On March 21, 2023, the 37th Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at the Japan Information
and Culture Center, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi and the Pakistan
Japanese Cultural Association Sindh (PJCA).
Seven Pakistani students from different levels of Japanese language courses participated in the
speech contest.
PJCA President Madam Sadia Rashid said that learning a foreign language is not an easy task, but
she hopes that young people will learn to appreciate a country’s culture and way of thinking through
language study, and gain a broader perspective and experience for their own personal growth.
Mr. Toshio Odagiri, Consul General of Japan in Karachi, addressed the participants, expressing his
great expectations and interest in the competition and his surprise that the speech topics chosen by
the contestants were all very challenging and interesting. The Consul General said that some of the
contestants may go on to study at Japanese universities or work for Japanese companies in the
future, but whatever path they take, he hopes that they will play an active role in helping the country
and its people, and that they will serve as a bridge between Pakistan and Japan.
All of the contestants demonstrated their excellent Japanese language skills, which they have
cultivated over the past six months of study, and captivated the audience. All the judges were
overwhelmed by the high level of speeches of the Karachi contestants and praised them.
Certificates
and prizes were awarded to the speech contest participants and Japanese language learners.
