Annual Japanese Language Speech & Skit Contest
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Evaluation of the Contest

Thank you once again for supporting our annual Japanese Speech & Skit Contest for Washington State High School Students. We couldnt have made the competition without your help and are very happy to be able to offer events like this to promote Japanese language in Washington State. This contest couldnt work without you and we appreciate all your support.

To help commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Hyogo and Washington sister-state relations, the Seattle based Hyogo Business and Culture Center and the Japanese consulate put together what became the largest event yet, with over 450 spectators filling up the MOHAI venue to see over 150 contestants hailing from 25 different schools, easily dwarfing the previous years numbers of 124 participants. With 9 terrific judges hailing from numerous respectable organizations, and participation from the consulate general and Brent Heinemann, Director of the Office of International Relations of the Washington State Office of the Governor, plus a video-speech from the Governor Christine Gregoire herself, this years contest was one to be remembered.

Many teachers and audience members commented on the high level of Japanese overall, despite the large number of participants. During the event, a special live performances of traditional Japanese martial arts (Iaido) and music (shakuhachi flute) were a big hit, and the 400+ audience meant that the students had a fantastic atmosphere to participate in.

This year we received another record number of participant applications! In total, over 170 students applied to participate from 25 different Washington State high schools. Although some students were unable to attend, over 150 students actually competed, representing 25 different high schools from across the state. This is a wonderful demonstration of the growing popularity of this event and of Japanese language education in our schools!

Contest Division	# of Students	# of High Schools
Speech Contestants:	52 from	17 high schools
Skit Contestants (3-4/group):	102 from	14 high schools
Total Student Participants:	152 from	25 High Schools!

Grand Prizes:
College Scholarships (Thanks to Japan Business Association of Seattle): A total of $1300 dollars was donated from the Japan Business Association of Seattle (Shunju Club) toward college scholarships to winning speech division participants. Many deserving students will be able to use these scholarships toward tuition at the college or university of their choice!

Trip to Japan (Thanks to Ooka Gakuen and Sankei Travel): Advanced Speech Division 1st place winners Chi Kim of Kamiak High School, and Summer Lovex of Puyallup High School will be going to Hyogo, Japan this summer for a 10 day study tour at Ooka Gakuen High School in Toyoka City. They will be staying with host families and attending classes at school, and will also have opportunities to experience a variety of Japanese cultural activities. We look forward to hearing fun stories upon their return from Japan!

Sailing school & opening day parade places (Thanks to the Seattle Yacht club) 1 lucky winner and 1 group will get to experience life on the waves with the Seattle Yacht club, as they host Suma yacht club of Kobe this year in a regatta exchange called "Takarabune". This unique experience is usually only open to members, and with so many Japanese guests coming for the regatta in April and May, their Japanese skills are sure to be put to the test!

To our sponsors, volunteers, educators and participants: Thank you again for making this our biggest competition ever, and a rewarding experience possible for so many students!

Speech & Skit Home | About the Contest | Contest Location & Guidelines
Posters for Print | 2008 Contestants & Winners | Slideshow