The Gifu Regional Council for the Promotion of International Exchange (Gifu University handles the administrative work for the council) hosted the “21st Japanese Speech Competition by International Students Residing in Gifu Prefecture” at Kitagata Campus, Gifu Kyoritsu University (Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture) on Saturday, November 26, 2022 (The 21st competition was organized by Gifu Kyoritsu University in 2022).
Since the start in 2001, the competition aims to raise international students' interest in Japanese and enhance their Japanese skills. After opening speeches by President TAKEUCHI Haruo of Gifu Kyoritsu University (Chairperson of Working Committee) and President YOSHIDA Kazuhiro of Gifu University (Council President), nine students from six countries who are studying at six universities (Gifu Kyoritsu University, Asahi University, Nakanihon Automotive College, International Takumi Academy, Chubu Gakuin University, and Gifu University) gave a seven-minute speech in Japanese. All of their speeches demonstrated the students' sincere efforts of studying Japanese. After every speech, many questions were raised from judges, and active back and forth exchanges between the judges and speakers continued for a while.
From Gifu University, Ms. Liu Siran, an exchange student, gave a speech titled "Organize Your Life through Decluttering." Demonstrated fully and talked about the usefulness of decluttering.
Prize Winners of the 21st Japanese Speech Competition by International Students Residing in Gifu Prefecture:
Highest Award:
- Ms. Dini Endah Dwi Utami from Chubu Gakuin University
Speech title: "What I Gained Out of My Comfort Zone"
Award for Excellence:
- Ms. Kraemer Diane from Asahi University
Speech title: "About Plastic Shopping Bags"
- Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Tan from Nakanihon Automotive College
Speech title: "Modern People who Rely Too Much on Their Smartphones"
- Ms. Athukoralalage Nipuni Madhushika Athukorala from International Takumi Academy
Speech title: "Angel in My Little World"