The UBC Japanese Language Program held its fourth writing contest last November with the theme “journey/travel.” The contest was open to all students enrolled in the 2025/2026 Winter Terms, as well as those who have previously taken Japanese courses.
This year, we did not receive any entries in the Junior categories but among all entries in the Senior category, two winners were selected by a panel of judges composed of Ms. Tomoko Kitayama Yen (Japanese Studies Librarian) and the faculty members of the Japanese Language Program.
This time, the first-place winning piece will be shared as official reading material for the Japanese Language Program’s “Tadoku Reading Club”.
The awards ceremony was held on January 19, 2026, and each winner received a certificate and prize from Ms. Kitayama Yen and Dr. Rebecca Chau. The winners were determined as follows:
Senior Category First Place: “梧桐の夢” by Alex Yu
Alex Yu (on the left) and Ms. Kitayama Yen (on the right)
Comment from Head Judge Ms. Kitayama Yen:
This work stood out for its strong command of language and its well-balanced structure. Through vivid sensory details – such as the autumn breeze, the sounds of the neighbourhood, and everyday encounters – the author persuasively conveys a deep sense of nostalgia for home alongside a quiet determination to step into the wider world. The choice to use the kanji 梧桐 adds cultural depth and symbolic resonance, and the piece concludes with an image that leaves a lasting impression that conveys elegance and nostalgia.
Comment from the winner:
First of all, a big thanks to the Sakubun Contest organizers. The writing contest provided an excellent opportunity to practice my Japanese and share my thoughts.
The theme in this contest is very unique and reminded me of what had happened to me in the past. The love for one’s hometown lies in everyone, and I could not think of a better trip than going home. The familiar smell of local food, the familiar sounds of the street, and the familiar greeting from neighbors would light up all the best memories.
However, we cannot live in the past or hold on to memories forever. If we remain attached to the warmth of our hometown, we will never be able to soar to a wider sky. But it doesn’t mean forgetting our home; instead, it means converting those healing memories into courage to face the future.
Last but not least, the Chinese parasol tree was chosen to be a symbol. It is a tree; people are trees; the tower is a tree; and the city may also be a tree. I believe we all have different interpretations, but we should share similar emotions. Thank you for reading.
Senior Category Second Place: “バンコックへ” by Jin Go
Jin Go (on the left) and Dr. Chau (on the right)
Comment from Head Judge Ms. Kitayama Yen:
This piece is striking in its poetic, cinematic atmosphere. The author draws readers into a world or memory shaped by time, distance and reunion. The use of the dandelion as a recurring motif is imaginative and symbolic, contributing to the work’s slightly mysterious and contemplative tone. At the times, the structure of modifiers and certain images – such as the description of the flower – may feel open to interpretation. Yet this very ambiguity also creates space for reflection and is part of the work’s unique charm.
Comment from the winner:
I chose the title of this work to represent both the physical journey to Bangkok and how the piece serves as an address to the city and the time period it shaped in my life. I drew inspiration from the authors I was studying in a Japanese Literature course while on exchange and from a friend whose favourite Japanese word is tanpopo (dandelion).
I attempted an adaptation of Kyokutei Bakin’s use of symmetry which informed the structure of the piece. It begins with leaving the airport and ends with driving towards it. Childhood memories are presented in sunlight, while recent memories are presented at night. I also incorporated the use of glass and reflections which was inspired by Yasunari Kawabata.
The girl in the story is based on my childhood best friend. She was a big reason why I started learning Japanese in our primary school, since I wanted to be able to speak with her in her mother tongue. I think the first Japanese word I had ever learnt from her was kouchou (principal). It was part of the name we decided for the loaf of bread we made together for class. I dedicate this piece to you, Noki.
I’m grateful to have had an opportunity to apply the skills from my two years studying Japanese under such wonderful professors. Thank you to the department for all the work put into organising this competition.
Congratulations Alex and Jin!
Thanks to many motivated students and their creative work, the Japanese Language Program was able to hold another successful Writing Contest. We would like to thank all the students who participated! The Japanese Language Program would like to thank Ms. Kitayama Yen for her continued support of the contest by serving as one of the judges and providing thoughtful comments on students’ work.
Alex Yu’s story will be shared and read by fellow Japanese language students as reading material once minor edits, such as adding images, are completed. Please look forward to his completed and published work!
We hope you all continue to enjoy studying Japanese, and we look forward to seeing your entries in the next contest!
