights, participants can foster a community-driven approach to financial education and planning.

As financial landscapes continue to evolve, reflecting on methods to ensure a prosperous future through informed and strategic investment practices remains more relevant than ever. With this contest, the aim is to motivate people to embrace the Journey of long-term investment, shaping a brighter financial landscape for themselves and future generations.

For more information about the essay contest and submission guidelines, visit the special contest page on Finasee and finasee Pro. Let’s utilize this opportunity to learn from each other's experiences and foster a culture of informed investment in Japan.