The 9th MUA Japanese-language Speech Contest

The 9^th MUA Japanese-language Speech Contest

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026 
Venue: Minato City Libra Hall

On January 11, 2026, the Japanese-language speech contest was held at the Libra Hall. The event was honored by the attendance of Ms. SEIKE Ai, the new Mayor of Minato City, and Mr. Shingu Hiroaki, Superintendent of the Minato City Board of Education, making it a valuable opportunity to engage the entire community.  This year, by making participation open to all nationalities, we received more applications than usual, including from those who have become naturalized Japanese citizens. As a result of the selection process, nine participants from nine different countries shared their passionate stories.

　In the second part, we held a networking event between participants and attendees. Students from Tokyo Metropolitan Mita High School and the Aoyama Gakuin University UNESCO Club, as well as previous participants, served as facilitators, creating a natural and engaging environment for participants to deepen their friendships. The event was attended by many people, and the venue was filled with great enthusiasm.

　Furthermore, with the cooperation of Mr. Hiroyuki Usui, Chairman of the Minato Ward Shopping District Federation, who served as a judge, and the Minato Ward Board of Education, we were able to present participants with “Minato Ward PAY Premium Gift Certificates (equivalent to transportation costs).”

　This contest was a great success, thanks to the support of all our members and the speech contest committee members. I would like to express my sincere gratitude. Next year marks our momentous 10th anniversary. We look forward to reflecting on our journey so far and finding our direction for the next step.

Judging Results

(Written by TAGAWA Junko, Standing Director, and translated by MIYASHITA Y., the PR & Internet Committee)