UCalgary Students Shine at the 35th Alberta District Japanese Speech Contest

Four students from the University of Calgary won awards for their meaningful and inspiring speeches at this year’s Japanese Speech Contest.

The 35th Alberta District Japanese Speech Contest took place on March 7, 2026, bringing together students from the University of Calgary, University of Alberta, University of Regina, and University of Saskatchewan. Undergraduate students from the Japanese Language Program delivered original speeches and won prizes across multiple categories.

This year, eight students from the University of Calgary prepared and presented their speeches.

Beginner Category

3rd Place | Elecia Storring – Thank you, DIR EN GREY / ありがとう、DIR EN GREY
 Elecia’s speech explores her love for visual kei music and the impact of her favorite band, DIR EN GREY, on her life. Through her story, she shares how Japanese music became a source of inspiration and personal connection.

Val Alabanza – The Power of Japanese Music / 日本の音楽の力
 Val shares how Japanese music shaped an important friendship in her life, and how the same songs now carry new meaning after their relationship changed, highlighting the lasting emotional impact of music.

Intermediate Category

Markus Lee – Is it True that “Those Who Know When They Have Enough Are Rich?”/ 「足るを知るものは富む」は本当か
 Marcus examines the meaning of the phrase “those who know when they have enough are rich,” encouraging the audience to question whether satisfaction should limit ambition. His speech inspires listeners to continue striving for improvement and to pursue innovation without giving up.

Kae Watai – A Gift from My Grandmother /  おばあちゃんからのプレゼント
 Kae reflects on the cherished memories she shared with her grandmother. Through these experiences, she reconnects with her Japanese roots and rediscovers her passion for the Japanese language and culture.

Advanced Category 

1st Place | Janice Lee – Looking Deeper into Winning and Losing /  経験から学んだ勝負の二面性
 Janice’s speech explores what it truly means to win or lose. By looking beyond simple outcomes, she encourages the audience to reconsider how growth, effort, and perspective shape the meaning of success.

2nd Place | Joshua Shim – Definition of Happiness / 幸せとは？
 Joshua shares the challenges he faced moving abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his experiences, he explains how Japanese music helped him overcome isolation, gain confidence, and approach life with a new outlook.

Zoe Isabela Alcocer Iturriza – The First Step / 始めの一歩
 Zoe speaks about her internal struggles with self-confidence and identity when faced with rejection. Her speech highlights the importance of taking the first step toward personal growth and becoming a better version of oneself, without depending on the approval of others.

Open Category

1st Place | Ezgi Ince – The Value of Quiet People / 静かな人の価値
 Ezgi’s speech reflects on how quiet individuals are often misunderstood or overlooked. By sharing her own experiences, she highlights the unique strengths of thoughtful observation, listening, and reflection.

Best of luck to the two first-place winners in the Advanced and Open categories, Janice Lee and Ezgi Ince, who will advance to the National Japanese Speech Contest and deliver their speeches once again.

We would also like to extend our sincere thanks to the organizing committee, the generous donors, and the Japanese instructors, Akiko Sharp, Yoko Kodama, Hitomi Krebes, and Hitomi Nishikawa, for encouraging and supporting the participating students throughout their preparation and language learning journey.

Special thanks as well to the students from Hokkaido University of Education, who took time out of their busy schedules to help improve their partners’ Japanese skills.

Congratulations to all participants for their dedication and hard work!