Three Sacred Hearts Academy students, freshman Isabel Lee, sophomore Sara Tashima and senior Genevieve Tosatto, competed in the 43rd Annual KZOO Japanese Speech Contest at Hawaii Tokai International College on Mar 10.

KZOO is the only Japanese language radio station in Honolulu. The KZOO contest, also known as Nihongo Hanashikata Taikai, was started in 1965 by announcer Keiko Ura. Winners of the contest go on to participate in competitions in Japan.

In the 43rd Annual Hanashikata Taikai, 32 students from public and private high schools, including Punahou, Iolani and Island Pacific Academy, practiced their speaking skills to compete for the first prize in three categories, Japanese I, II and III. Schools are allowed to send three students for each level. The contestants were judged on the content and delivery of the speeches.

“First, the students made an original speech in English and translated it into Japanese. We gave them suggestions, advice and phrases so that it wasn’t too complex. The speech contained what they learned in class and nothing too hard for their level. The last thing the students did to prepare was memorize their speeches. Our job was to fix accents and put in pauses when they spoke,” said teacher Masa Yamaguchi.

Junior Genevieve Tosatto competed in the level one division and earned first place for speaking about her interests of the Japanese language and culture. Freshman Isabel Lee won second place in the level two division as she spoke about her love for music and dance. Sophomore Sara Tashima earned second place for her speech about how she won nationals for the school’s riflery team, what she learned through her experience and how she could apply it in life.

“The students looked and sounded confident when they spoke in front of the judges and other competition. I felt nervous when they first started speaking, but once it approached the end, I felt relief. I am so proud of their dedication and hard work and glad their efforts were rewarded,” said Yamaguchi.

Tashima said, “It was my first time competing in the KZOO Japanese Speech Contest, and it was nerve-wracking. After I finished speaking, I was relieved that I was done. I was surprised and happy that I won second place.”