On March 29, 2025, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi (ULIS – VNU) and Hosei University (Japan) jointly organized the final round of the Hosei Cup Japanese Speech Contest under the theme “Listening to Invisible Voices: For a Future in Solidarity with Minority Communities in Society.”

This annual contest is a collaborative initiative between the two universities and has received strong support from various organizations and institutions, including the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and the Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam,… This year, contestants from both high schools and universities delivered outstanding and impressive performances.

The 2025 Hosei Cup Japanese Speech Contest took place at the Sunwah Hall of the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS) and attracted a total of 106 students studying Japanese from across the country. Notably, in addition to contestants from high schools and universities that participate annually, this year also saw the presence of students from institutions joining the competition for the first time.

After two preliminary rounds, the 20 most outstanding contestants advanced to the final round, including 6 high school students and 13 university students from various regions such as Hanoi, Hue, and others.

The event was attended by Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son – Vice President of ULIS, Dr. Dao Thi Nga My – Dean of the Faculty of Japanese Language and Culture, and Mr. Koakimoto Dan – Vice President of Hosei University. Particularly notable was the presence of Ms. Kamitani Naoko – First Secretary and Head of the Information and Culture Department of the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam.

In his opening speech, Mr. Koakimoto Dan, Vice President of Hosei University, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to ULIS and all the partners who contributed to organizing the event. He emphasized the significance of cooperation between educational institutions and shared his hopes for a sustainable partnership in the future, one that would promote academic exchange and joint research programs. Additionally, he highly appreciated the enthusiasm of the contestants, noting that their active participation not only reflects their eagerness to learn but also highlights the important role of the younger generation in fostering mutual understanding and stronger connections between the educational communities of the two countries.

Continuing the program, Ms. Kamitani Naoko – First Secretary and Head of the Information and Culture Department at the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam – expressed her joy at participating in the contest as a member of the judging panel. She also highly appreciated the collaborative relationship between Hosei University and the University of Languages and International Studies

Following that, Mr. Imagawa Muneki – Head of the Japanese Language Education Development Department (Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam – The Japan Foundation) – shared his thoughts on the Hosei Cup Japanese Speech Contest, emphasizing the spiritual and social values the competition brings to students. He also wished all contestants the very best in delivering their performances on stage that day.

On behalf of the University of Languages and International Studies, Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son – Vice President – expressed his sincere thanks to the partner organizations that co-organized the contest and congratulated the competition on reaching its 10th anniversary. The Vice President remarked that this year’s topic is highly meaningful, providing contestants with a valuable opportunity to share their thoughts on the limited rights of certain social groups, as well as conflicts between different communities or religions.

In the final round, contestants showcased their public speaking skills through a 5-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session with the judging panel. The evaluation criteria included: content, Japanese language proficiency, presentation skills, and response to questions.

After impressive performances on stage by contestants from various regions, the competition concluded with Pham Hai Anh from Tran Phu High School for the Gifted winning First Prize in the high school category, and Duong Tuyet Trinh from the University of Languages and International Studies – VNU earning First Prize in the university category.

Detailed List of Awards:

* High School Category:

– First Prize: Pham Hai Anh

– Second Prize: Nguyen Ngoc Nha Ca

– Third Prize: Nguyen Uyen Ba

* University Category:

– First Prize: Duong Tuyet Trinh

– Second Prize: Phan Ha Phuong

– Third Prize:

• Pham Bich Phuong
• Le Vinh Tinh Thi

The university-level First and Second Prize winners, along with the high school-level First Prize winner, will be awarded a study tour to Japan. All contestants who passed the written preliminary round received a certificate of participation along with valuable and exciting gifts from Hosei University, Japan.

The competition concluded successfully, bringing joy to the contestants, all the distinguished guests, the judges, as well as the audience.

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