High School Students Show Eloquence in SU’s National Japanese Speech Contest

Three high school students from Xinmin Senior High School and Tai Bei High School earned top honors in the 27th National High School Japanese Speech Contest, held at Soochow University on October 18. The competition, guided by the Ministry of Education and coordinated by SU’s Department of Japanese Language and Culture alongside Takushoku University, drew 35 participants from 20 schools, with 15 advancing to the final round.

The first prize was awarded to Qiao-Wei Liu, from Xinmin Senior High School for her speech “Otosan Intabyu” (“Interviewing My Father”). Second place went to Qian-Yu Lee, from Tai Bei High School for “Sono Jaianto no Na wa Chichi” (“The Giant Named Father”). Third place was given to Ying-Xuan Chen, also from Xinmin Senior High School, for “Wan Oku Rokku ga Oshiete Kureta no wa” (“What ONE OK ROCK Taught Me”). 

Judges noted that this year’s participants delivered speeches that were remarkably strong in both content and language. The topics were diverse and demonstrated students’ ability to articulate their ideas in Japanese with clarity, structure, and creativity.

Following the competition, Yi-Ling Liu, Chair of the Department of Japanese Language and Culture, expressed appreciation to the Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry in Taipei and the Japan–Taiwan Exchange Association for their sponsorship and support. She also acknowledged the efforts of faculty and students who contributed to event planning and on-site coordination.

The contest aims to promote Japanese-language education and strengthen students’ cross-cultural communication skills. Through their speeches, participants showcased not only their proficiency in Japanese but also the growing enthusiasm for international exchange among high school and vocational students across Taiwan.

After the awards ceremony, contestants, judges, and staff gathered for a group photo to mark the conclusion of the event. The competition served not only as a stage for students to demonstrate their Japanese proficiency but also as a symbol of deepening educational and cultural ties between Taiwan and Japan.