Admission to the Institute is open to all young people of any nationality between the ages of 22 and 35 years old. However, candidates are expected to be equipped with the Japanese language skills that are sufficient enough to perform both reading and writing assignments as well as discussions among the associates and with lecturers. Although the institute does not require official test score, language capability of JLPT level N1 is necessary. The selection process is intensive and entails completion of the following requirements (all the process is done in Japanese only). 1) Submission of Application Form 2) Interview 3) Aptitude Test 4) Written Examination 5) Personal Essay 6) Participation in Group Discussion 7) Medical Examination In selecting its associates, the Institute seeks applicants worthy of leadership, who demonstrate fortitude in character, initiative, and vision. It seeks those associates who demonstrate that they have a sunao mind; a Japanese concept referring to a mindset that is capable of accepting life in a constructive way, and is able to see things as they are without prejudice or preconceived ideas. It is sometimes translated as the untrapped mind.