Get excited! The 11th Jr. Japan Bowl is Friday, April 30, 2027! Review greetings and classroom phrases in the 2026 guide—they’ll be in the 2027 guide!
Congratulations to all students who competed in the 10th Junior Japan Bowl! 🎉🏆
Thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout this year’s competition. We are incredibly proud of all participants and the effort you put into making the 10th Junior Japan Bowl a success.
🏆 In compiling the rankings, both the scoring team and the judging team carefully reviewed Zoom footage in detail and determined the results fairly in accordance with Japan Bowl rules.
🎁 Prizes will be sent to schools by mid-May to celebrate the achievements of our outstanding participants.
As a special note of appreciation, all teachers will receive individual certificates of recognition for their support and dedication.
We look forward to an inspiring and unforgettable Junior Japan Bowl experience again next year!
★: New School in 2026-Welcome to J2B!
Dunsmore Elementary School, CA
Presidio Middle School, CA
Rosa Parks Elementary School, CA★
Verdugo Woodlands Elementary School, CA
Rosemont Middle School, CA
Brown Barge Middle School, FL
Elkins Pointe Middle School, GA
International Charter Academy of Georgia, GA
Omni International School, GA
Wilson Elementary School, HI ★
Jane Addams Junior High School, IL
Washington Japanese Heritage Center, MD
Washington Japanese Language School, MD
South Academy of International Languages, NC
Arts Impact Middle School, OH
Bunsold Middle School, OH
Kelly Middle School, OR
International School of Portland, OR ★
Richmond Elementary School, OR
Fox Mill Elementary School, VA
Great Falls Elementary School, VA
Hayfield Secondary School, VA
James Cooper Middle School, VA
Langston Hughes Middle School, VA
Rachel Carson Middle School, VA
South County Middle School, VA
Milwaukee Doyokai Japanese Saturday School, WI
Maya Rodriguez
Langley HS
Great Falls ES
Aya Ryan
South Lakes HS
Fox Mill ES
Alaina Lai
South Lakes HS
Fox Mill ES
Eric Loizeaux
South Lakes HS
Great Falls ES
Lindsay Lai
University of California, Berkeley
Fox Mill ES
Sana Rodriquez
Langley HS
Great Falls ES
Tyler Letteney South Lakes HS
Fox Mill ES
J-LEARN T-Shirt Fundraiser: Junior Japan Bowl 10th Anniversary Long-Sleeve Tee—Thank You for Your Support!
We've reached 600 students on January 20th. Registration is now closed.
Register by March 20.
Register by April 17.
2026 Topics
Language
Greetings
Classroom phrases
Onomatopoeia
Proverbs
Kanji
Introduction to Japan
Geography
Natural Disasters
Disaster Prevention
History
Jomon period
Yayoi period
Kofun period
Asuka period
Nara period
Heian period
Culture
Shrines & Temples
Traditional games
Rice products
Desserts
Celebrating 10 Years of J2B: A Decade of Inspiring Young Japanese Language Learners
Why J2B Matters: A National Platform for Young Japanese Language Learners
J2B at a Glance: A National Impact
Junior Japan Bowl (J2B) has quickly become a flagship academic event for young Japanese language learners across the United States.
In just 20 days, J2B reached its maximum registration of 600 students in Grades 1–8, reflecting strong national demand for high-quality and accessible Japanese language programming.
Participants represent 25 schools across 9 states, bringing together a diverse community of students, families, and educators committed to early language learning and academic excellence.
What makes J2B truly distinctive is its mission:
J2B is the only national Japanese language academic competition in the United States offered to elementary and middle school students completely free of charge. By removing financial barriers, J2B ensures that students can participate based on interest and effort—not ability to pay.
Through J2B, students gain motivation and confidence, teachers gain a meaningful academic benchmark, and sponsors help sustain an inclusive national platform that supports the future of Japanese language education in the U.S.
10th Jr. Japan Bowl Announcement – Study Guide Published!
We are excited to announce that the 2026 Jr. Japan Bowl Study Guide is now published! This year’s competition will take place on Friday, April 24, 2026.
Please mark your calendars for important dates:
Registration: January 1 – March 1, 2026 (Registration will close once we reach 600 students.)
T-Shirt Sale Fundraiser: February 15 – March 15, 2026
Study Session: Sunday, March 22, 2026
Software Practice: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Invitations will be sent to teachers soon! We look forward to another exciting year of learning and friendly competition. Don’t miss out—start preparing now!