(Kyoto University of Foreign Studies) Embody the Culture of Passion. Kyoto Gaidai to Host the 1st National High School Spanish-Speaking Cultural Performance Competition!

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (President: Hisao Kita, Location: Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City) will host the 1st National High School Spanish-Speaking Cultural Performance Competition for high school students across Japan.

Recently, the "taco boom" and increasing attention to Latin American music and art have been rapidly growing in popularity in Japan. This competition is a new and unprecedented format that allows high school students to embody their talents (such as singing, dancing, art, traditional crafts, cooking recipes) in Spanish, showcasing their skills and creativity, all centered around the rich and diverse cultures of the increasingly familiar "Spanish-speaking world."

Background of the Event

Currently, there are over 20 countries worldwide where Spanish is an official or semi-official language, and their cultures are full of diversity. From food culture like "tacos" to Latin music trending on social media, and unique artistic expressions, these regions are filled with "admiration" and "excitement" for young people. This competition is not merely a contest of language proficiency; it aims to foster the ability to express oneself authentically by combining "cultural understanding" with "individual strengths."

Features of the Competition and Performance Examples

The biggest feature of this competition is the freedom of expression. If the performance can be done individually, applications are possible for the following categories:

- <Music/Rhythm> Showcase individuality and expressive power through dancing, singing, or playing musical instruments to music and rhythm. - <Spanish Expression> Express stories, poetry readings, solo plays, skits, impersonations, magic shows, etc., in Spanish. - <Demonstration/Presentation> Explain and demonstrate self-produced works (illustrations, manga, etc.) or specialties (origami, crafts, sports techniques, cooking recipes like tacos, etc.) in Spanish. - <Video Production> Create and edit videos introducing Japanese World Heritage sites or local tourist attractions that participants want to share with the world.

Event Outline

- Competition Name: The 1st National High School Spanish-Speaking Cultural Performance Competition - Eligibility: Individuals enrolled in the 1st to 3rd year of high school (including technical colleges) as of May 1, 2026, who have obtained permission to participate from their school. - Application Deadline: Saturday, June 20, 2026, 5:00 PM (JST) [Must arrive by] (Performance video submission) - *Selection results will be notified by Saturday, July 6, 2026, 5:00 PM (JST). - Final Round (In-person): Saturday, July 25, 2026, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (JST) - Venue: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (6 Kasamemachi, Saiin, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto City) - Judging Criteria: Presentation skills/composition, communication skills in Spanish, creativity/originality, cultural understanding. - Awards: Prizes and certificates of commendation for top winners, prizes and participation certificates for all participants. - Other: The organizer will partially subsidize transportation costs for participants (details will be notified to those who pass the selection). After the final round, a social gathering with university faculty and students is planned (free of charge/optional participation).

Application Guidelines Application Form

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- Organizer: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies - Co-sponsor: EXTENSION, Japan-Spain Cultural and Economic Exchange Center - Sponsors: Instituto Cervantes Tokyo, Spanish Government Department of Education in China, Korea, and Japan, Embassy of Spain in Japan, Embassy of Mexico in Japan, Embassy of Colombia in Japan, Honorary Consulate of Guatemala in Kyoto - Cooperation: Embassy of Chile in Japan

Contact Information for this matter

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, Faculty of Foreign Studies, Department of Spanish Studies Email: spanish_contest(at)kufs.ac.jp - *Please replace (at) with @.

About Kyoto University of Foreign Studies

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary in May 2027, upholds the founding spirit of "PAX MUNDI PER LINGUAS – World Peace Through Languages." Through multilingual education and intercultural understanding, it fosters individuals who can thrive in the international community.