Japanese Speech Contest Committee

The Japanese Speech Contest by Minato UNESCO Association has been annually held since 2017. Each year about 10 foreigners participate and speak enthusiastically in Japanese. The contest requires participants to speak about one of the selected timely themes that matches the societal trend in the year. This year’s themes are as follows:

1. What is Japan like to you?
2. What are your thoughts on global climate change?
3. What are your thoughts on COVID-19?

Participants are expected to talk about their respective experience and future plans related to the selected theme. The qualification for application is that the speaker is a foreign national who lives in Japan. The length of the speech is limited to 3 ~ 5 minutes. The awards for winners include the Grand Prix award, the Minato UNESCO Association President’s award, the Jury Chairperson’s award, and the Minato City Mayor’s award.

The Grand Prix winner of the 2019 contest was Karen Lee, an 8th grade student at Sacred Heart International School. She appealed as a young student what they can do about the climate change. We look forward to welcoming many participants in this year’s contest as well.