Houston, TX — March 7, 2026 — The Japan-America Society of Houston (JASH) and Consulate-General of Japan in Houston co-hosted the 2026 Texas State Japanese Language Speech Contest.
35 contestants, representing the winners of the Austin, Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio regional speech contests gathered at Rice University to demonstrate their Japanese language proficiency through the reciting of poetry and the presentation of original haikus, speeches, and presentations.
This year’s contest theme was Kabuki, and students learned the well-known Japanese phrase 見得を切る (mie o kiru). While it literally means to “strike a pose”, it is now used in everyday Japanese to describe someone speaking or acting with great confidence. Students were encouraged to channel their inner kabuki actor and to embrace their moment on the stage.
All students walked away with participation gifts, including an Ukiyoe sensu and were given opportunities to sample delicious Japanese snacks courtesy of Daido Market and cream puffs courtesy of Beard Papa’s Katy.
Winners of the POETRY DIVISION received Target gift certificates courtesy of the Japanese Teachers Association of Texas (JTAT).
Winners of the HAIKU DIVISION received Kinokuniya Books gift certificates from JASH.
Winners of the H.S. FREE SPEECH AURORA DIVISION received scholarships from the Japanese Association of Greater Houston (JGAH): $500 for 1st Place, $300 for 2nd place, and $200 for 3rd Place.
Winners of the COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY FREE SPEECH DIVISION received scholarships from JASH: $800 for 1st Place, $500 for 2nd Place, $300 for 3rd Place.
Winner of the OPEN DIVISION received a $500 Flightgift gift certificate for use on ZipAir.
It is JASH’s hope that the Contest will continue to inspire and motivate students to excel in their Japanese studies.
Please meet the 2026 Contest winners and supporters (photographs to come):