How to Add Points for Public Awards in Culture, Arts, and Sports to Your HSP Score#

The Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) status of residence in Japan is a system designed to attract foreign professionals with specialized knowledge and skills. Approval for this status is determined by the “Points-Based System for Highly Skilled Professionals,” which evaluates applicants based on factors like academic background, professional experience, and annual salary. While many focus on these core categories, there is also a “special additions” category that awards points for exceptional achievements in specific fields.

This article provides a detailed explanation of how individuals who have received globally recognized public awards in fields such as culture, arts, and sports can have jejich accomplishments reflected in their point score, covering the requirements and procedures involved.

What Constitutes a “Public Award” for Special Points?#

The HSP Point Calculation Table includes a category for special additions, which are granted under specific conditions. A public award in fields like culture, arts, or sports can potentially grant a significant 25 points.

A “public award” is not just any prize; it is specifically defined as one “designated by the Minister of Justice in a public notice.” This means the award must be internationally prestigious and public in nature. Concrete examples include:

• Olympic and Paralympic Games: Winning a gold, silver, or bronze medal.
• Internationally Prestigious Awards: Accolades widely recognized as the pinnacle of achievement in their respective fields, such as the Nobel Prize, the Fields Medal, the Pritzker Architecture Prize, or the Legion of Honour.
• Japanese National Honors: Awards conferred by the Japanese government, such as the People’s Honor Award or the Order of Culture.
• Internationally Acclaimed Competitions and Festivals:
  • Music: Top prizes in renowned international competitions like the International Chopin Piano Competition or the International Tchaikovsky Competition.
  • Film: Awards from major international film festivals such as the Cannes Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival, or Berlin International Film Festival.
  • Art & Design: Prizes from internationally recognized art events like the Venice Biennale.

The crucial factor is the ability to objectively prove the award’s fame and authority. Awards that are only known domestically or are internal to a specific organization are unlikely to qualify.

Application Procedures and Supporting Documentation#

To claim these special points, you must provide the Immigration Services Agency of Japan (ISA) with objective evidence that proves both the fact of the award and its prestige. Since each case is individually assessed based on the submitted documents, thorough preparation is paramount.

Key Supporting Documents:

1. Documents Proving the Award:

   • Copies of certificates, photos of medals or trophies, or official award letters.
   • An official notification of the award issued by the organizing body.

2. Documents Proving the Award’s Prestige and Public Nature:

   • Copies of relevant pages from the organizer’s official website (detailing the organization’s mission, the award’s purpose, and its history).
   • If the award was established by law or ordinance, a copy of the relevant text.
   • A list of notable past recipients.
   • Media coverage of the award from major outlets (newspapers, magazines, online news).
   • Third-party materials that describe the award’s international standing (e.g., articles in specialized journals).

If any of these documents are not in Japanese or English, you must attach a translation in one of these languages. It is not enough to simply claim that the award is “famous.” You must provide evidence that allows a third party to understand why it is famous and what authority it holds.

Key Considerations#

When considering this special addition, there are several points to keep in mind.

• Group Awards: If an award was received as part of a group, such as a “Best Picture” award for a film or a first-place prize for an orchestra, its applicability to an individual’s point score requires careful consideration. The key is whether the individual’s specific contribution to the achievement can be clearly demonstrated. For instance, being credited as the director, conductor, or a principal cast member is crucial.
• Timing of the Award: An award received several years ago is generally still valid for the application. However, demonstrating a connection between that past achievement and your current professional activities in Japan can make your case more compelling.
• The Importance of Self-Declaration: The points-based system operates on the principle of self-declaration. If you have a qualifying achievement, you must include it in your point calculation sheet and submit the corresponding evidence. The ISA will not automatically add these points for you.

Conclusion#

A globally recognized public award in the fields of culture, arts, or sports can be an extremely powerful asset in obtaining the Highly Skilled Professional visa. The 25 points offered for such an achievement can more than compensate for any shortfalls in other categories.

To successfully leverage this, it is essential to prove not only that you received the award but also to objectively and concretely demonstrate its “public authority.” If you have accomplishments that may qualify, it is highly advisable to research the necessary documentation in advance and prepare your application meticulously.