Deadline: 11 August 2013
Open to: EU citizens under 40 years old with five years journalism with an EU media outlet
Venue: 12-23 November 2013 in Tokyo, Japan
Description
Nihon Shinbun Kyokai (NSK), the Japanese Newspaper Publishers and Editors Association, has taken great interest in promoting international understanding and friendship through cooperation with journalists of all nationalities since its establishment in 1946.
The NSK-EJC Fellowship Programme, one of many programmes carried out by NSK for the purpose of advancing the above objective, is designed for European journalists.
The duration of the programme is 12 days (including the dates of arrival and departure), from Tuesday 12 to Friday 23 November 2013. The programme will consist of lectures to be held at the NSK premises and at the lecturers’ offices.
The topics covered will range from politics, the economy, society, culture, and other aspects of Japan; all delivered by outstanding lecturers active in their respective fields.
A group tour that follows will last about three days, during which various social and cultural activities will be planned. The main objective of the programme is to promote better understanding of Japan in general. There will very little free time in the mornings and afternoons and the fellows will be required to participate in all sessions that NSK arranges. Should you wish to cover other aspects of life in Japan – please arrange for interviews or alternative visits after November 23rd.
Eligibility
The European Journalism Centre (EJC) is responsible for the pre-selection and recommendation of the Fellows. Applicants must be EU citizens, no more than 40 years old, have at least five years experience as a full-time professional journalist working for an EU media outlet as well as a comprehensive level of spoken and written English; the lingua franca for the trip.
In addition, prospective participants must keep in mind that this programme is designed to provide a comprehensive view of Japan and that they may be disappointed if they come only to pursue certain aspects of Japan that interests them. It is desirable for the NSK as well as for the Fellows that they are able to adjust to Japanese social practices and customs, as the programme lasts almost two weeks.
Costs
The programme provides the Fellows with a yen payment equivalent to the amount of 500 euros towards the cost of the flight ticket. The accommodation fee (breakfast included) and local transportation fees will be paid by NSK. If you are selected to participate, you will have to book your own flights. Any costs over and above €500 will have to be covered by you individually.
Some reference materials will be provided. The fellows are requested to pay any personal expenses, including some lunches and dinners, though some meals are offered by the NSK. Please bare in mind that Japan is an expensive country and you should be prepared for this in advance.
Single rooms will be reserved for the Fellows at the International House of Japan (IHJ) in Tokyo. Fellows should be aware that the IHJ is a dormitory-type accommodation for foreign scholars and researchers. A remarkable advantage of the IHJ is that it houses a library well stocked with over 25,000 books and reference materials on Japan that can be used by all guests. Facilities at Nippon Kisha Club (Japan National Press Club), the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan (FCCJ) and the NSK will also be made available to the Fellows under certain conditions.
Application
The deadline for applications is Sunday 11th August at 00.00 CET. Submissions received after this time will not be taken into consideration. The European Journalism Centre (EJC) will pre-select and recommend three Fellows. Applicants have to apply directly at the online registration site HERE for the NSK Fellowship Programme.
The fellowship programme is open to journalists and editors from written and online media, news agencies and broadcasting companies. Freelance journalists may also apply.
In order for the application to be valid, the following documents must be uploaded to the website:
- A brief description of the applicant’s organisation
- A motivation letter
- A letter of recommendation from the employer including authorisation for the applicant to be absent for the duration of the programme
- A scanned copy of your business or press card
Please ensure you have read the NSK Prospectus 2013 and that you submit ALL of the relevant information requested. For further information please contact EJC Operations Manager Cara Moore at moore@ejc.net.
