International Student Japanese Speech Contest
Since 1993, we have been organizing a Japanese Speech Contest for international students studying at universities and Japanese language schools in Kitakyushu. The contest aims to enhance students’ motivation to learn Japanese and promote a better understanding of international students by providing them with an opportunity to express their thoughts and experiences in Japan in Japanese.
The speech contest is held with the support of the Kitakyushu Kokura Lions Club, Yahata Houjinkai, and the Kitakyushu-China Friendship Association.
The 2025 International Student Japanese Speech Contest was held.
※Applications for presenters have closed.
■Date: October 12, 2025 (Sun) 1:00pm～4:00pm
■Venue: 7F COM City, Children Hall, Kodomo-no-Yakata, Kitakyushyu
■Qualification:
International students who meet all of the following conditions.
a) whose native language and nationality are not Japanese
b) the total period of stay in Japan must be less than 5 years
c) must live in Kitakyushu City and be enrolled in a university, junior college, technical college, or Japanese language school in Kitakyushu City
d) must not have won the highest award in the “International Student Japanese Speech Contest” held by the Kitakyushu International Association in the past
■Theme: Free
■Deadline: August 25, 2025 (Mon)
※Applications for presenters have closed.
■How to apply:
Please email or submit the following directly to the Kitakyushu International Association.
a) Application form
b) Copies of both side of the Residence Card
c) Speech manuscript
d) Self-promotion passage
Kitakyushu International Association:
3F COM City, 3-15-3 Kurosaki, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu-shi
★About 2 minutes on foot from JR Kurosaki Station
■Application form, guidelines, etc.:
The 33nd International Student Japanese Speech Contest Results
| The 33nd (2025) | Awardee Name(s) | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Prize | Ms. MIAO Pei Chi (Graduate School of Waseda University / Taiwan) | An Encounter in Kyoto |
| Kitakyushu Kokura Lions Club Award | Mr. DU Yihang (Graduate School of Waseda University / China) | From Chang’an — A Thousand Years of “The Road Is Hard” |
| Yahata Corporate Association Award | Mr. LIN Htet Swe (Graduate School of Waseda University / Myanmar) | A Person Without a Surname |
| Judges’ Award | Mr. CHEN Xuexin (Graduate School of Waseda University / China) | Bon Odori Connecting Hearts |
| Friendship Special Award | Mr. MUHAMMAD Syafiq Bin Mohd Razib (Graduate School of Kyushu Institute of Technology / Malaysia) | An Interesting Mistake |
Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest
The Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest was a platform for foreigners living in Kitakyushu City and the surrounding municipalities, regardless of age or occupation, to present their thoughts or opinions in Japanese. A wide range of fields and perspectives were shared, and it was hoped that contestants could not only learn from each other, but also be motivated through hearing the speeches of other contestants to further their study of the Japanese language.
It also offers citizens of Kitakyushu an opportunity to hear directly from foreigners, gain insight into their daily experiences, and think about the future of multicultural coexistence.
The 16th Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest will be held as follows. For details, please refer to the flyer.
The 16th Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest
■Date：February 1, 2026. 1:00pm-4:30pm
■Venue：Kodomo Hall, Kodomo-no-Yakata
■Contestants：Foreigners living in Kitakyushu City and its surrounding areas
（Nogata City, Yukuhashi City, Buzen City, Nakama City, Miyawaka City, Ashiya Town, Mizumaki Town, Okagaki Town, Onga Town, Kotake Town, Kurate machi, Kawara Town, Kanda Town, Miyako Town, Koge Town, Chikujo Town, Yoshitomi Town)
※Applications for presenters have closed.
■Theme：Any theme is OK! (Presentation should be within 5 minutes)
■Application Deadline：Monday, November 17, 2025 (Registration may close early due to the first-come, first-served system.)
※Applications for presenters have closed.
■How to apply：
①Submit application from (Bring directly to KIA, or send by email)
②Submit your manuscript (Word file) and an upper-body photo for the program by Monday, December 15, via email.
Location of Kitakyushu International Association:
3rd Floor, COMCITY, 3-15-3 Kurosaki, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City
★ About a 2-minute walk from JR Kurosaki Station
■Flyer/Application form：
Recent Results
| Contest | Number of Contestants | Top Prize Winner | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16th（2026） | 14 | Ms. DAO Gia Bao – Vietnam (Shimosone Japanese Class) | Overcome your fears and seize the future. |
| 15th（2025） | 21 | Mr. Kaewjuntuek POTCHARA – Thailand (Moji Japanese Club Emoji) | My encounter with Kitakyushu |
| 14th（2024） | 14 | Mr. Alvin LU Liang Hao – Malaysia (Gakken Volunteer Association) | Language salad bowl |
| 13th（2023） | 18 | Ms. Fletcher Gillian – Jamaica (Himiko No Kai) | Freedom to dream again |
| 12th（2022） | 20 | Mr. Chen Chun Chung – Taiwan (Gakken Volunteer Association) | That which surprised me when I came to Japan |
| 11th（2021） | 16 | Mr. HOCQUAX Simon – France (Gakken Volunteer Association) | A happy story |
*The 11th Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest was judged based on the video recording of speeches sent by participants due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic. All speeches and comments from judges have been made into a DVD.
