Nikkei Asia Award 2025 (¥5,000,000 Prize)

The Nikkei Asia Award, now in its fifth cycle, is a prestigious recognition program sponsored by Nikkei Inc. This award honors ground-breaking innovation originating in Asia—spotlighting initiatives that contribute to regional and global transformation while supporting the development of a free and prosperous society rooted in diverse Asian values.

Each year, Nikkei Inc. grants this merit-based award to either an individual or a group that has achieved excellence in fields such as business, research, technological development, social innovation, or the arts. The recognition is not tied to academic study levels but focuses on real-world impact and contributions to society.

With a significant prize of 5 million Japanese yen, the award provides an opportunity for innovators from across Asia to gain international recognition for their efforts, regardless of age or prior fame.

Brief Details

Scholarship Name: Nikkei Asia Award 2025
Organizer/Funding Body: Nikkei Inc.
Field of Study: Business, Research, Technology, Social Innovation, Arts
Funding Type: Merit-based award
Application Deadline: 15 June 2025
Result Announcement Dates: 6 months post-deadline
Eligible Countries: All countries in Asia, including Afghanistan
Eligible Gender: Male/Female
Target Group: Individuals or teams leading Asia-based innovative activities
Number of Opportunity: One award annually

Award and Benefits

Nikkei Asia Award 2025 offers the following benefits for the winner:

Monetary Prize: 5,000,000 Japanese yen
Prestigious Recognition by Nikkei Inc. and its international platforms

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Nominated by someone else (self-nominations are not allowed)
Must be from or residing in Asia (regions listed below)
Must be involved in Asia-originated activities that contribute to regional progress
Japanese nationals or groups solely composed of Japanese citizens are not eligible.
Ideal candidates are currently active and may include young or early-career individuals whose work has gained recognition.

Asia regions eligible for this award:

East Asia (Korean Peninsula, China, etc.)
Southeast Asia (Indochina, ASEAN member countries, etc.)
Southwest Asia (Indian subcontinent countries)
Nations in the Asia-Pacific region

Ideal Candidate Profile

The ideal nominee:

The applicant is currently active in their field.
They may be young or early in their career, provided their work has received some recognition.
They do not need to be famous; consistent and sincere efforts to improve lives and promote prosperity are valuable.
Previous recognition by major awards such as the Nobel Prize or Kyoto Prize is not a decisive factor in Selection.

Selection Process

The award follows a six-step evaluation process:

Screening (1 month): The Nikkei Award Admin team reviews nominations to verify eligibility.
Primary Selection (1 month): The Selection Committee selects the top 5 nominees.
Secondary Selection (1 month): The Advisory Board evaluates the shortlisted candidates.
Final Selection (2 weeks): The Selection Committee chooses the finalists.
Informal Decision (2 weeks): The team notifies the winners and obtains their consent.
Official Announcement (2 weeks): Nikkei and Nikkei Asia announce the winners publicly.

Note: The timeline is subject to change without prior notice.

Evaluation Criteria

The selection committee will consider a holistic assessment of the nominee’s activities, with emphasis on the following:

Originality and Innovation: Introducing new and impactful ideas or approaches.
Contribution to Society: Advancing a free and prosperous economic society by revitalizing communities and improving lives
Sustainability and Growth: Demonstrating continuity in initiatives with potential for long-term development and expansion.
Global Influence: Having a meaningful social impact with the potential to scale internationally