Overview
Physics Challenge (Butsuri Challenge) is Japan's yearly national physics contest, run by the Physics Olympiad Japan Committee. It is mainly for high school and junior high school students and doubles as the selection route to Japan's team for the International Physics Olympiad.
Who can enter
The contest is aimed at high school and junior high school students across Japan.
Levels or stages
First Challenge
Two parts. The experimental report for 2026 asked entrants to find the spring constant of a paper spring they fold themselves, from strips 1 cm wide. They measure force and displacement at about 5 points, compare springs combined together, and change at least one parameter. The theory contest is an online test offered in two tracks, held on 12 July 2026, 10:00 to 11:30.
Second Challenge
About 100 people chosen from the First Challenge attend a 3-night, 4-day camp contest, 18 to 21 August 2026, at SPring-8 in Hyogo Prefecture. The participation fee is 10,000 yen.
Important dates
For 2026, individual registration ran from 1 April to 30 May and school group registration from 1 April to 23 May.
After the competition
National team candidates are chosen from Second Challenge results, then narrowed through an autumn camp, correspondence work, a winter camp and spring finals before final selection.
Preparation tips
Practise writing clear experimental reports with data, error discussion and variation of conditions, as well as theory problems from past contests posted on the site.
Is there a fee?
For 2026, the Second Challenge camp costs 10,000 yen to attend. The official page does not list an entry fee for the First Challenge.