Support for the 5th Air China Cup Chinese Speech Contest for Children of Chinese Residents in Japan

On Sunday 16 October 2022, the final of the 5th Air China Cup Chinese Speech Contest for Children of Chinese Residents in Japan was held at the Japan-China Friendship Center in Korakuen, Tokyo. The Association took part as one of the contest's supporting organisations.

Overview

• Organisers: Air China Japan branch; Japan-China Friendship Center; People's Daily Overseas Edition Japan Monthly
• Theme: "Into the future together, in Chinese"
• Supporters: many companies and organisations, including ICBC Tokyo Branch, Chiyoda Education Group, Kouchi Gakuen, the Japan Shenzhen Economic, Trade and Cultural Promotion Association, the Japan Huishang Association, the Japan Anhui Association and the Quanzhou Chamber of Commerce in Japan

Nearly 200 guests attended, including Zhan Kongchao, Counsellor and Consul-General of the Chinese Embassy; Feng Li, President of Air China's Japan branch; Huang Xingyuan, Chinese Representative Director of the Japan-China Friendship Center; community leaders, business owners, teachers and families. Association President Weng Daokui also attended as President of TAKARA Co.

The contest

Entries came from 35 Chinese-language schools and classes across Japan, and 32 finalists competed in the infant, junior and original-speech categories. The final opened with a Chinese martial arts display by Japanese children and was hosted by Jiang Feng, Editor-in-Chief of Japan Monthly, for the fifth year running. Zhang Yansong, Principal of Yokohama Yamate Chinese School, chaired the judges and was appointed the contest's senior adviser.

• One first prize in each category, nine second prizes and 18 third prizes
• Special regional awards for two contestants from Fukuoka and a Japan-China Friendship Center special award
• A Sichuan opera face-changing performance before the close

Our commitment

At the end of the contest, certificates of appreciation were presented to companies and organisations that have long supported Chinese-language education and the contest. The Association will continue to help children of Chinese residents in Japan learn Chinese, appreciate Chinese culture and grow into bridges between the two countries.