The Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam is pleased to continue organizing the Japanese literature research essay contest (Inoue Yasushi Prize), co-organized by the Inoue Yasushi Memorial Foundation.

I. Purpose

The Inoue Yasushi Prize aims to honor outstanding research works on Japanese literature that contribute to the advancement of Japanese literary studies in Vietnam.

II. Eligibility

Participants are divided into two categories: 

1. Researcher Category:
Open to researchers who have written or published theses/research papers on Japanese literature from September 2023 onwards. Individuals who are not currently affiliated with a research or educational institution are also eligible to participate.
2. Student Category: 
Open to students interested in Japanese literature, with essays or research papers written from September 2023 onwards. 

III. Awards
Prizes will be awarded to the most exceptional works in each category. Winners will receive a certificate, a trophy, and a research support bonus. The jury will consist of esteemed scholars.

IV. Submission Guidelines

1. Submission Period:
Entries must be submitted between September 1, 2024, and August 31, 2025 (submission deadline refers to the date the thesis is received by the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam). 

2. Thesis Requirements: 

a) Researcher Category: 

• Must be written in Vietnamese by Vietnamese nationals. 

• Must be written or published in research journals from September 2023 onwards. 

• Should be at least 30 A4 pages in length. 

• These following theses would not be eligible:
  + Book publications
  + Graduation theses
  + Theses by multiple authors. 

• Each individual may submit only one thesis. 

b) Student Category: 

• Must be written in Vietnamese by Vietnamese nationals. 

• Must be written from September 2023 onwards. 

• Should be at least 15 A4 pages in length. 

• Book reviews or reflections are not accepted; however, university graduation theses are eligible. 

• Each individual may submit only one thesis; papers by multiple authors are not accepted. 

3. How to Submit: 

• Submit 5 copies of the thesis in A4 size. 

• Only typed (Times New Roman or similar font, size 12) and printed theses will be accepted. Handwritten submissions are not accepted. 

• Include the application form in the required format. 

Download the application form here: 

[Researcher Category Application Form] 

[Student Category Application Form] 

4. Submission Address:
Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam
No. 27, Quang Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi
*Submissions may be sent by post or delivered in person* 

Contact Information: 

• Mr. Osuka (Tel: 024-3944-7419 ext.160) | Email: Shoya_Osuka@jpf.go.jp (in Japanese or English) 

• Ms. Anh (Tel: 024-3944-7419 ext.136) | Email: AnhNTN@jpf.go.jp

5. Announcement of Results: 

• Result Announcement: October 2025 (estimate) 

• Award ceremony: December 2025 (estimate)