This day-long competition is designed for high school students from Western Pennsylvania and the tristate area studying Japanese language. Japanese language students of all levels and students who are involved in Japan-related cultural activities, are able to compete against other area students in speech or poster activities. Non-language students are eligible to compete in the poster contest. Each year over 80 students participate.

Students who compete in speech levels are required to write and memorize a speech on the chosen topic for the contest. Winners receive prizes and trophies! Please visit the contest page for more information.

This year we will be holding a contest for middle school students for the first time. The Middle School Japan in Art Contest theme will be “Sports in Japan.” Students may create an original piece about sports that originated in Japan or sports that originated in another country but are now played in Japan. Students may also design a piece that is inspired by the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics/Paralympics. Prizes will be awarded based on the number of votes received by participants and attendees.

There will be lots of fun Japan-related activities for participating students and parents.

2020 Themes:

Sports in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics

Japanese language teachers or students studying Japanese in high school should contact the JASP office at 412-856-8608 or email Katsuko Shellhammer to learn more about the competition. The contest is held in partnership with the University of Pittsburgh.

Sponsorship opportunities are available - please contact Amy Boots for more information.