The 38th BC Japanese Speech Contest (2026/3/7)
2026/3/7
Remarks by Consul General Yoshiaki Takahashi, Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver
Award ceremony remarks by Prof. Sharalyn Orbaugh, Head, Department of Asian Studies, UBC
On Saturday, March 7, the 38th Annual BC Japanese Speech Contest was jointly held by the BC Japanese Speech Contest Organizing Committee, and the Consulate General of Japan in Vancouver.
A total of 30 contestants (19 high school students and 11 university students) from across British Columbia advanced through the preliminary screening to the final contest, which took place at the Asian Centre Auditorium on the UBC Vancouver campus.
Consul General Takahashi delivered remarks recognizing the participants’ efforts and dedication to studying Japanese. The panel of judges commended the contestants for their Japanese language proficiency and for their willingness to speak publicly in a foreign language. All contestants received participation prizes, and winners in each category were awarded prizes generously provided by sponsors and sister cities.
Top winners in the BC University/Open Division categories will advance to the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest to be held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton on Sunday, March 29.
A total of 30 contestants (19 high school students and 11 university students) from across British Columbia advanced through the preliminary screening to the final contest, which took place at the Asian Centre Auditorium on the UBC Vancouver campus.
Consul General Takahashi delivered remarks recognizing the participants’ efforts and dedication to studying Japanese. The panel of judges commended the contestants for their Japanese language proficiency and for their willingness to speak publicly in a foreign language. All contestants received participation prizes, and winners in each category were awarded prizes generously provided by sponsors and sister cities.
Top winners in the BC University/Open Division categories will advance to the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest to be held at the University of Alberta in Edmonton on Sunday, March 29.
Opening remarks by Prof. Joshua Mostow, Professor, Department of Asian Studies, UBC
Group photo