Jeddah hosts fourth Japanese Speech Contest celebrating 70 years of Saudi-Japan friendship
Jeddah — The Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah hosted the fourth Japanese Speech Contest at the King Fahd Public Library, bringing together language enthusiasts, students, and members of the Japanese and Saudi communities for a vibrant celebration of cultural exchange and friendship.
The event, organized in collaboration with the Saudi Association of Japan Graduates and Associates and the Japanese community in Jeddah, coincided with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Saudi Arabia. It aimed to deepen mutual understanding, foster cross-cultural communication, and highlight the growing people-to-people ties that continue to define the relationship between the two nations.
Consul General of Japan in Jeddah, Daisuke Yamamoto, opened the ceremony with words of appreciation for the organizers, participants, and library staff who made the event possible. He expressed gratitude for the continued cooperation between Saudi and Japanese institutions, emphasizing that the speech contest plays a key role in strengthening cultural bridges and supporting language learning.
Yamamoto also noted that cultural initiatives such as this reflect the shared values of respect, curiosity, and collaboration that underpin the partnership between Saudi Arabia and Japan. He encouraged participants to continue studying the Japanese language and to explore opportunities for further educational and cultural exchange.
The contest featured a diverse group of contestants who delivered engaging speeches in Japanese, reflecting on themes such as cultural similarities and differences between Japan and Saudi Arabia, personal experiences studying abroad, and lessons learned through language immersion. The speeches were judged on fluency, pronunciation, content, and delivery, showcasing the participants’ growing mastery of the Japanese language.
Adding to the cultural experience, renowned Japanese calligraphy artist Koka Awazu conducted a live demonstration, mesmerizing the audience with her skillful strokes. Attendees and contestants were invited to try their hand at calligraphy, gaining a hands-on appreciation for one of Japan’s most elegant traditional art forms.
The event also served as an opportunity to highlight Japan’s increasing engagement with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, particularly in the areas of education, technology, and cultural cooperation. Through such cultural programs, both countries aim to build stronger ties beyond trade and investment, nurturing mutual understanding among their younger generations.
Over the past seven decades, Japan and Saudi Arabia have developed a robust partnership rooted in mutual respect, shared interests, and cultural appreciation. The Japanese Speech Contest in Jeddah stands as a testament to this enduring relationship, providing a meaningful platform for students and enthusiasts to connect, learn, and celebrate the rich heritage of both nations.
As the evening concluded, participants and guests expressed their enthusiasm for future cultural initiatives and collaborations that further enhance dialogue and friendship between Saudi Arabia and Japan. The Consulate General reaffirmed its commitment to supporting such educational and cultural activities, viewing them as essential tools in building lasting bridges between the peoples of both countries.
