This contest gives students the chance to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills, and to make their voices heard in Japanese. Successful applicants will be invited to give their speeches and presentations at the speech contest finals which will be held at King’s College London on Saturday 2nd March 2024.

There will be fantastic prizes for finalists.

:: Contest Aims

The main purpose of the event is to improve the speaking and presentation skills of students studying Japanese as a foreign language. Through this event, we hope to promote Japanese language learning at higher education level in the UK and Ireland.

:: Who can apply?

The contest is aimed at undergraduate students who are currently studying Japanese as a foreign language at a university in the UK or Ireland.

There are three different categories*:

*Please be advised that contestants are expected to choose appropriate topics according to the category to which they are applying. Please read the aims of each category carefully as they have been modified from previous contests. 

 

1. Speech Category

Aim:

To discuss and/or argue a topic of your choice and offer opinions, suggestions and/or solutions. 

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard C1 or C2 at a university in the UK or Ireland including, as an elective, optional or other university-based language course.

·       Those who have less than a total of three years’ residence in Japan since the age of six.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 6th November 2023  (15:00 GMT)

 

2. Individual Presentation Category

Aim:

To explain your chosen topic and to convey your opinion or message using PowerPoint slides.

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard B1 or B2 at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·       Those who have spent not more than 12 months in total in Japan.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 4th December 2023 (15:00 GMT)

 

3. Group Presentation Category

Aim:

to introduce a topic related to the U.K. or another country outside of Japan.

Eligibility:

·       Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A1 or A2 at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·       Groups of two to four students.

·       Postgraduate students alongside undergraduate student(s).

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 11th December 2023 (15:00 GMT)

*Details of JF Standard can be found here: https://www.jfstandard.jpf.go.jp/pdf/web_whole_en.pdf

Please see the links below for the contest poster, FAQ, and application guidelines for each category. URLs for the online application forms can be found in the Application Guidelines for each category.

• Contest Poster
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Speech Category Application Guidelines
• Individual Presentation Category Application Guidelines
• Group Presentation Category Application Guidelines

See videos from previous University Speech Contest Finals Day here.

Please email speechcontest@jpf.go.jp if you have any questions.