Broadening your possibilities in a new era 10th anniversary of the Japanese Speech Contest Featured
Winners and contestants of the Japanese Speech Contest 2019
11 May, 2019. Outstanding students of the 2019 Japanese Speech Contest were awarded prizes by His Excellency Mr. Tetsuya Ishii, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Tonga on Wednesday 8 May 2019, at the St. Andrew’s High School Hall.
Hon. Semisi Sika, Acting Prime Minister of Tonga attended the contest as a guest of honour.
Present also were Hon. Tevita Tu’i Uata, Acting Minister for Education and Training and Minister for Trade and Economic Development, Principals, Japanese language teachers, JICA volunteers, Parents and Japanese language students in Nuku‘alofa.
This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Japanese Speech Contest held for Japanese language students in Tonga.
His Excellency, Mr. Tetsuya Ishii congratulated the 10th Anniversary of the Contest and the coordinated efforts to strengthen Tonga and Japan’s cordial friendship through educational events.
He encouraged students to challenge themselves and broaden their future possibilities by studying foreign languages, noting that Japanese language was introduced to only one school in Tonga in 1986, however today there are seven schools throughout the country that are offering Japanese language studies.
His Excellency also highlighted that Japan celebrates a historical event this year, with the accession of His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince Naruhito to the Imperial Throne as Japan’s new Emperor, on the 1st May 2019 and Japan’s new era, “Reiwa”, which has significant meaning of “Beautiful Harmony”.
Hon. Semisi Sika, Acting Prime Minister stated that “the gift of acquiring a new foreign language presents you all with unique opportunities to learn a new culture, explore new academic pathways, meet new people and ultimately make a positive and worthwhile contribution to your families, communities and to the development of Tonga.”
He also congratulated Japan’s embarking on a new era and acknowledged Japan’s continuing support for education in Tonga.
The winners for this year’s contest were; Latai Toluta’u, of Tonga Institute of Education won the Open Category for Japanese Language Program and her price includes being Tonga’s nominee for the overseas students study tour this September in Osaka, Japan.
Konifelenisi Fifita of Vava’u High School won the Open Category – Speech Contest; Sela Kaumataili, of ‘Eua High School won the Form 6 Category, ‘Ilaisaane Katuotua of Tailulu College, Vava’u won the Form 5 Category and Latu Mafi of Tonga High School won the Form 4 Category.
Prizes were also awarded to best students in the Japanese Calligraphy Contest 2019.
The Japanese Speech Contest is an annual event co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training.
In acknowledging the successful collaboration and dedication this year H.E Tetsuya Ishii hosted a reception in the same evening at his residence and was attended by Dr. Raelyn ‘Esau, Acting CEO for Ministry of Education and Training, Dr. ‘Alisi Kautoke Holani, Mr. Siaosi Pohiva, Representative from Japanese Language Teacher’s from ‘Eua, Vava’u and Tongatapu and JICA Japanese language volunteers.
