Consulate General of Japan in Detroit

Contact:
Glenn Oswald                                                                 Consulate General of Japan
Lana Mini                                                                      Public Relations
Marx Layne & Company                                                    (313) 567-0120 ext. 226
(248) 855-6777

CONSULATE GENERAL OF JAPAN IN DETROIT TO HOST 22nd ANNUAL SPEECH CONTEST
Michigan Area High School and University Students to Compete on March 25

WHAT: The annual Michigan Japanese Language Speech Contest, sponsored by the Consulate General of Japan in Detroit along with the Japan Business Society of Detroit, the Japanese Teachers Association of Michigan, and the Japan America Society of Michigan and Southwestern Ontario, will take place on Saturday, March 25. The competition, now in its 22nd consecutive year, was established to encourage students to examine the proficiency of Japanese language communication, increase the desire for Japanese language students to improve their skills and understanding, and strengthen the bond of friendship between the United States and Japan. This annual speech contest is open to the public.

This year a total of 16 students are scheduled to participate, in the high school and university categories, and they will be presenting their speeches in Japanese. Prizes for the event are sponsored by Delta Air Lines, Inc. and the Japan Foundation along with the event co-sponsors.

Currently, there are nearly 5,000 high school and university students in Michigan enrolled in Japanese language courses.

Japan’s economic investment in Michigan is 502 facilities creating more than 40,000 jobs.

WHEN: Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 1:00 p.m.

WHERE: Wayne State University Oakland Center 3737 Twelve Mile Rd. Farmington Hills, MI 48331

“The Michigan students have worked very hard to have this chance to exhibit their Japanese skills,” said Mitsuhiro Wada, Consul General of Japan in Detroit. “It is wonderful to see how they have developed such a deep-rooted interest in the Japanese language. Our world is now embracing a global economy which makes it ever more important to be bilingual in order to be successful in both business and cultural relationships.”

About the Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit
The Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit was established in 1993 by the Government of Japan to serve in the states of Michigan and Ohio. The Detroit office is one of 14 Japanese Consulates General in the United States. The Consulate strives to promote better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture through educational and cultural programs. The office protects the interests of Japanese citizens and strengthens the Japan-U.S. alliance through furthering relations with local governments, companies, educational institutions, cultural organizations and the general public. For more information, visit http://www.detroit.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html or call (313) 567-0120. 

 

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