Ohio Japanese SPEECH CONTEST

Since 1999, JASCO has been hosting the annual Ohio Japanese Speech Contest, offering an opportunity for Japanese-language learners to showcase their achievements. The objective of this event is to foster Japanese language education throughout the state of Ohio by supporting the continued effort of local public schools and colleges to improve the quality of the Japanese-language learning environment. The winners of the contest will receive prizes that will encourage them to continue studying Japanese language. This competition not only provides highly motivated students across the state with the chance to improve their Japanese language skills, but also inspires and encourages others to broaden their understanding of Japan, its culture, and the strong ties between Japan and United States. 

2021 Ohio Japanese Speech Contest

The 2021 Ohio Japanese Speech Contest was held online on Saturday, March 13, 2021. We were treated to some amazing speeches from 17 students - 5 high school, 9 college, and 3 advanced. 

The results of the 2021 Ohio Japanese Speech Contest are as follows:

High School Category

1st Place - Keegan Mulligan (Marysville High School)

2nd Place - Grace Hackett (Marysville Early College High School)

3rd Place - Meadow Callicoat (Marysville High School)

College Category

1st Place - Yawei Li (The Ohio State University)

2nd Place - Garrett Brown (University of Findlay)

3rd Place (tie) - Thea Knapp (University of Findlay)

3rd Place (tie) - Fred Shippy (University of Toledo)

Advanced Category

1st Place - Branden Labarowski (University of Cincinnati)

2nd Place - Nahal Pahlevani (University of Cincinnati)

3rd Place - Karen Xiao (University of Cincinnati)

​

Congratulations to all of the participants in this year's speech contest. Everyone gave amazing and insightful speeches, and it was inspiring to watch everyone perform in the midst of the ongoing complicated school year. 

Congratulations to all of the participants in this year's speech contest. Everyone gave amazing and insightful speeches, and it was inspiring to watch everyone perform in the midst of the ongoing complicated school year. And thank you to everyone who tuned in to the livestream!

A special thank you to the sponsors of this year's Ohio Japanese Speech Contest, without whom the event would not be possible:

• Central Ohio Japanese Association of Commerce

• Consulate General of Japan in Detroit

• Hidaka USA

• Japan Foundation Los Angeles

• Nihongo-de-Columbus

• The Ohio State University Institute for Japanese Studies

• Shoko Yoshitake

• Union County/Marysville Economic Development

• Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Peace LLP