Words from Winners of JFTC Essay Competition 2013
I feel very honored and privileged to receive the Prize for Excellence of the JFTC Essay Competition. I am deeply grateful to the JFTC for organizing the competition. This wonderful award gives me great encouragement and confidence. The topic of the competition is very relevant for everyone - What innovation or industries should be fostered to stimulate the Japanese economy in the medium- and long-term? -. This competition provides to me an excellent opportunity to give a deep consideration on such an important question.
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
A particular motivation led me to participate in this competition. The JFTC competition is quite unique in that it is open to everyone, non-restricted over age, background, and nationality, and acceptable in both English and Japanese. Such uniqueness allows inviting many participants from every corner of the world. That drew my attention, and inspired me to write an essay in a foreign language.
Tetsuo Mizunuma (Japan, age 34)
First and foremost, I am very honoured and grateful to have been selected for the Prize of Excellence and I will like to thank the JFTC essay judging committee as well as the organising team. Indeed, this competition has a great stage for us to voice our views and opinions on the current challenges faced by Japan and it is wonderful that JFTC has invited participants from all over the world to contribute their ideas regardless of nationalities and age. In addition, this competition goes beyond academic research and excellence, for it is also an excellent opportunity to meet like-minded peers from across the world. I have made good friends during the ceremony and we can all agree that the organising committee has done a great job hosting us! Thank you!
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
I had a keen interest in the Japanese culture since young and eventually, I developed an interest in the current affairs of Japan. As I came across the competition online and read the topic, I felt compelled to participate as I was touched within. The lost decade has been disappointing to say the least, but I believed strongly that the challenges faced by Japan in the revitalization of her economy are not insurmountable. I sought to provide more interesting and novel perspectives and done up my research to substantiate my ideas. I have enjoyed the process of writing this essay and being selected for the prize was a pleasant bonus. I hope that we can all contribute more ideas for the next round and enjoy the essay competition as well!
Ow Yam Huo (Singapore)
この度は名誉な賞を頂戴することができ、光栄に思いますとともに感激しております。現代の日本経済におきましては経済成長に向けた方策が活発に議論される一方で、グローバル化の進展とともに何を国際社会と協調して、何を自国のものとして守るのかという視点がより重要になってきていると思います。今回のテーマは、グローバル化という変化の中で日本が今後歩むべき道を描く、まさにこれからの私たちに必要なテーマだと思い、挑戦しました。その中で、グローバル化の進展にあわせて最大限に活用されていない中小企業の技術力を総合商社が引き出すことができると論じました。また、同様の問題は外国でも起こりうること、日本に独特な業態である総合商社がそうした外国でのさらなる経済成長をも引き出せることを指摘しました。このアイデアが何らかの形で現実のものとなり、社会にとってポジティブな影響を及ぼすことができましたら、この上のない幸せです。これからも日本社会、国際社会にいかに貢献できるかを考えていきたいと思います。
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
私の大学の経済学部掲示板には、毎年、日本貿易会賞懸賞論文の募集のポスターが貼られていました。それを大学1年生の頃から見ていたこともあり、もともと卒業前に一度挑戦してみようかという気持ちがありました。今回はテーマが、先ほども申し上げたように、いま私が持っている問題意識と一緒であったこともあり、挑戦してみることにしました。論文を書く過程で、日本経済や中小企業、総合商社のこともより深く知ることができ、世界観を広げる良い機会になりました。こうした機会を下さった日本貿易会のみなさまに、深く感謝を申し上げます。
Ryuichiro Izumi (Japan)
I am truly honored for my essay to be selected as the Selection Committee Chair’s Special Prize. Receiving the award certificate and attending the New Year Reception was one of my most memorable experiences in Japan. I would like to thank the Japan Foreign Trade Council for organizing this international essay competition. It was a truly awarding experience for me, the whole process of writing the essay, meeting the other winners and socializing with various professionals. I wish for the continuous success of all future JFTC Essay Competitions.
What made me apply for JFTC Essay Competition
When I read about this year’s topic, one idea got stuck inside my mind. Being a self proclaimed girl otaku, I could not stop thinking about what made me crazy about this country, the Popular Culture. Thus I attempted to write about Cool Japan Strategy via my experiences as a foreign J-Pop lover. I enjoyed the entire process of writing the essay as I constantly learn new things about Japan and my home country. Being an otaku has its own perks (being selected as a winner was one) and has taught me to analyze issues from different angles. I look forward to reading future winning essays as part of my educational benefits. Thank you JFTC and staff for your kind hospitality during my stay in Japan.
Yong Soo Teng (Malaysia)
