On March 21, 2026, the University of Languages and International Studies – Vietnam National University, Hanoi, in collaboration with Hosei University (Japan), co-organized the final round of the 11th Hosei Cup Japanese Speech Contest under the theme “What We Can Do to Protect the Future – Reflections on Education, the Environment, and Human Rights.” As an annual initiative jointly organized by the two institutions, the competition has received strong support from organizations such as the Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and the Japan Cultural Exchange Center in Vietnam. This year’s contest featured impressive performances from both high school and university contestants, leaving a strong impact on the audience.

After two preliminary rounds, 19 outstanding contestants advanced to the final, including 6 high school and 13 university students from cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

The event was attended by Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son – Vice President of ULIS, Mr. Koakimoto Dan – Vice President of Hosei University, representatives of both institutions, and distinguished guests including Mr. Nakashima Yuusuke – Embassy of Japan in Vietnam and Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko – Japan Foundation Center for Cultural Exchange in Vietnam.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Koakimoto Dan expressed appreciation to ULIS and partner organizations, emphasized the importance of inter-institutional collaboration, and highlighted the active participation of contestants as a reflection of youth’s growing role in educational exchange. Dr. Hoa Ngoc Son also extended his gratitude to the co-organizers and marked the competition’s 11th year, underscoring the message that the future is built through consistent, small actions.

Mr. Nakashima Yuusuke reaffirmed international integration as a key vision for strengthening Vietnam–Japan relations, while Mr. Yoshioka Norihiko emphasized the contest’s academic, social, and developmental value, encouraging contestants to perform with confidence.

In the final round, contestants delivered five-minute speeches followed by Q&A sessions, evaluated on content, Japanese proficiency, presentation skills, and responsiveness. Ultimately, Bui Viet Mai Linh (FLSS) won first prize in the high school category, while Phan Nhu Y (Hanoi University) secured first prize in the university category.

The first- and second-prize winners in the university category, along with the first-prize winner in the high school category, will have the opportunity to participate in a study and cultural exchange trip to Japan. In addition, all contestants who passed the written preliminary round were awarded certificates of participation and received valuable gifts from Hosei University.

The competition concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impression on contestants, distinguished guests, the judging panel, and the audience.

Huyền Châu/ĐSTT