The 37th Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa
2026/2/28
On February 28, the Embassy of Japan and the Organizing Committee for the Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa held the 37th Japanese Speech Contest in Ottawa (The contest was organized with the support of Mitsui Canada Foundation, the Japan Foundation Toronto, GLOCAL Foundation of Canada, Carleton University, and Blue Tree Books) at the Embassy’s Information and Culture Centre. A total of 28 contestants across four categories delivered passionate speeches, each reflecting their own unique perspective.
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi delivered the opening remarks, noting that speeches in which contestants weave their personal experiences and perspectives into the Japanese language offer native speakers a precious opportunity to discover new facets of Japan. He further emphasized that language acquisition transcends the boundaries of individual learning; it is a truly "mutual" endeavor that allows both the presenter and the audience to gain fresh insights from one another. Dr. Michael Rodgers, School Director and Associate Professor of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies at Carleton University also gave a speech.
In addition, during the event, Ms. Talia Fisher, who went to Japan as a participant of the Japanese Government's JET Programme, gave a presentation on her experience. The JET Programme is an official Japanese Government scheme aiming to promote international exchange at grassroots level and to improve foreign language education. At the end, Ms. Deborah Paul (former Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam and former Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Canada in Japan), Chief Judge, gave feedback on the contest.
The first prize winners in each category of beginners, intermediate, and advanced earned the right to participate in the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest to be held at the University of Alberta on March 29th.
The 1st prizes of the speech contest are the following.
Beginners Category:
The 1st Prize: Yifei Wang (Queen’s University) “Want to be a Person who can say "It's Okay" to others”
Intermediate Category:
The 1st Prize: Kanwar Gill (University of Ottawa) “To the Person I Want to Be”
Advanced Category:
The 1st Prize: Lawrence Barss (Carleton University) “"Kakehashi": Let's Build International Bridges”
Open Category:
The 1st Prize: Horsec Chen (N/A) “Flowers”
Chair of the Organizing Committee, judges, and contestants
Ambassador Kanji Yamanouchi delivered the opening remarks, noting that speeches in which contestants weave their personal experiences and perspectives into the Japanese language offer native speakers a precious opportunity to discover new facets of Japan. He further emphasized that language acquisition transcends the boundaries of individual learning; it is a truly "mutual" endeavor that allows both the presenter and the audience to gain fresh insights from one another. Dr. Michael Rodgers, School Director and Associate Professor of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies at Carleton University also gave a speech.
In addition, during the event, Ms. Talia Fisher, who went to Japan as a participant of the Japanese Government's JET Programme, gave a presentation on her experience. The JET Programme is an official Japanese Government scheme aiming to promote international exchange at grassroots level and to improve foreign language education. At the end, Ms. Deborah Paul (former Canadian Ambassador to Vietnam and former Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Canada in Japan), Chief Judge, gave feedback on the contest.
The first prize winners in each category of beginners, intermediate, and advanced earned the right to participate in the Canadian National Japanese Speech Contest to be held at the University of Alberta on March 29th.
The 1st prizes of the speech contest are the following.
Beginners Category:
The 1st Prize: Yifei Wang (Queen’s University) “Want to be a Person who can say "It's Okay" to others”
Intermediate Category:
The 1st Prize: Kanwar Gill (University of Ottawa) “To the Person I Want to Be”
Advanced Category:
The 1st Prize: Lawrence Barss (Carleton University) “"Kakehashi": Let's Build International Bridges”
Open Category:
The 1st Prize: Horsec Chen (N/A) “Flowers”
 |
 |
| Ambassador Yamanouchi delivering remarks |
Remarks by Dr. Rodgers, School Director and Associate Professor of the School of Linguistics and Language Studies at Carleton University |
 |
 |
| Remarks by Ms. Sasaki, Chair of the Organizing Committee |
Ms. Deborah Paul, Chief Judge, giving feedback on the contest |
 |
 |
| Ms. Fisher, former JET Programme participant, giving her presentation | Audience and participants |
Chair of the Organizing Committee, judges, and contestants