We are delighted to announce that the 22nd Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!

This contest gives students the chance to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills and express their ideas and opinions 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 6th March 2027.

There are three categories: the Speech Category, the Individual Presentation Category and the Group Presentation Category. The aims and eligibility criteria for each category have changed since the last contest. Please carefully read the description of each category below, as well as the application guidelines.

:: 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:

1. Speech Category

Aim:
The aim of the speech is to convey a meaningful message or argument on a topic of your choice through your own ideas, opinions, experiences, reflections, or academic interests. Participants should support their points with relevant examples or evidence and offer suggestions and/or solutions where appropriate.

Eligibility:
The Speech Category is intended for students on post-intermediate Japanese courses.

• Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard B2-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 9th November 2026 (15:00 GMT)

2. Individual Presentation Category

Aim:
The aim of the presentation is to explain your chosen topic clearly, using PowerPoint slides that include appropriate visual materials. Participants are expected to present the topic objectively, as the focus of the presentation should be on the topic itself rather than on their personal experiences.

Eligibility:
The Individual Presentation Category is intended for students on post-beginners Japanese courses.

• Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A2-B1* 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 7th December 2026 (15:00 GMT)

3. Group Presentation Category

Aim:
The aim of the presentation is to introduce a topic related to the U.K. or another country outside of Japan.

Eligibility:
The Group Presentation Category is intended for students on beginners’ Japanese courses.

• Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A1–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 14th December 2026 (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 application guidelines for each category. URL for online application form can be found in the Application Guidelines for each category.

Speech Category Application Guidelines

Individual Presentation Category Application Guidelines

Group Presentation Category Application Guidelines

Enquiries: speechcontest@jpf.go.jp