Toyama Cup Virtual Japanese Speech Contest

University and college students in Oregon and SW Washington, currently studying Japanese, are eligible to participate in this online Japanese Speech Contest.

Toyama Cup showcases the excellence of Japanese language programs all over Oregon, providing students in our community many local options if they choose to pursue their love of the Japanese language in higher education institutions. The Japan-America Society of Oregon continues to work to support this community of students, teachers, and programs; and equally, the sister-state relationship with Toyama that brings greater richness and opportunity to all.

Read this year’s official press release here:

2025 Toyama Cup

2025 LV 2 Winner Charlotte Jaguzny
2025 LV 1 Winner Daniel Chao
2025 Group Photo of Toyama Cup participants, judges, and guests.

Read Level 2 Winner Charlotte Jaguzny’s speech here:

See additional pictures from this year’s Toyama Cup students in our Facebook album.

Toyama Cup Documents

2025 Event Day Schedule

4:00-4:15 PM
4:25-5:00 PM
5:10-5:45 PM
5:45-5:50 PM
5:50-6:30 PM
6:30-7:00 PM

Welcome by JASO and introduction of judges
Level 1 Speech starts
Level 2 Speech starts
Presentation by the 2024 Toyama Cup Winner
Networking Breakout Session with Toyama students
Presentation of Awards

Results and Publications

Read last year’s press release here:

2024 Winner – Faith Adler from University of Oregon Read speech here.

2023 Winner – Lucas Carmichael-Tanaka from Reed College Read speech here.

2022 Winner – Ada Martin from Willamette University Read speech here.

2021 Winner – Tanner Arakaki from Pacific University Read speech here.

2020 Winner – Rey Takahashi from Willamette University Read speech here.

2019 Winner – Ronan Hall from Lewis and Clark College

2018 Winner – Jack Glenn from Willamette University

2017 Winner – Natasha Milligan from Willamette University Read Natasha’s Trip Blog here.

Thank you to our Gold Sponsors:

Thank you to our Silver Sponsors:

Thank you to our Bronze Sponsors:

Thank you to our Supporters:

Mr. Stu Sawai