The 17th Japanese Speech Contest Guideline
2026/2/24
Event Information
Date/Time:
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.
Place:
Qatar University, College of Education Building (I10)
Organizer:
The Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar
Co-organizer:
Japanese Language Teachers’ Association in Qatar (JALTAQ), Qatar University
Contact:
The Embassy of Japan in the State of Qatar
Email: eojqatar@dh.mofa.go.jp | Tel: 4440-9000
Email: eojqatar@dh.mofa.go.jp | Tel: 4440-9000
Entry Qualifications
- Non-native Japanese speakers residing in Qatar.
- Have not won 1st place in Category C in the last two editions of the contest.
- Have not lived in Japan for more than 2 years.
Entry
Submit the application form by Sunday, March 29, 2026.
→ APPLICATION FORM
Speech Categories
| Category | Time Limit | Specifications & Topics |
|---|---|---|
| A (Beginner) |
None | Self-introduction + Recitation Brief self-introduction (approx. 15s). Select and read one of the following: 1. Rolling Rice Ball (Kanji/English)(Hiragana)(Sample audio) 2. Umbrella Jizo (Kanji/English)(Hiragana)(Sample audio) 3. Happiness (Kanji/English)(Hiragana)(Sample audio) |
| B (Intermediate) |
2½ - 3 min | Free Speech Based on personal experience and feelings: 1. The irresistible charm of my favorite Japanese anime 2. My hometown 3. My favorite Japanese words or expressions |
| C (Advanced-Int.) |
4 - 5 min | Free Speech + Q&A (in Japanese) 1. Differences in "school life" between my country and Japan 2. Traditions I want to preserve 3. My Ikigai: What makes my life meaningful 4. Where I see myself in 10 years |
• Participation category may be changed or declined based on the Embassy’s interview assessment.
• Category A: Screening may be conducted if applicant numbers exceed the limit.
• Slides or other visual tools are not allowed for any category.
Registration & Submission
Registration Deadline: Sunday, March 29, 2026
| Category | Required Submission | Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| A | Recording of a story for selection (MPEG-4) | April 5, Sunday |
| B, C | A copy of the Japanese speech script & English Summary (Max. 200 words) | April 12, Sunday |
Judging CRITERIA
- Category A: Pronunciation, intonation, expressiveness, etc.
- Category B: Pronounciation, fluency, posture, content, structure, etc.
- Category C: All of Category B plus scoring for the Q&A session.
- Penalties: Reading from a script (B&C) and overtime will be penalized.