Since 1999, the Japan-America Society of Central Ohio (JASCO) has been hosting the annual Ohio Japanese Speech Contest to promote Japanese language learning in the state of Ohio. The Contest showcases achievement in Japanese language learning and presents ideas and experiences that promote JASCO’s mission, that is to enrich lives by bringing Ohio’s Japanese and American communities together.

The 2026 Ohio Japanese Speech Contest will have a single open category. Two top speeches will be recognized with the competition awards. In addition, special awards may also be given in such categories as College, High School, and Best Pronunciation. Participants of the finals will perform from memory an original speech of their own creation in front of a panel of judges and audience. Following the speech, the panel of judges will ask questions related to the speech. The Q&A portion is conducted in Japanese as well.

Participants of the finals will perform from memory an original speech of their own creation in front of a panel of judges and audience. Following the speech, the panel of judges will ask questions related to the speech. The Q&A portion is conducted in Japanese as well.

Contest Details

To participate:

• Consulate the Ohio Japanese Speech Contest 2026 Handbook for details and eligibility.
• Submit your online application (including short synopsis or original Japanese speech) by February 20, 2026.
• Finalists will perform their speeches online on (Sunday) March 21, 2026.

To apply, please submit items listed in the Ohio Japanese Speech Contest 2026 Handbook by Feb. 20, 2026. Questions? Contact JASCO at info@jascentralohio.org:

2026 Japanese Language Speech Contest is organized by JASCO and made possible through support from Consulate General of Japan in Detroit, Japan Foundation, Ohio Association of Teachers of Japanese (OATJ), Japanese Student Organization at Ohio State, and the Central Ohio Japanese Association of Commerce (COJAC).