Merit in the Age of
Artificial Intelligence

Status:

Currently enrolled in High School or University;

Students on a gap year are also welcome

Age:

15–21 years old

Length:

250–400 words (Precision is key!)

Style:

Persuasive opinion-editorial (Op-Ed)

Language:

English or Japanese

The Question: As generative AI transforms the drafting of college and employment applications, we face a fundamental tension between accessibility and authenticity. Does AI serve as a vital "equalizer" that levels the playing field for all applicants, or does its use inherently undermine the human integrity these institutions seek to measure? In the pursuit of merit, should we embrace the machine as a tool for execution, or must we protect the sanctity of the unassisted human voice?

Submission Window: March 1, 2026 – March 31, 2026 (Japan Standard Time)

Eligibility
& Format

What is Perspective[S]?

NATSU Perspective[S] is a curated editorial platform where the next generation of thinkers engages with the world’s most pressing societal debates. By providing a stage for students to voice their opinions on urgent issues related to areas such as ethics, technology, and politics, we highlight the power of diverse viewpoints in shaping our collective future.

How does it work?

Every two months, we release a new thematic prompt focused on a significant debate in technology, ethics, sustainable development, and beyond. Students are invited to submit a concise, high-impact op-ed (250–400 words) defending their unique stance. If you wish to submit in Japanese, please ensure it is of comparable length.

Who can submit?

We welcome submissions from all students currently enrolled in high school or university, between the ages of 15 and 21. We value the plurality of thought that comes from different academic stages and cultural backgrounds.

How often are pieces published?

Perspective[S] is a bi-monthly publication. For each edition, our editorial team selects three to four most compelling submissions to be featured in our newsletter and on our digital platform.

What are you looking for in an essay?

We look for writers who don’t just describe a problem, but argue for a specific perspective with clarity, brevity, and logical rigor.

Submission Quick Facts_edited_edited.jpg

Why Submit to NATSU Perspective[S]?

Selective Recognition: With only three to four pieces selected per edition, being published is a distinct honor that demonstrates high-level critical thinking and communication skills—a valuable addition to university and graduate school applications.

Global Exposure: Your ideas will be shared directly with our growing international community through the Natsu newsletter and our dedicated digital platform.

The Annual Print Edition: Selected pieces from each cycle have the exclusive opportunity to be featured in our year-end magazine, a physical archive of the year's most impactful student discourse.

A Platform for Inspiration: This is your opportunity to move beyond the classroom and share your perspective on pressing societal issues with a global audience.

We value your raw insight. If you prefer to have only your voice heard, you have the option to submit your piece anonymously to ensure your ideas speak for themselves.

Submission Guidelines & Policies

Editorial Standards: To maintain a constructive and respectful environment for discourse, Perspective[S] does not publish content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, or personal attacks. We seek pieces that challenge ideas through logic and evidence rather than hostility. All submissions are subject to editorial review to ensure they align with our commitment to rigorous and ethical dialogue.

1. Eligibility & Open Access

Age: Open to all students aged 15–21 (High School or University).
Affiliation: Participation is open to the global community; prior involvement in Natsu Project's programs is not required. Frequency: You may submit one piece per bi-monthly cycle.

2. Content Standards

Originality: All submissions must be your original work. Plagiarism or the use of AI-generated text without disclosure will result in disqualification.
Constructive Discourse: We do not publish content that promotes hate speech, discrimination, harassment, or personal attacks. We value logical rigor over hostility.
Tone: Pieces should be analytical and grounded in reason. While we value strong opinions, they should be defended with logic.

3. Formatting & Style

Length: Submissions must be between 250 and 400 words. If you wish to submit in Japanese, please ensure it is of comparable length.
Voice: You are welcome to use either a first-person "I" tone or a third-person tone. However, your piece should remain analytical. Use evidence, lived experience, and logic to defend your stance.
Language: English is the preferred language for submissions to reach our global audience. However, Japanese is also acceptable if you feel it is the most appropriate medium for your specific perspective, topic, or cultural background.

4. The Editorial Timeline

Submission Phase: The portal typically opens on the 1st of every odd month (e.g., March) and closes on the last day of that month.
Selection Phase: The editorial team reviews entries during the first ten days of the following month.
Notification & Publication: Selected authors are usually notified by the middle of the second month, with publication following shortly thereafter.

5. Attribution & Privacy

Choice of Identity: We respect your preference. You may choose to publish under your full name or remain completely anonymous.
Verification: Even for anonymous submissions, you must provide valid contact and age verification for our internal records.

6. Selection & Editorial Rights

Curated Selection: We typically feature three to four pieces per cycle, though we reserve the discretion to adjust this number based on the quality and volume of submissions. Editorial decisions are final.
Minor Edits: We reserve the right to make minor edits for clarity and grammar without changing your core message.
Rights: By submitting, you grant Natsu Project and the Perspective[S] program the non-exclusive right to publish your work across our digital and print platforms.

NATSU Perspective[S] | April 2026 Newsletter | Call for Submissions

Merit in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Eligibility & Format

What is Perspective[S]?

Subscribe to stay updated!

Merit in the Age of
Artificial Intelligence

Eligibility
& Format