Olympiad · Hybrid
Japan's national physics contest for high school and junior high students, which selects Japan team candidates for the following year's International and Asian Physics Olympiads. Applications usually open each April-May; the 2027 dates have not been announced.
Physics Challenge has two stages. The first challenge is done from home or school: an experiment report on a set theme plus an online multiple-choice theory contest (Comprehensive Course), or the theory contest only (Theory Course). About 100 top students go on to the second challenge, a 3-night, 4-day camp with 5-hour theory and experiment exams, talks with leading scientists and visits to research facilities. Up to 12 top participants in high school grade 2 or below become Japan team candidates and go through training and a final selection for the next year's International Physics Olympiad (and the Asian Physics Olympiad). You can take part even if you have not studied physics at school.