On March 7, 2024, the 38th Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at the Japan Information and Culture Center, co-organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi and the Pakistan Japanese Cultural Association (PJCA), Sindh. Seven Pakistani students from different levels of Japanese language courses participated in the speech contest.
PJCA Vice-President Mr. Azmat Ataka addressed the contestants in his speech, saying how he admired their drive in learning a new language, and that he hopes more youth in Karachi may learn more languages to bridge the gaps between different cultures.
In his speech, Mr. HATTORI Masaru, Consul-General of Japan in Karachi expressed his awe at the resolve of Pakistani youth in learning and acquiring the Japanese language. He also stressed the importance of learning a foreign language, claiming that the best way to absorb and learn other cultures is undoubtedly through language. He invited the contestants to apply for the scholarship opportunities the Consulate offers – to experience the Japanese society and culture firsthand.
The contestants impressed the audience with their challenging topics and eloquent Japanese language skills, cultivated through six months of hard study. The judges were generous with their praise of the contestants’ hard work and dedication. Certificates and prizes were awarded to the speech contest participants and Japanese language learners.
