The High School Japanese Speech Contest is an opportunity for students in the region to show off their studies, meet other learners, and participate in cultural activities. Each year students research the theme and preparing their speech or presentation. Japanese language learners compete in the appropriate speech level, and new and non-language students compete in the English poster contest. Middle school language learners submit art pieces related to the theme for an online vote.  While students are waiting, they participate in a cultural fair staffed by JASP volunteers and other local organizations providing Japanese activities and college information. After lunch, there is a presentation on an aspect of Japanese culture, and prizes are awarded by a representative from the Consulate of Japan in New York.

If you are an individual student or a teacher who is interested in participating, and you live within easy driving distance of Pittsburgh, please contact the Educational Outreach Coordinator, Katsuko Shellhammer, for more information.

2025 Themes

Poster Session: Japanese Songs
Beginner Level: Self-Introduction
Intermediate:  Japanese Songs
Advanced: Japanese Songs
Advanced Plus: Japanese Songs

Heritage: Japanese Songs

 2024 Sponsors

Elliott Group
Temple University Japan Campus
Consulate General of Japan in New York

The Japan Foundation of Los Angeles

2024 Winners

Poster Session:

First Place: Hudson Healy (11th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School) 

Second Place: Kaia Petrick (10th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Third Place: Ojasi Madhekar (10th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Beginner Level:

First Place: Chihiro Brentzel (10th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Second Place: Maxen Thomas (12th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Third Place: Abby Maher (9th Grade, Shaler Area High School)

Intermediate Level:

First Place: Dhruv Dileep (12th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Second Place: Evie Ellenberger (12th Grade, Upper St. Clair High School)

Third Place: Harland Carmine (11th Grade, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School)

Advanced Level:

First Place: Anna Lenartova (11th Grade, Shaler Area High School)

Second Place: Bella Minyo (11th Grade, Shaler Area High School)

Third Place: Evelyn Gonzalez (12th Grade, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School)

Advanced Plus Level:
Grand Prize Winner: Francess Ulrich (12th Grade, Pittsburgh Allderdice High School)

Second Place: Quinne Vulakovich (12th Grade, Shaler Area High School)

Third Place: Nick Orsovay (12th Grade, Shaler Area High School)

Heritage Level: 

First Place:   Megumi Kawabe (11th Grade, Pittsburgh Japanese School/North Allegheny High School)

Second Place: Hirai Shuda (11th Grade, Pittsburgh Japanese School/Pittsburgh Obama High School) 

Third Place: Keitaro Inada (10th Grade, Pittsburgh Japanese School/Fox Chapel Area High School)

Middle School Art Contest Popular Vote: 

First Place: James Meyers (Himeji) 

Second Place: Raymond Dowell (Guts) 

Third Place: Jacob Shaver (Red Torii)