2nd Annual Japanese Speech Contest at Sonoma State University

On Tuesday, October 29, Sonoma State University in partnership with the Komaru-Koutsu Foundation hosted their second annual Japanese Language Speech Contest at Sonoma State University (SSU). As the Guest of Honor, Deputy Consul General Hajime Kishimori gave remarks and served as one of the judges for the event.

Each participant wrote their own essay in Japanese on the topic of “Koutsu Anzen,” or “Traffic Safety.” They presented in front of the 4 judges, which included 2 professors from Sonoma State University, a Fukuyama City official, and Deputy Consul General Kishimori, who is also a Fukuyama City native.
We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to the participants of the second Japanese Language Speech Contest at Sonoma State University. Also, we would like to appreciate President Shigehiro Komaru of the Komaru-Koutsu Foundation and Sonoma State University for organizing such a wonderful opportunity for students in Northern California to showcase the results of their Japanese language studies.

The Komaru-Koutsu Foundation has organized Japanese Speech Contests across the world, from China to Lithuania and in various countries in Southeast Asia, to promote cultural exchange and motivate students who study Japanese. Thanks to the support of the Komaru-Koutsu Foundation, 24 students from SSU will be visiting Fukuyama City (located in Hiroshima Prefecture) in January 2025.

For more information on the Komaru-Koutsu Foundation, please check out their website: http://www.komaru-koutsu.or.jp/english/act/kaigai.html