Register for the 5th National High School English Presentation Camp 'GEM Talks 2026' Starting March 1st

Introducing GEM Talks 2026

The 5th National High School English Presentation Camp, known as 'GEM Talks 2026,' is supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. Organized by '5 Crowns Japan,' a social contribution group led by distinguished former contestants from Japan's five major beauty pageants, this exciting event aims to be a platform for high school students to express their aspirations and ideas in English.

The final competition will take place on July 26, 2026, at the Tokyo International Forum, where aspiring young presenters will compete after a qualifying round. Registration for the preliminary selection is open from March 1 to April 30, 2026. The initiative combines workshops and presentation contests designed to improve students’ confidence and communication skills, embodying their spirit of challenge.

What is GEM Talks?

GEM Talks originated as a response to pressing social issues such as declining self-esteem among Japanese youth and the lack of communication skills necessary for becoming global citizens. The program is structured around providing a platform for high school students to share their ambitions and future visions while helping them recognize and refine their unique qualities, likening each student to a precious gem. The acronym 'GEM' stands for 'Girls’ Energy Manifest,' emphasizing empowerment. In recent years, the importance of fostering communication amongst students has become even more pronounced due to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the past, GEM Talks has attracted numerous applications, marking it as a significant opportunity for high school students across Japan to engage both with their peers and the world.

GEM Talks 2026 Application Details

Event Overview

- Organizer: GEM Talks Executive Committee
- Eligibility: Open to current high school and high vocational school students (years 1-3) across Japan. All genders and nationalities are welcomed, except for native English speakers.
- Application Period: March 1 (Sun) to April 30 (Thu), 2026. Finalists will be announced in late May.
- Application Method/Fees: Entries must be submitted via the official website. The first round requires a recorded presentation video and submission of an entry form. Successful contenders will then proceed to the second round, which involves an online interview. Note that there is no entry fee, and applications are accepted on an individual basis with no duplicate entries.

Presentation Theme

- Theme: 'Break the Barrier: The Transformation I Initiate'

Participants are encouraged to share the social barriers they wish to challenge, reflect on their experiences, and articulate their unique visions for a better future. This theme invites students to think critically about societal issues while cultivating their creative problem-solving skills. Presentations should be delivered in English, with Q&A sessions available in both English and Japanese.

Final Competition Overview

Pre-Competition Workshop

- Date: July 25, 2026
- Location: ARCH Toranomon Hills Incubation Center
- Participants: 10 finalist students
- Format: In-person workshop led by industry experts and experienced mentors.

Presentation Contest

- Date: July 26, 2026
- Location: Tokyo International Forum
- Format: In-person competition featuring keynote speeches and student presentations.

A variety of distinguished judges will evaluate presentations to recognize and reward outstanding efforts in fostering creativity and public speaking skills. Prizes will include awards from the Minister of Education, outstanding performance recognitions, and various commendations. Finalists will also gain access to exclusive workshops and events organized by 5 Crowns Japan.

About 5 Crowns Japan

Founded in July 2021, 5 Crowns Japan is dedicated to empowering young women and promoting social contribution initiatives. By harnessing experiences gained from participation in international competitions, the organization aims to inspire girls in Japan and abroad, focusing on the importance of societal involvement. For more information, visit 5 Crowns Japan.

Join us for GEM Talks 2026 and take the first step towards becoming a confident communicator and future leader!