Posted on June 11, 2026
The Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation (DBA: Aurora Foundation) hosted the 21st All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest on May 24, 2026, at the Miyako Hotel Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California.
Ten high school students who had distinguished themselves in regional Japanese speech contests across the United States gathered to present speeches in Japanese and demonstrate the results of their language studies.
Following careful deliberation by a panel of five judges led by Dr. Nana Suzumura-Smith, Assistant Professor at California State University, Long Beach, winner was awarded to Amelie Jane Rennie, an 11th-grade student from Deer-Creek Mackinaw High School in Illinois. Runner-up was awarded to Minjun Kim, a 12th-grade student from Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music and Art and Performing Arts in New York.
■ Students from Across the Nation Share Their Achievements
The ten finalists qualified through regional Japanese speech contests held throughout the United States, including New York, Texas, Illinois, and other states.
Drawing on personal experiences, encounters with Japanese culture, and reflections on contemporary social issues, the contestants delivered speeches entirely in Japanese, demonstrating both linguistic proficiency and cultural understanding.
■ 1st Place Winner Explores the Meaning of “Ganbaru” Winner Amelie Jane Rennie, who taught herself Japanese independently, delivered a speech titled “The Meaning of “Ganbaru””
Her speech explored the meaning and cultural significance of the Japanese word “ganbaru” (“to persevere” or “do one’s best”). Beginning with the slogan “Ganbarō Kobe,” which became a symbol of recovery following the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, she examined both the positive and negative aspects of perseverance in Japanese society, including the issue of overwork and karōshi (death from overwork). Through personal reflections, she conveyed the importance of balancing determination with self-care, earning high praise from the judges.
Rennie also shared her aspiration to study at a university in Japan in the future.
■1st Place Winner Comment: Amelie Jane Rennie
“I participated in this contest not only to practice my Japanese, but also to meet fellow students from across the country who share an interest in Japan and the Japanese language.
Because few people around me share the same level of interest in Japan, it was incredibly meaningful to connect with others who do. Listening to the speeches of contestants from different backgrounds gave me new perspectives and helped me grow personally.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to share my own experiences and feelings about Japan with others through the Japanese language.”
■ Runner-up Highlights the Appeal of Japanese Music and Language
Runner-up Minjun Kim, who comes from a Korean heritage background, began studying Japanese through his interest in Japanese music and popular culture.
In his speech titled “What J-Pop Taught Me About Japanese Language and Culture” Kim discussed the beauty and depth of Japanese song lyrics and described how learning Japanese has broadened his perspective and enriched his understanding of culture and language. His engaging responses during the question-and-answer session were warmly received by the audience.
■Runner-up Comment: Minjun Kim “I entered the contest because I wanted to challenge myself and improve my Japanese speaking skills. I also wanted to share my own story with a wider audience.
Being able to challenge myself and achieve a positive result made all the hard work and preparation worthwhile.
I still have many stories about Japanese language and culture that I would like to share, and I would love to participate again if given the opportunity.”
■ The Dedication of Teachers and Communities Supporting Japanese Language Education
The event was attended by representatives of the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles, members of the Japanese Prefectural Association of Southern California, educators, family members of contestants, and many supporters of Japanese language education.
Audience members praised the contestants’ impressive language abilities and the diversity and thoughtfulness of their speech topics.
Japanese language education in American high schools is supported largely through the dedication and passion of teachers. Beyond classroom instruction, many educators devote countless hours to coaching speech contestants, organizing travel, communicating with families, and securing financial support, while continuing to inspire students with a love of the Japanese language and culture.
The All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest is made possible through the support and cooperation of sponsoring organizations, grant providers, judges, regional contest organizers, committee members, volunteers, and numerous individual supporters.
■ Organizer’s Comment
This contest serves not only as a venue for students to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency, but also as a meaningful opportunity for cultural exchange between Japan and the United States.
The event is sustained by the passion and dedication of students, teachers, families, volunteers, and supporters who share a commitment to Japanese language education.
We hope that these students will one day serve as bridges between Japan and the United States and that this contest will continue to inspire future generations of Japanese language learners.
The Aurora Foundation remains committed to promoting Japanese language education and strengthening cultural ties between Japan and the United States.
【Event Information】
- The 21st All-USA High School Japanese Speech Contest
- Organizer: Japanese Language Scholarship Foundation
- Date: May 24, 2026
- Venue: Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- Number of Contestants: 10