ICR Tokyo, in collaboration with the Romanian Embassy in Japan and the Romanian Orthodox Church in Japan, announces the opening of the 2026 edition of the essay contest for middle and high school students from the Romanian community and mixed families in Japan.
????️ Organizers and Purpose
The fundamental objective of this annual project is to strengthen the bond between the Romanian diaspora in Japan and the cultural values of the motherland. Through the Romanian language and art, we aim to cultivate the younger generation’s interest in studying the Romanian language and in discovering Romania as a complex and fascinating cultural space within the European and global context.
???? Theme of the Edition: “The Year of Brâncuși”
Each year, the contest’s theme is adapted to diplomatic and cultural priorities. In the context of marking the Year of Brâncuși, this year’s theme is: “A Day of Play at the Table of Silence”
The aim of this theme is to bring children and young people closer to the life and work of the sculptor Constantin Brâncuși through an exercise in creativity, imagination, and personal reflection.
???? Event Schedule
• June 15, 2026: Official launch of the contest.
• June 17 – August 10, 2026: Submissions will be made online to the ICR Tokyo secretariat: tokyo@icr.ro
• August 12, 2026: Judging at the Romanian Embassy in Japan.
• August 17, 2026: Announcement of results.
• August 28, 2026: Awards ceremony in the Embassy’s Banquet Hall, an event organized to mark Romanian Language Day.
???? Terms of Participation
• Eligibility: Children and young people (ages 10–18) from the Romanian community and mixed families in Japan, currently enrolled in middle or high school.
• Age categories: 10–12 years | 13–15 years | 16–18 years.
• Format: A single written essay (max. 2 A4 pages), original work. The use of AI is strictly prohibited.
• Identification: The entry must include the name, age, school, and date, which must be stated in Romanian, Japanese, and English.
???? Prizes and Recognition
• Grand Prize: $350 for the winner of each category.
• Participation Prizes: All entrants will receive symbolic gifts (albums, books, school supplies bearing the symbols of Romania).
• Copyright to the winning essays will be transferred to ICR Tokyo.
We invite you to participate in this exercise of imagination and to discover together, through the eyes of our children, the universe of Brâncuși!
