We are delighted to announce that the 21st Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!

This contest gives students the chance to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills and to make their voices heard in Japanese. Finalists will be invited to give their speeches and presentations at the Speech Contest Finals Day, which will be held at King’s College London on Saturday 7th March 2026.

There will be fantastic prizes to 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.

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 10th November 2025  (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 8th December 2025 (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 finalist groups will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 15th December 2025 (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 files below for the contest poster, FAQ, and application guidelines for each category. URL for online application form 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.