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AEON and Hao Chinese Academy Join Forces for the 2026 Chinese Speech Contest

AEON Co., Ltd., headquartered in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and represented by CEO Taku Shigeno, has partnered with the Hao Chinese Academy to support participants in the "2026 Chinese Speech Contest" organized by the Japan Chinese Language Proficiency Test Association (JCPLTA). The contest will be held on October 3, 2026, at Mejiro University in Shinjuku, Tokyo.

Event Overview

The Chinese Speech Contest serves as a national platform for Chinese language learners to showcase their speaking abilities and expressions. Participants range from beginners to advanced learners, fostering interaction and motivation among those studying Chinese. This event is not just an assessment of language skills; it is a celebration of the effort put into learning a challenging language.

The foundational concept of the Hao Chinese Academy is "learning practical Chinese in a fun way," and the institution is dedicated to helping students achieve their language goals. Recognizing the determination and progress of many learners, the academy is once again collaborating with the contest this year. As a way to encourage participants, all attendees on the event day will receive an original collaborative pen case featuring the branding of both the JCPLTA and Hao Chinese Academy, a practical and symbolic item aimed at enhancing their daily studies and commemorating their participation in the contest.

Contest Details

The event comprises multiple categories:

• - Recitation Section
• - Speech Section
• - Interpretation Section

Eligibility

The contest welcomes all Chinese language learners; specific eligibility details can be found on the JCPLTA website.

Application Timeline and Awards

Application Period: July 1, 2026 - August 26, 2026

Awards:

• - Grand Prize: One winner per category will receive a certificate and a cash prize of 30,000 yen.
• - Excellence Prize: One winner per category will receive a certificate and a cash prize of 10,000 yen.
• - Special Jury Prize: One recipient will receive a certificate and a cash prize of 10,000 yen.
• - All participants will receive a JCPLTA exam voucher.

Participants will also take home the collaborative pen case, reinforcing the event's mission of supporting language education.

About the JCPLTA

The JCPLTA offers six proficiency levels from N4 to N1, designed to evaluate the four key language skills: reading, listening, speaking, and writing, alongside translation abilities. The assessments are utilized for university credit recognition and various corporate hiring conditions. Tests are administered three times a year in March, June, and November.

Learn more about JCPLTA here

About the Hao Chinese Academy

Established in 2004, the Hao Chinese Academy has continuously delivered high-quality Chinese language education and committed to improving language proficiency through various learning styles, including e-learning and in-person lessons. The academy's dedicated approach enriches courses ranging from beginner Chinese and business Chinese to test preparation for the JCPLTA and national interpretation examinations. They remain dedicated to advancing Chinese education in Japan.

Explore Hao Chinese Academy here

About AEON

Since launching in 1973, AEON has been enhancing lives through language education, embodying the vision of removing language barriers to support global engagement. Leveraging over 50 years of experience, AEON provides English and Chinese lessons for all ages, helping learners improve their communicative capabilities both in everyday conversations and business contexts. With its evolution into a member of the KDDI Group in 2018, AEON merges its educational expertise with cutting-edge technology, ensuring tailored learning experiences through various formats including in-person classes, online courses, and AI conversation applications.