#Japan #Tokyo #Hao Chinese Academy #Speech Contest #M.K

Student's Achievement at the Chinese Proficiency Speech Contest

On October 4, 2025, a student from Hao Chinese Academy, operated by AEON, achieved remarkable success by winning the 'High School Excellence Award' at the Chinese Proficiency Speech Contest, hosted by the Japan Chinese Proficiency Test Association. This annual event was held at Mejiro University in Tokyo.

M.K., a first-year high school student at the Shinjuku branch of Hao Chinese Academy, has dedicated the past two years to mastering the Chinese language. During the contest, under the theme 'Me and Chinese,' M.K. confidently expressed her desire to broaden her horizons through proficiency in Chinese. The prestigious award included a valuable invitation to the Shenzhen University Summer Camp 2026, covering tuition and accommodation costs worth approximately 200,000 yen, thus recognizing her outstanding performance.

The Experience of Competing

Participating in the speech contest for the first time, M.K. shared her mixed feelings of excitement and nervousness. "I was quite tense, especially with other participants showcasing impressive pronunciations and presentation skills. However, their performances motivated me to continue my Chinese studies, and I learned a lot from this experience," she commented after the event.

Support from the Instructors

Ni Yizhou, an instructor at the Shinjuku branch, expressed his pride in M.K.'s achievement. "Seeing my student take on the challenge of the speech contest brought me immense joy. M.K. has shown commitment not just in classes but also in completing her homework diligently. Starting as a beginner, she now conducts nearly all her lessons in Chinese. Even during busy school activities, she has found ways to attend classes, and her hard work has culminated in this significant milestone. This experience has become an unforgettable learning opportunity for both her and me. I look forward to sharing more triumphs together in the coming year."

Koyama Kunihiko, another Chinese language instructor, shared insights about the competition. Out of 51 applicants, only 12 participants advanced to the finals. Among many university students and professionals, M.K. stood out with her clarity and freshness in her presentation. The chief judge noted that this year’s contest had an exceptionally high level of competition, with the winners being decided by a very narrow margin. M.K.'s victory is a testament to her growth and dedication. Her ability to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the judges during the Q&A session showcased her conversational skills effectively. Our academy takes immense pride in enabling students to display such proficiency in real-world settings, reinforcing our mission to support students in achieving their dreams and goals.

About the Speech Contest

The Chinese Proficiency Speech Contest, organized by the Japan Chinese Proficiency Test Association, draws participants from various backgrounds, all eager to demonstrate their language skills. The event featured three categories: recitation, speech (levels 3 to pre-1), and interpretation (pre-1 to level 1). Participants received valuable feedback from seasoned judges, further enriching their language learning journey.

In conclusion, the achievement of M.K. and other students represents a significant step in bridging cultural and linguistic gaps while elevating the standards of Chinese language education in Japan. Hao Chinese Academy remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting learners as they navigate their path to language proficiency. As the academy looks to the future, it aims to continue fostering environments where students can excel and pursue their ambitions head-on.