#Japan #Cultural Exchange #Tokyo #Japanese Language #Spanish Contest

Celebrating Cultural Connections: The 3rd Spanish Speech Contest

In 2025, Japan marks an incredible milestone, celebrating 90 years of diplomatic relations with five Central American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. In honor of this significant anniversary, the 3rd Spanish Speech Contest was organized, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and understanding through language.

This competition has gained prominence over the years, attracting a wide array of participants, especially among the youth, which reflects a growing interest in multiculturalism and language proficiency in Japan. From June 2025, the contest welcomed entries from all corners of Japan, leading to a rigorous selection process that narrowed down the participants to 20 finalists.

A Platform for Diverse Voices

Held at the prestigious Instituto Cervantes Tokyo, the final selection was a culmination of both hard work and enthusiasm. Under the auspices of notable organizations, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and various embassies, the event aimed to foster international dialogue and cultural understanding. The participants passionately expressed their thoughts in Spanish, showcasing not only their language skills but also the essence of their cultural backgrounds.

Notable Finalists of 2025

Beginners (University Category)

• - Kanon Ueda (Kobe City University of Foreign Studies)
• - Daiki Kokura (Gakushuin University)
• - Toi Suzuki (Keio University)
• - Nonoka Mitsumoto (Chuo University)
• - Shoei Morii (Keio University)
• - Taiki Hoogan Sonny (Keio University)

Beginners (High School Category)

• - Rin Oue (Hikarigaoka Women’s High School)
• - Himari Kaneko (Yokohama International High School)
• - Hinata Sato (Yokohama International High School)
• - Anji Shirai (Hikarigaoka Women’s High School)

Community Categories

Representatives from various organizations such as AJAPE and Blue Hands also participated, highlighting the collaborative spirit of the competition.

A Heartwarming Victory

A standout moment of the contest was the performance by the youngest participant, Kaira Horikawa, aged just 6. Kaira delivered a touching speech titled