The focus of the competition is to promote awareness and understanding of Japan and to help young Americans broaden their international horizons.

The competition is open to all students attending high school or college in the New York Metropolitan area. Winners receive cash prizes and Canon products during an awards ceremony held each spring at the Charles B. Wang Center on the Stony Brook University campus.

The first Japan Center Essay Competition, organized by Stony Brook University in New York and sponsored by Canon U.S.A., was held during the 2005 – 2006 school year.