In brief
The Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah hosted the fifth Japanese Speech Contest on November 1, 2026, drawing 22 participants and highlighting strengthened cultural ties, according to Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto.
On November 1, 2026, the Consulate General of Japan in Jeddah held the fifth edition of its Japanese Speech Contest at the King Fahad Public Library, according to the Saudi Press Agency. The event drew 22 learners of the Japanese language who gathered in the library’s reading room for the competition.
The contest was organized in coordination with the Saudi Association of Japan Graduates and Friends (SAJGA), an organization that supports Japanese language study and cultural activities throughout the Kingdom.
Saudi Press Agency details indicated that participants could be students and members of the expatriate community, though the consulate did not provide a breakdown of the audience demographics.
Consul General Daisuke Yamamoto expressed hope that the competition would strengthen cultural ties between Japan and Saudi Arabia and improve participants’ Japanese language skills, writing that the event would serve as a bridge between the two nations.
The consulate noted that the event is part of an ongoing effort to promote linguistic and cultural exchange, announcing its intention to host similar contests in future years.
The announcement was released at 12:37 local time on November 1, 2026, a day marked by a series of diplomatic outreach initiatives between the two countries.
The event builds on the consulate’s broader mission to increase awareness of Japanese culture among Saudi citizens. By hosting a speaking competition, the consulate demonstrates its commitment to practical language application, which the consulate believes contributes to stronger bilateral relations.
Organizers highlighted that the competition aligns with the consulate’s objective of fostering cross‑cultural dialogue and mutual respect through language proficiency.
The announcement emphasized that participants would be encouraged to use Japanese effectively in diverse contexts, helping to build bridges between Japanese and Saudi societies.
