On March 1, the Japanese Language Program at UBC Vancouver had the pleasure of hosting the 37th Annual BC Japanese Speech Contest. This annual event brings together Japanese language learners in BC, providing them with a platform to showcase their skills and share their unique perspectives.
The contest opened with welcoming remarks from Professor Joshua Mostow of UBC’s Department of Asian Studies, setting the stage for a day filled with engaging and thought-provoking speeches. Contestants from four universities and thirteen high schools in BC participated, with some students returning as repeat participants and others making their debut appearances, presenting on a diverse range of topics that reflected their personal experiences, cultural insights, and reflections on the world around them.
Finalists from UBC included Oliver Cheung, Luning Kang, Ivan Kwan, Kai Lee, Kiana Li, Caroline Lutz, Ran Mo, Ben Pothier, Thomas Rule, Koto Shi, Andy Wang, Zimeng (Matt) Wang, Josh Wong, and Iyan Yau. Each delivered a speech that captivated the audience and demonstrated their deep engagement with the Japanese language.
The contest concluded with an award ceremony, where attendees were honored to hear remarks from Consul General Yoshiaki Takahashi of the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver and Professor Sharalyn Orbaugh, Head of the Department of Asian Studies at UBC.
Judges Ms. Akemi Takizawa for the high school category and Professor Christina Laffin for the university category provided insightful feedback, recognizing the participants’ efforts and offering their perspectives on the speeches.
This year’s first-prize winners from UBC were Josh Wong (Beginner Category), Kai Lee (Intermediate Category), and Koto Shi (Open Category). These outstanding speakers will go on to represent BC at the Canadian National Japanese Language Speech Contest in Toronto on March 30.
The success of the 37th Annual BC Japanese Speech Contest would not have been possible without the support of the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver, along with the Japan Foundation Toronto, local sponsors and Japanese language educators. Their contributions provide students with valuable opportunities to develop their language skills and deepen their understanding of Japanese culture.
A special thanks goes to the UBC student volunteers, whose hard work behind the scenes ensured that the event ran smoothly. Their dedication and teamwork helped create an inviting and well-structured atmosphere, making the experience enjoyable for both participants and attendees.
The Japanese Language Program at UBC is proud of all the contestants for their dedication to learning Japanese and expressing their ideas with confidence. We are also grateful to our student volunteers, whose enthusiasm and commitment played a vital role in the event’s success. Their efforts embody the spirit of the Japanese language learning community in BC, and we look forward to seeing their continued growth and contributions in the future.
