Speech Contest

2026 All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest


The Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation is pleased to announce that
the 21st All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest will be held in person in May 24, 2026.

 

On May 24, the Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation hosted the 21st All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest at the Miyako Hotel Los Angeles.

 

Ten outstanding high school students who advanced through regional competitions held across the United States participated in the national finals and delivered passionate speeches in Japanese.

 

Following careful deliberation by the judges, Amelie Jane Rennie, an 11th grade student from Deer-Creek Mackinaw High School in Illinois,
was awarded the First Place, while Minjun Kim, a 12th grade student from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in New York, received the Second Place.

 

In her winning speech, Amelie Jane Rennie explored the concept of “ganbaru” (“to persevere” or “to do one’s best”) and reflected
on the balance between hard work and self-care in Japanese society. Her thoughtful presentation earned high praise from the judges.
Second-place winner Minjun Kim captivated the audience with a speech about the appeal of the Japanese language, which he discovered through Japanese music and popular culture.

 

The event welcomed many distinguished guests, including representatives of the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, educators,
and family members of the contestants. Audience members expressed admiration for the students’ impressive Japanese-language
proficiency and the originality of their speeches.

 

The contest is held annually as a national platform where high school students from across the United States can showcase the results
of their Japanese language studies. Participants not only demonstrate their language proficiency but also develop the ability to express
their own experiences and ideas in Japanese, gaining valuable opportunities for personal and academic growth.

 

Japanese language education throughout the United States is sustained through the dedication of teachers, schools, supporting organizations, and local communities.This contest serves as an opportunity to highlight the achievements of Japanese language education, encourage students in their studies, and help cultivate the next generation of leaders who will strengthen mutual understanding and exchange between Japan and the United States.

 

The Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to all co-hosting, sponsoring, supporting, and endorsing organizations, members of the judging panel, regional competition organizers, volunteers, and the many supporters whose generous contributions made this event possible.