The Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah Organizes a Japanese Language Speech Contest
2025/10/30
On Thursday, October 30, 2025, as part of its celebration of the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and as part of its continued efforts to enhance cultural exchange with the Saudi people and promote Japanese culture and language, the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah held its fourth Japanese Speech Contest. The event was hosted by the King Fahd Public Library in Jeddah and coordinated with the Saudi Association of Japan Graduates and Associates (SAJGA) and the Japanese community in Jeddah.
At the beginning of the contest, H.E. Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, delivered a speech in which he thanked Dr. Al-Ahmadi and all the library staff for their great cooperation in holding this contest for the third consecutive year. He also thanked SAJGA and the Japanese community in Jeddah. He also introduced the contest judges, Ms. Yoshikazu Takeda, Mr. Taro Shintani, Mr. Ahmed Kaaki and Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto himself.
The Consul General concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that today's competition would be an opportunity for all participants to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, improve their Japanese language skills and serve as bridges between the two countries.
Before the contest began, Ms. Koka Awazu, Japanese calligraphy artist, gave a Japanese writing demonstration, and a large number of attendees, including the contestants, participated in the experience.
Ten contestants participated in the contest, demonstrating their outstanding Japanese proficiency, to the amazement and admiration of the audience.
The beginner-level contestants delivered speeches on "Similarities and Differences in Life, Culture, and Education in Japan and the Kingdom" While the advanced level contestants delivered speeches titled "Ways to Strengthen the Friendship Between Japan and the Kingdom."
Mr. Mahgoub Gafar, the first-place winner in the advanced level, said in his speech:" We believe that relationships built on trust and mutual understanding not only strengthen cultural and educational ties and practical cooperation, but also serve as the foundation for forging a better future for both nations, Saudi Arabian and Japan as well as the world."
At the beginning of the contest, H.E. Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto, Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, delivered a speech in which he thanked Dr. Al-Ahmadi and all the library staff for their great cooperation in holding this contest for the third consecutive year. He also thanked SAJGA and the Japanese community in Jeddah. He also introduced the contest judges, Ms. Yoshikazu Takeda, Mr. Taro Shintani, Mr. Ahmed Kaaki and Mr. Daisuke Yamamoto himself.
The Consul General concluded his remarks by expressing his hope that today's competition would be an opportunity for all participants to strengthen cultural ties between Japan and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, improve their Japanese language skills and serve as bridges between the two countries.
Before the contest began, Ms. Koka Awazu, Japanese calligraphy artist, gave a Japanese writing demonstration, and a large number of attendees, including the contestants, participated in the experience.
Ten contestants participated in the contest, demonstrating their outstanding Japanese proficiency, to the amazement and admiration of the audience.
The beginner-level contestants delivered speeches on "Similarities and Differences in Life, Culture, and Education in Japan and the Kingdom" While the advanced level contestants delivered speeches titled "Ways to Strengthen the Friendship Between Japan and the Kingdom."
Mr. Mahgoub Gafar, the first-place winner in the advanced level, said in his speech:" We believe that relationships built on trust and mutual understanding not only strengthen cultural and educational ties and practical cooperation, but also serve as the foundation for forging a better future for both nations, Saudi Arabian and Japan as well as the world."