Matsue, along with Kyoto and Nara is one of Japan's International Cultural and

Sightseeing City. Lafcadio Hearn, who spent his formative years in Ireland,
came to stay in Matsue for 1 year and 3 months from 1890. The traditional
culture and customs left a strong impression on him during his everyday life in
About the
Matsue. He introduced these to people through out the world with many books
Contest
such as 'The Glimpses of an unfamiliar Japan'. Similar to Matsue is continuing
to exchange through the connection of Lafcadio Hearn, with this essay contest
we hope to increase knowledge of Lafcadio Hearn and Matsue among Irish
people.
Applicants must reside in Ireland however all nationalities are welcome.
(Applicants cannot be Japanese)Essay must be no fewer than 600 and no more
than 1,200 words in Japanese / (no fewer than 300 and no more than 600 words
in English), and must be typewritten horizontally on A4 sized paper. One entry
Contest
per person, please. Once you include the title of your essay, entry category (A to
Rules
C), your name, postal code, address, phone no.,Email, age and sex, please send
you application by mail, E-mail or Fax.
(The essays will not be returned.The essays copyright will belong to Matsue
City and not the applicants.)

　Category A:　All ages

of the Essay  
and
Category  
Category B/adult:aged 18 and older
Category C/junior:age of high school student and under