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

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.

The Middle School Japan in Art Contest theme also pertains to Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present. Students submit a postcard-style piece of artwork with a Japanese sentence describing the art for popular vote on the contest day. Please contact us for more information.

2024 Themes:

Poster Session:  Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present
Beginner Level: Self-Introduction
Intermediate: Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present
Advanced: Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present
Advanced Plus: Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present

Heritage: Japanese Visual Art, 1960 ~ Present

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.