Japanese Speech Contest
As of FY2022, in collaboration with Japanese language classes conducted by volunteers in Kitakyushu, “The Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest” will be integrated with the “Japanese Speech Contest for Exchange Students”, as the latter approaches its 30th anniversary, to evolve into the “Japanese Speech Contest”. The list of eligible contestants will now include international students, students of Japanese classes, technical interns and more.
*Event details will be posted on this page when they have been conformed.
Japanese Speech Contest for Exchange Students up till FY2021
Held since 1992, the Japanese Speech Contest for Exchange Students served as a platform for international students studying at universities, Japanese language schools etc. in the city to share about their thoughts and experiences after coming to Japan in Japanese. The speech contest was also meant to encourage international students to further their study of the Japanese language, and also give a better perspective about the lives of international students to Japanese citizens.
The speech contest was held with the support of the Kitakyushu Kokura Lions Club, Yahata Houjinkai, and the Kitakyushu-China Friendship Association.
Schedule
Held once yearly around December.
Award Categories
- Top Prize – Certificate, Plaque, ¥50,000 prize money
- Kitakyushu Kokura Lions Club Prize – Certificate, ¥40,000 prize money
- Yahata Houjinkai Prize – Certificate, ¥30,000 prize money
- Friendship Prize – Plaque, ¥10,000 prize money
- Judges’ Pick – Certificate, ¥10,000 prize money
Results of the Last Two Contests
| Contest | Top Prize | Theme |
|---|---|---|
| 29th （2021） | Mr. Wang Wakatake – China (Kyushu Institute of Technology) | Living in Japan for a second time |
| 28th （2020） | Mr. Galan Sankalpa – Nepal (Kyushu International University) | Valuable lessons from the cultural differences between Japan and Nepal |
The 28th Japanese Speech Contest for Exchange Students streamed live on YouTube without spectators at the event location due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
for Exchange Students
Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest up till FY 2021
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.
The contest itself did also have a multicultural agenda, where Japanese citizens that listen to the speeches were able to gain a better understanding of the sentiments of the contestants.
Schedule
Held once yearly around February
The 12th Japanese Oshaberi Speech Contest (FY2021)
| Date | 13th February 2022 (Sunday) |
| Location | Kodomo Hall, Kodomo no Yakata, COM CITY |
| No. of Contestants | 20 (Indonesia, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Nigeria, Philippines, Vietnam, Mexico) |
| Winner of the Top Prize | Mr. Chen Chun Chung (Taiwan – Gakken Volunteer Association) Theme: That which surprised me when I came to Japan |
2019 – 2021 Results
| Contest | Number of Contestants | Top Prize Winner | Theme |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11th（2021） | 16 | Mr. HOCQUAX Simon – France (Gakken Volunteer Association) | A happy story |
| 10th（2020） | 26 | Ms. Vuong Thi Thu – Vietnam (Marelli Kyushu Corporation) | The Japan of my heart |
| 9th（2019） | 21 | Mr. Hifsan Manggala Panggabean – Indonesia (Shimosone Japanese Class) | My Kendo experience |
*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.