5th Japanese Speech Contest

On December 13, 2023, the 5th Japanese Language Speech Contest was hosted by the Faculty of International Studies.

Eight participants, comprising students whose native language isn't Japanese, including those enrolled in the Japanese track (正規留学生) and the Global BBA program, took part in the contest. Each contestant delivered a four-minute speech centered around their assigned theme.

Over a span of about two months, the international students collaborated with their Japanese language instructors, diligently preparing their speeches for the contest.

The event received support from students at the Faculty of International Studies, contributing to its success. Attended by a considerable audience of about 100 participants, the contest proved to be a captivating and well-organized affair.

Reflecting on the experience, an audience member remarked, "I appreciated how the international students spoke slowly and engaged with the audience, making it easier to comprehend."

Commendation

Presenters from diverse cultural backgrounds, encompassing languages like English, Urdu, Korean, Indonesian, Thai, Myanmar, and Portuguese, delivered compelling insights and viewpoints on various themes including poignant events, reflections on Japan, and personal experiences within the country. The presentations ranged in titles from "Japan vs. Canada," "Travel in Black and White," "My First Job," "One and Only Life," and more.

Notably, the grand prize in this contest was secured by an international student from Korea. The winning speech, titled "Differences in Love between Korea and Japan," delved into real-life love narratives distinct from those typically portrayed in TV dramas. Meanwhile, the Audience Award was bestowed to Carmel, an Indonesian international student, whose speech titled "The Importance of Living at Your Own Pace," eloquently expressed her pride in embracing a distinctive lifestyle.