Contestants Confirmed! | International Speech Contest in Japanese

1 Ngo Thi Minh Thom

Vietnam

Self-introduction and aspirations
My current place of residence is Ibara City, where I have resided since July 2026. Currently engaging in a a food manufacturing company as a Specified Skilled Worker (i), whilst concurrently undertaking a course of Japanese language lesson hosted by the Ibara International Association Office.

My specialty is karate since childhood, achieving the rank of black belt 3rd degree. Furthermore, I have an interest in the music including Japanese songs, such as "Mirai-he".

I am delighted to have been selected to participate in the speech contest, for which I am extremely grateful. Simultaneously, I am experiencing nervousness, yet I am committed to exerting my utmost efforts. I would be grateful for your assistance and encouragement.

2 Zhang Xiang Hong

China

Self-introduction and aspirations
27 years ago, I had the opportunity to come to Japan for study. Before I knew it, I’d spent exactly half my time in China and half in Japan. In hindsight, I recognise the value of the many encounters I had with new people, and the support I received from them.

I recently had the opportunity to review some photographs and documents of a Japanese speech contest that I participated in immediately after arriving in Japan. This provided me with an opportunity to reflect on my journey. I would like to take this speech contest to express my gratitude for the opportunity to speak.

I find badminton a particular pleasure, and I have been enjoying golf for a relatively short time, having taken up the sport two years ago.
From this point onwards, I would like to take the initiative and embrace a new challenge that will satisfy my curiosity.

3 Hein Tay Za

Myanmar

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am from Myanmar and am currently enrolled in a Japanese language course at a school in Tokyo. I priorities the establishment of new people and the have communication. Through those experience, I feel my outlook broadens when I encounter different cultures and ways pf thinking.

I am passionate about singing and songwriting, which provide me with an outlet to express my feeling in a way that differs from verbal communication. I also consider a significance of my daily experiences, as working as a newspaper delivery person.

I would like to express that the words will remain in the hearts of as many people as possible.

4 Hoang Phat

Vietnam

Self-introduction and aspirations
Hello. This is Phat. I am from Vietnam and relocated Japan around 4 years ago. after that, having doing parttime job as newspaper delivery, I am now　Collection of payments and alternative delivery, which means I am Master of the news paper deliver!

I am currently enrolled at Tokyo Keizai University, having previously spending two years for Japanese language school. I am a member of a international exchange student society at the University.

I am an extroverted person who enjoys talking to people and hearing about their lives. Presently, I am undertaking the challenge of memorizing complex Kanji characters. My object is to develop a understanding of Kanji, surpassing the level of knowledge typically associated with Japanese speakers.

5 Brando Kautsar Pranata

Indonesia

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from Indonesia and have resided in Japan for approximately seven years in Okayama. During this time, I have been a student of the Japanese language, as well as attending a university and currently working in the same city.

Depending on the time of day, I engage in physical exercise, language learning and coffee brewing.
Due to my experience of working part-time in a café, I am confident in my ability to produce a satisfactory café latte.

I also enjoy communicating with people. On occasion, I have been told that they think they have known me for some time, although we have never met.

Whilst I am always delighted to embrace new opportunities, I am particularly excited to participate in this speech contest.

I am eager to share my experience and insights.

6 Bogati Ganga

Nepal

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from Nepal, where Buddha was born, and I have a balanced outlook on life.

I am pleased to observe and experience a variety of weather conditions, including both sunny and rainy days, cloudy skies, starry nights, moonlight, dusk and dawn.
As a viewer, I find it very satisfying to see the changing scenes in nature, season after season.

Since my arrival in Japan, I have come to appreciate the beauty of the day-to-day and the significance of every moment.
I am able to find humour in even the most minor of things, which is something that brings me joy.

7 Nepali Bimal

Nepal

Self-introduction and aspirations
I was born in a location 200 km away from the Evelest avalanche. In 2013, I arrived in Japan with great motivation and a certain nervousness.

Throughout the period of life, there were innumerable failures. Conversely, these experiences must contribute to my success.
From this point onwards, I will endeavour to be someone whom those who Nepali will come to japan can look up to.

8 Jack Andrew

Canada

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from Nova Scotia, Canada, the same province as Anne of Green Gables. I have a twin-younger-brother studying Japanese toghether, who won the Atlantic Canada Japanese Language Speech Contest. My younger sister, Maggy Andrew, is also a professional singer. Both have inspired me and have led me the stage.

I picked up the topic of this speech because I believe that ‘community’ is so important to people.
I will do my best without nervousness.

9 Jobaida Hossan Payel

Bangladesh

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from Bangladesh and I am currently studying at the Kobe Institute of Computing-College of Computing, Department of International Communication.
In my department, I am required to present on a weekly basis, which has been instrumental in overcoming my trepidation regarding public speaking. Engaging with course participants from diverse international backgrounds has been a valuable learning experience, fostering an appreciation for different cultures.

The theme of my speech is what I learnt from the communication between people in the school and Japanese people. It appears that Japanese individuals may experience some challenges when it comes to effective communication with internationals. Nevertheless, I am of the opinion that those will get over due to one small element. I will express with this matter.

10 David Anderson

The United State of America

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from US, and specialized on International politics and East Asian studies. I am currently researching Japan-America relationship. From the high school, I have learnt Japanese, after the study abroad in Okayama, still I have an relationship between Japan.

I am partial to the culinary delights of olive beef, and my canine companion is named Musashi.

I will deliver my speech what only I can do, which is deeply rooted in this city in Okayama, which is my second hometown.
I will adopt a restrained approach, which leads to eliminate a speaker. I would be honored if you enjoyed the six-minute speech itself.

11 Munkhbayar Maralgoo

Mongolia

Self-introduction and aspirations
Since I was little, I’ve loved asking ‘why’ and ‘how’. Whether it’s why it rains, the colour of the sky, or people’s habits, once something piques my curiosity, I simply cannot resist finding out more.
Now, driven by that same curiosity, I spend my days in a molecular biology laboratory at a College, constantly seeking to understand ‘why things are the way they are’.

It is this very nature of mine—to get to the bottom of such ‘whys’—that has given rise to this speech, ‘Beyond the Ordinary’.
I believe that each of us wears our own unique pair of ‘ordinary’ spectacles, shaped by the environment in which we were raised, and that we view the world through them.
I hope to convey my message to you all clearly.

12 Abdujabborov Ibrokhimjon

Uzbekistan

Self-introduction and aspirations
I am originally from Uzbekistan and currently live in Tokyo. Alongside my research, I run a Japanese language school called ‘JLPT Master’ in Tashkent, the capital of my home country. Over the past two years, approximately 1,000 people have studied there, and more than two hundred have passed the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. This year, with some colleagues, I also launched a learning app that enables people to learn Japanese in Uzbek.
I wanted to provide learning opportunities to young people in rural areas who are unable to attend classes in person.

My hobby is cooking, and my greatest pleasure is treating my Japanese friends to plov from my homeland. Creating spaces that bring people together is my life’s work.