In Cooperation with the Japanese Embassy and Japanese Society in the State of Kuwait 
Community Service and Continuous Education Center at Kuwait University Organizes the 17th Japanese Language Speech Competition

Under the patronage and attendance of Vice President for Academic Support Services for Community Service and Libraries, Dr. Hamed Sulaiman Al-Furaih, the Community Service and Continuous Education Center at Kuwait University, in cooperation with the Japanese Embassy and the Japanese Society in Kuwait, organized the 17th Japanese Language Speech Competition on Wednesday 11 December 2024 at the University Administration Building in Sabah Al-Salem University City, in the presence of Acting Director of the Community Service and Continuous Education Center, Mr. Etimad Al-Kandari, His Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Mukai Kenichiro, the Cultural Attaché of the Embassy of Japan to the State of Kuwait, Rie Kurihara, representatives of the Japanese Embassy, several members of the Japanese community, and male and female students from Kuwait University. 
The competition aimed to deepen the academic bilateral relations between Kuwait and Japan through the exchange of different cultures, as the competition is a unique opportunity for participants to demonstrate their abilities and creativity. 
At the beginning, the Vice President for Academic Support Services for Community Service and Libraries at Kuwait University, Dr. Hamed Suleiman Al-Furaih expressed his happiness with the participation of the Japanese Embassy, the Cultural Attaché and members of the Japanese community in the 17th Japanese Language Speech Competition, which reflects the keenness of Kuwait University to expand the horizons of cooperation through the exchange of linguistic experiences in Japanese society, stressing that the interest in teaching and learning the Japanese language comes within the context of cultural exchange between Kuwait University students and the State of Japan, hoping that there will be an increase in participation in the future between the two countries at academic and cultural levels. 
In turn, His Excellency the Japanese Ambassador to the State of Kuwait, Mr. Mukai Kenichiro, stressed that Kuwait University, represented by the Center for Community Service and Continuing Education, has always played a prominent role in supporting Japanese culture since 1996 in cooperation with the Japanese Society in Kuwait, adding that the Japanese Embassy in the State of Kuwait sincerely looks forward to deepening bilateral relations between the two countries on academic and cultural levels, and that the Speech Competition is not just a place to compete in language, but rather extends to include all efforts made to exchange experiences and cultures through learning the Japanese language, which in turn extends bridges of cooperation between Kuwait and Japan to enhance the concept of friendship between the two countries. 
The Japanese Ambassador explained that there are 12 contestants who will compete to present different topics in the Japanese language, which reflects the role of the Community Service and Continuous Education Center at Kuwait University which supports students in promoting the concept of cultural exchange, reflecting the importance of teaching the Japanese language. 
The jury evaluated the 12 contestants based on the content of the speech, fluency, understanding of the language and strength of expression, and announced the names of the winners, which are: 
1. First place, student Reem Mohammed, which a speech entitled "Future Plans". 
2. Second place, student Hanin Al-Dulaimi, which a speech entitled "The Power of the Subconscious Mind". 
3. Third place, student Amal Al-Faili, with a speech entitled "My Journey with Japan So Far".

On the competition’s margin, students Bader Al-Shawaf and Ibrahim Al-Hulail, who previously studied in Japan, presented a visual presentation about studying in Japan and the impact of the Japanese language on their academic and professional lives. The Japanese Karate Organization team in Kuwait also presented a live presentation of Japanese martial arts (Karate), which received the profound admiration of the audience.