The 13th Japanese Speech Contest co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and the Myanmar Association of Japan Alumni (MAJA) , supported by the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Yangon (JCCY) was held on July 14th 2012.

A total of 48 entrants were screened into 15 finalists who participated in the contest. The topic was open and allowed the contestants to make unique speeches on wide-ranging issues, based on their own experiences and opinions. Although the four-minute speech itself was quite challenging, the Question and Answer session somehow relaxed the contestants as well as the audience with humorous exchanges between the judges and the contestants.

The prize winners were announced shortly after the contest to which the audience gave great cheers. The prize winners and their topics of speeches are as follows.

In addition, on occasion of the contest, the Prize Awarding Ceremony for 7th Japanese Literature Translation Contest was held. This contest had been held on February 12th 2012. Among a total of 134 contestants, the prize winners were as follows.

Thanks to JCCY's support, two SONY digital cameras were given to the Second Prize Winners and two TOSHIBA 24 inches televisions were given to the First Prize Winners for the both contest respectively. Additionally, all the prize winners will have the privilege to be recommended as candidates for future training programs in Japan for outstanding Japanese language learners.

The Embassy of Japan intends to continue these contests which present fine targets for Japanese language learners in Myanmar to further improve their proficiency of Japanese language.