The 2023 High School Japanese Speech Contest returns! Japanese language learners of all levels compete against other area students in the speech contest, and non-language students can compete in the poster contest. Each year over 80 students participate. There are speech levels and a poster session. Students are required to write a speech on the chosen topic for the speech contest or make a presentation for the poster session.
For over 20 years, the University of Pittsburgh's Asian Studies Center and the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania have hosted a speech contest event with local High Schools and Middle Schools with Japanese language classes where students can practice and utilize their language abilities. Pitt and CMU faculty assist in evaluating speeches and student groups help provide Japanese-related cultural activities.