The European Ros Club (ERC) offers a new goal to chase while working as many Japanese stations as possible using digital modes. The Worked Grid Japan Award (ERC-GRID-JA) can be had with just two contacts in two different Maidenhead Grid Squares. But that is just the beginning of your quest.
You can chase 14 different certificates based on the number of unique grids worked. The top level award requires contacts with stations in 75 grids.
Multiply your fun by chasing the same stations and grids on individual bands from 6M down to 160M. The resulting matrix provides for a grand total of 182 possible awards.
The certificates feature large, prominent photos of locations in Japan or some aspect of Japanese culture. A map and flag (the rising sun version) of the country is also included.
To apply for the Worked Grid Japan Award, and all other ERC awards, you must install the UltimateAAC application on a Windows machine. That application scans your WSJT-X ADIF log file, or any ADIF log file you specify. It will then inform you when you’ve qualified for the award at various levels. ERC issues the award in digital form only (JPG or PDF) with no printing or shipping costs. In fact, the award is completely free, like all of their other awards.