On February７, 2026, Hiroshima University held the "2nd Hiroshima University Japanese Essay Contest in Indonesia" award ceremony at the Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, – Jakarta (Co-host: Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, Darma Persada University).

This contest has been implemented in Indonesia and Vietnam since FY2024 as a new initiative to promote and expand Japanese language education overseas. For this second edition, a total of 268 entries were submitted from 24 universities across Indonesia, representing a significant increase from the 96 entries received in the first contest. Following a rigorous review process, seven outstanding award recipients and their supervising instructors were invited to attend the award ceremony.

The award ceremony was once again held in a grand manner with the attendance of Mr. Faisol Riza, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Industry of the Republic of Indonesia, and approximately 100 guests. Representing Hiroshima University, Prof. Shinji Kaneko, Executive Vice President for Global Initiatives, and Prof. Kumiko Sakoda, Deputy Executive Director for Japanese-Language Education, were in attendance. Distinguished guests also included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Mohammad Danil Arifin, S.T., Vice-Rector of Darma Persada University, Mr. Daisuke Hoshino, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia, Mr. Hiroyuki Tsuneishi, President and CEO of Sprix Inc., Mr. Minoru Amano, President of PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales and Mr. Andreas Thanos, Founder and CEO of NIHON Talent Solutions, along with many representatives from the contest’s sponsoring companies.

In his opening remarks, EVP Kaneko highlighted Hiroshima University actively welcomes international students from Indonesia and that the contest was launched with the aim of contributing to the development of Japanese language education in Indonesia by leveraging the university’s expertise in this field, which is highly regarded in Japan. He expressed his aspiration that "this contest will become a goal for those engaged in Japanese language education in Indonesia and, ultimately, contribute to the development of Japan-Indonesia relations."
Vice Minister Riza stated in his remarks that “Japan is one of the key countries supporting Indonesia’s industrialization through investment in the manufacturing sector. This competition is expected not only to contribute to the deepening of social and cultural values, but also to have a sustained positive impact on the future industrial development of both countries.”

Ms. Michelle Anastasia Budiman of Universitas Gadjah Mada, recipient of the Grand Prize (Ambassador of Japan Award), received a certificate and a supplementary prize (MacBook Air) from Mr. Daisuke Hoshino, Minister-Counselor of the Embassy of Japan in Indonesia.　Certificates and supplementary prizes (iPads) were also presented to the recipient of the Excellence Award (Hiroshima University President’s Award) and six First Prize winners, while certificates and commemorative plaques were awarded to the seven supervising instructors under the Outstanding Teachers Award. In addition, the Grand Prize and Excellence Award recipients were granted participation in the “Japanese Language and Culture Special Program” at Hiroshima University and round-trip airfare to Japan.

After the award ceremonies, the recipients gave commemorative speeches, introducing their works that focused on the common features of Japanese calligraphy and Indonesian batik. A supervising faculty member also remarked that although they had faced many unsuccessful attempts in similar competitions as a student, they were pleased that their student had received such a prestigious award and expressed their intention to continue providing dedicated guidance.

Furthermore, the contest received generous support from 14 corporate sponsors, to whom we extend our sincere appreciation.

(List of Sponsors)

Platinum Sponsors:

• SPRIX Inc.
• PT Suzuki Indomobil Sales
• NIHON Talent Solutions

Silver Sponsors:

• ANDERSEN GROUP
• Nishikido, Co., Ltd.
• HIROSHIMA GAS CO., LTD.
• Toridoll Holdings Corporation
• Mikawaya Coffee
• Wayo Japanese Language School, Inc.
• TSUNEISHI SHIPBUILDING Co., Ltd.
• SHIN KURUSHIMA DOCKYARD CO.,LTD.
• Inc.nishikikonekuto
• Gakken Holdings Co.,Ltd.
• Chateraise Co.,Ltd.

In addition, a collection of award-winning works from the 1st Hiroshima University Japanese Essay Contest in Indonesia, held last year, was published and distributed to attendees together with the Indonesian-language edition of the Hiroshima University comic book, “Taking a Tour with Hiroko-san through Hiroshima University”. Students who received the book commented that having their work preserved in published form serves as a strong motivation to continue studying Japanese.

A networking reception held after the award ceremony provided an opportunity for the award recipients, sponsor companies, and members of the Hiroshima University Alumni Association Indonesia Chapter (HUAA-Indonesia) to interact in a friendly atmosphere. Participants actively exchanged views and deepened mutual ties throughout the event.
 

 Hiroshima University will continue to engage proactively in the further promotion of Japanese language and Japanese culture education at its overseas bases.

For detailed information on the 2nd Hiroshima University Japanese Essay Contest in Indonesia and the Hiroshima University Japanese Essay Contest, please visit the following websites.