The Japan Foundation Manila (JFM) is inviting students and enthusiasts of the Japanese language to join the 37th Nihongo Speech Contest for NIHONGO FIESTA 2010.

The finals will be held on the 27th of February 2010, with the venue to be announced soon. Besides the Speech Contest, NIHONGO FIESTA 2010 will feature Japanese cultural performances, contests, exhibits and demos.

For the Speech Contest, contestants are required to submit a duly accomplished application form, a written copy of their speech, and a recording of the speech done by them (in cassette or CD format). The deadline for the submission of entries for Luzon and the National Capital region will be on the 27th of January 2010 at the Japan Foundation Manila. For Visayas and Mindanao entries, please refer to the official JFM website.

Finalists who pass the initial screening will be invited to deliver their speeches at the Grand Finals, where the Grand Champion and the Outstanding Performance Awardee will be selected. Both winners will receive an all-expense-paid week-long study trip in Japan; all finalists will receive consolation prizes.

For details or clarifications on the contest rules and inquiries on other Nihongo Fiesta activities, please contact The Japan Foundation Manila at the 12th Floor of The Pacific Star Building, Makati Avenue corner Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City (telephone numbers: 811-61-55 to 58). You can also e-mail them at: email[at]jfmo[dot]org[dot]ph, or visit their website at JFMO.ORG.PH.