Young Saudis win Japanese speech contest

The Japanese Embassy held the Sixth Language Speech Contest at the King Fahd Cultural Center in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and Information.
“Fourteen male and female participants from all over the Kingdom conducted their speeches in Japanese and it’s interesting to note that many young people in the Kingdom are interested in our language,” Japanese Ambassador Jiro Kodera said.
The theme of the speech was chosen by each participant, who had a choice between the titles “Me and Japanese language” and “Me and my friends.”
The Japanese envoy said that the audience were fascinated by the fluent Japanese speech on the participants’ unique stories and dramatic facial and hand expressions.
The contest consisted of a standard and advanced level, depending on the total length of stay in Japan. The first-prize winner at the standard level was Noura Ali Aljarbou, while the second-prize winner was Ahmad Alattas.
The first-prize winner at the advanced level was Noor Aljijakli, while the second-prize winner was Fahd Hamad Alhamdi.
There are 500 young Saudis studying at various universities in Japan at present, while former Saudi students in Japan are now working in various fields in the Kingdom.
“I hope that there will be more people who find Japan interesting, familiarize themselves with the Japanese culture and language and become a bridge between the two countries,” the Japanese ambassador said.