The 25th Japanese Language Speech Contest in Ottawa
On Saturday, March 1, 2014, the Organizing Committee for the Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan, was pleased to host the 25th Japanese Language Speech Contest in Ottawa at the auditorium of the Embassy of Japan. The contest this year was sponsored by the Japan Foundation and Mitsui & Co. (Canada) Ltd.
The contestants were from Carleton University, University of Ottawa, Queen’s University, the Ottawa Japanese Language School, and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. In front of a large audience, including Japanese teachers and learners, 26 contestants performed their speeches, refined after weeks of practice. The topics of their captivating speeches ranged from personal experiences and knowledge of Japanese culture and history to opinions on issues relating to energy and international relations
In his opening remarks, Minister Yawata congratulated the organizing committee on the 25th anniversary of the Contest in Ottawa. He noted that while studying a foreign language requires time and practice, by doing so, one can converse with friends and colleagues in their own language, as well as deepen one’s understanding of other cultures. Moreover, by learning Japanese, the participants are contributing to a stronger friendship between Japan and Canada.
The top winners of each category (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Open) will represent Ottawa at the Canadian Japanese Language Contest to be held on Saturday, March 29th, 2014 at the Embassy of Japan.
＜Results＞
Beginner’s Level:
The 1st Prize：Nikola LeBel （Ottawa Japanese Language School） “My friend Satoshi”
The 2nd Prize：Gatien DeBroucker （Ottawa Japanese Language School）
“Reaching the summit of Mt. Fuji”
The 3rd Prize: Chen Du （Queen’s University） “My time with my little sister”
Intermediate Level:
The 1st Prize：Ran Tao （Carleton University） “The great passage”
The 2nd Prize：Juan Sarria （Carleton University） “Columbia and Japan: What is true richness”
The 3rd Prize：Jenny Leigh Dancer （Ottawa Japanese Language School）“Japanese sweets and their history”
Advanced Level:
The 1st Prize：Julie Poirier (Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development） “John Manjiro – the Canadian version”
The 2nd Prize：Anita Pan （Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development） “Sometimes, being a couch potato can be a good thing”
The 3rd Prize：Suisu Song （Queen’s University） “My grandpa’s story”
Open Category:
The 1st Prize：Yingxin Qian（Carleton University） “Dreaming to become a bridge between Japan and China”
Special Prizes:
Natalie Bell （University of Ottawa）
Sahra Nur （University of Ottawa）
Cory Bentley （Queen’s University）
Nathaniel Sergeant （Carleton University）
Min Kyung Kil （Carleton University）
Dandan Zhou（Carleton University）
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