Kyoto University of Foreign Studies to Host the 30th National High School Student Chinese Speech Contest on December 12th!

Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City; President: Juro Kita) will host the "30th National High School Student Chinese Speech Contest" on Saturday, December 12, 2026. This contest has a long history as a venue for high school students nationwide to showcase the results of their daily Chinese language studies, and this year marks its commemorative 30th anniversary. Applications will be accepted from Sunday, November 1, 2026, to Tuesday, November 10, 2026, via a dedicated online form.

Click here for entry details.

Background and Objectives of the Event

In a global society, connections with Asia, and particularly the Chinese-speaking world, continue to grow in importance. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies has continuously held this contest with the aim of deepening high school students, who will lead the next generation, to deepen their interest in Chinese and enhance their motivation to study. This event is supported and sponsored by organizations such as the Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka and the High School Chinese Language Education Research Association, serving as a solid step for high school students learning Chinese nationwide to demonstrate the results of their daily efforts.

Contest Overview and Features

The contest will be divided into two categories: "Beginner Division" and "Intermediate Division," based on the participants' Chinese study hours and credits earned. This creates a fair environment where students, from those who have just started learning to those aiming for more advanced expressive skills, can compete and learn from each other.

Scenes from the previous contest

(Beginner Division) Participants will compete in "reading aloud" a set text, focusing on pronunciation accuracy and expressiveness.

(Note: This division is for students who have earned 2 or fewer credits in Chinese at their high school.)

(Intermediate Division) Participants will "recite from memory" a set text, competing for higher levels of expressiveness and communication skills.

Each division has a time limit of 3 minutes. Under strict judging by three judges (planned), prestigious awards, including the "Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Chairman's Award," will be presented by the sponsoring and supporting organizations.

Eligibility and Capacity

(Eligibility) Students currently enrolled in a Japanese high school who have taken or are currently taking Chinese as a class. Furthermore, they must not have lived in a country or region where Chinese is an official language for more than 9 months and must not be in an environment where they regularly use Chinese.

(Capacity) Approximately 30 students in total for both divisions (up to 2 students per school can enter). If the number of applicants significantly exceeds the capacity, a preliminary selection will be conducted.

(Other) The organizer will partially subsidize the transportation costs for participants.

Application Guidelines

(Application Period) Sunday, November 1, 2026 - Tuesday, November 10, 2026

(Application Method) Please have your high school Chinese teacher enter the required information on the dedicated application form on our university's website to apply. Applications from individual students or via email will not be accepted.

(Notification of Results) Notification of acceptance or rejection will be sent to the principals of each high school around mid-November.

Event Details

Date and Time: Saturday, December 12, 2026, from 12:30 PM (scheduled)

Venue: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies (6 Saiin Kasame-cho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City)

Organizer: Kyoto University of Foreign Studies

Sponsors: Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka, High School Chinese Language Education Research Association, Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Supporter: Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade, Kyoto Office

Awards: 1. Kyoto University of Foreign Studies Chairman's Award

2. Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Osaka Award

3. Kyoto Chamber of Commerce and Industry President's Award

4. Japan Association for the Promotion of International Trade, Kyoto Office Award

5. High School Chinese Language Education Research Association Award

6. Judges' Encouragement Award