Hiroshima University Beijing Research Center has held the 11th Japanese Essay Speech Contest on November 12th at Capital Normal University in Beijing, where the research center is located. Starting this year, we have gotten special support from China Radio International (CRI) Northeast Asia and Central Asia Regional Broadcast Center.

This contest held by the Beijing Research Center was the 11th so far. This year’s theme was “Rice”. After recruiting essays throughout universities all around China, there were applications from 700 students from 34 schools. Universities recommended over 120 essays out of those applications.

From these applicants, 11 students who passed the first round went on to the second round to have oral selections. 6 students were selected after internet voting selection, and they performed their speech at the Capital Normal University’s lecture hall. At the venue, there were about 150 people in the audience including students learning Japanese and Japanese teachers.

Mr. Masao Yokoi, Councilor of the Embassy of Japan in China, gave a welcome speech before the contest, “This is an event that enables China and Japan’s friendship to develop, and nurture individuals who would become a bridge between both countries”. Additionally, we had greetings from President and Representative Director Shigehiro Komaru of Fukuyama Transporting Co.; the special sponsor, and Ms. Mari Hashimoto of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Beijing Representative Office.

Ms. Keiko Takahashi of the China Radio International gave a memorial lecture titled, “Japanese Pronunciation Conquest: Making your weakness into strong parts.” Then the 6 students that won awards gave their fluent Japanese speech. Finally, after severe reviewing, Ms. Dong Bowen from Dalian University of Foreign Languages was chosen as first place. Also, Ms. Tang Wange from Beijing International Studies University and Ms. Shen Xiaomeng from Capital National University won an internship at the CRI as the “CRI Special Prize.” Furthermore, we had two special awards this year; "Shibuya Scholarship Foundation　Executive Director’s Special Award" and "Komaru Transporting Foundation Executive Director’s Special Award." Ms. Dong Bowen from Dalian University of Foreign Languages received the former award, and Ms. Xu Xuezhen from Xiamen University won the latter one.

At the end of the contest, Professor Li Junyang, Vice Director of the Hiroshima University Beijing Research Center gave a closing speech. The audience intently listened until the very end.

Mr. Masao Yokoi, Councilor of the Embassy of Japan in China, giving an opening speech	Ms. Keiko Takahashi of the China Radio International delivering her memorial lecture
First Prize Winner Ms. Dong Bowen from Dalian Foreign Language University giving her speech	A group photograph with the prize winners

Inquiries:
International Exchange Group, International Office, Hiroshima University
TEL: 082-424-6045
E-mail: kokusai-group*office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp (Please change * into @)