Words from Winners of JFTC Essay Competition 2010
このたびは栄誉ある賞に御選考いただき、大変光栄です。拙稿では、世界各地の問題を改善することで日本の「自律」を「回復」するべき、アントレプレナー国家を目指すべき、と提言いたしました。しかし、提言は実践されなければ、変化を生みません。ともすれば、世界を語ったという自己満足だけで終わる恐れもあります。そうならないために、まず私自身が率先して実践していかなければなりません。その意味で今回の受賞は栄誉をはるかに上回る課題を与えていただいたと考えております。
私に出来ることは世界の問題のごく一部に過ぎませんが、"Think Globally, Act Locally"を肝に銘じながら、今後も研究に邁進いたします。
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
日本貿易会賞懸賞論文へ投稿を決意したのは、ごくごく個人的な動機からでした。
確実さを探求する研究者の私にとって、不確実な「これから」を論じることは、大きな勇気を必要とします。しかも不確実な「これから」を論じる機会は、アカデミックな世界においてあまりありません。ですが日本と世界の「これから」を考え綴りたいと望む自分は確かに存在し、その願いは満たされないままでした。日本貿易会賞懸賞論文は、満たされなかった自分の空白を埋めるための貴重な機会を与えてくれました。
Hirotsugu Ohba (Japan)
I truly thank the Japan Foreign Trade Council for this Prize for Excellence in the JFTC Essay Competition 2010. This recognition will motivate me even further to better understand the complex Japanese society, its economy, and the way Japanese politicians and Japanese corporates interact with foreign countries. I am also deeply grateful to the Japan Foreign Trade Council for providing a great opportunity for Japanese and non-Japanese to publicly express themselves on topics related to Japan.
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
The first time I saw an advertisement for the JFTC Essay Competition -4 years ago!-, I felt happily surprised to see that such a contest was organized by a Japanese organization and open to everyone, including foreigners, with the possibility to write his/her own essay in English. Yet, even though I was willing to participate, it took me 3 years before submitting my essay, as I did not feel confident I could write an essay as at least the same level as former participants. After I saw the results of the Essay Competition 2009, and reproaching myself -again- for having skipped this Competition, I made up my mind to try in 2010. I won't hide it was a laborious work, but once I submitted my essay to the JFTC, the feeling of this work done was as rewarding as the Price I received afterwards. Don't hesitate, just do it would be my advice for those who are in the same state of mind as I were before.
Samuel Guiberteau (France)
It is a great honor to be a recipient of the Prize for Excellence in the JFTC Essay Competition 2010. I could nurture myself throughout the whole process of writing my essay. I sincerely acknowledge JFTC and Selection Committee for providing such an opportunity, and for recognition of my essay. As an international student pursuing a Ph. D. in the U.S, I do realize my identity of Japanese almost everyday. I hope Japan can be a country that serves for the world, not only for itself.
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
海外での生活が長くなるにつれて、私の中で、日本への想いは弱まるどころかむしろ日に日に大きく膨らんでいきました。昨年、日本貿易会懸賞論文の応募告知が目に止まったのはそんな折で、提示されたテーマを見た瞬間、脳内のどこかでスイッチがバチっと入ったのを覚えています。そして日本の未来について、世界との向き合いかたについて、自分なりに考え表現する、またとない機会となりました。
Yu Noda (Japan)
It is my great honor and privilege to be awarded the Prize for Excellence of the JFTC Essay Competition 2010. I am very grateful to the Selection Committee for their recognition. This recognition will have a profoundly positive impact on my studies, life and future career. I am also very thankful to JFTC for organizing such a wonderful and inspiring contest that not only fosters a better understanding of Japan and the world, but also allows individuals to make a positive difference in their lives.
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
I have never thought seriously that I would win an award from this JFTC essay competition. But you never know until you try. Everything is possible if you believe in yourself! Let's join the competition, share your ideas and impact your world! Who knows? Probably, you are the JFTC award winners in 2011!
Phetkeo Poumanyvong (Laos)
“Japan is the future global leader, and to be associated with determining its future strategy is in itself, an unparalleled honour. I would like to thank JFTC for having granted me this opportunity which will prove to be a blessing in my growth and career. It is indeed heartening to note that Japan is inviting the world opinion in reinventing itself, and in the process is making others a part of the Japanese story so that we could witness “Japan-ness” make a terrific comeback. I am humbled, amazed and definitely thankful to this recognition and sparkling hospitality, to say the least.”
Ramesh Krishnan (India)
