The 43rd Annual Washington State Japanese Speech Contest, hosted by WATJ, had another successful year! As with last year, the contest was organized entirely by WATJ members who volunteered their time to secure sponsors, advise students, attend planning meetings, and serve as judges.

The award ceremony took place on the Fisher Pavilion Stage during the 51st Annual Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival, organized by the Seattle Cherry Blossom and Japanese Cultural Festival Committee at the Seattle Center, on Sunday, April 12, 2026. The 1st place winners in each high school and college division presented their speeches on stage, with WATJ President Chikako Misener serving as MC.

Prizes for all participants, as well as 1st place winners’ plaques, certificates, and gift cards, were generously provided by our wonderful sponsors:

Hyogo Business and Cultural Center (HBCC)

Japan America Society of the State of Washington (JASSW)

Japan Foundation Los Angeles

The Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Washington (JCCCW)

Kinokuniya Bookstore

Temple University Japan Campus

UW Center for Japanese Studies, University of Washington

Special thanks to our WATJ Speech Contest Committee members: Haruka Fujiwara, Akiko Iwata, Chikako Misener, Hiromi Pingry, Mizue Sunahara, and Kei Tsukamaki for helping to make this year’s event a success. We also want to sincerely thank our judges for their time and thoughtful feedback: Toby Dederick, Akiko Iwata, Takayuki Masai, Chikako Misener, Hiromi Pingry, Ashley Saxon, Atsuko Seckinger, Kae Takaoka, and Kei Tsukamaki.

A special recognition as well to all the WATJ teachers whose dedication allow us to enjoy such excellent student speeches.

Photos from this year's contest can be seen here.

We hope to see your students participate again in next year’s contest!

2026 Speech Contest Chair Kei Tsukamaki