パキスタン日本文化協会（PJCA）日本語弁論大会（令和5年3月21日）

On March 21, 2023, the 37th Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at the Japan Information and Culture Center, jointly organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Karachi and the Pakistan Japanese Cultural Association Sindh (PJCA).
 
Seven Pakistani students from different levels of Japanese language courses participated in the speech contest.
 
PJCA President Madam Sadia Rashid said that learning a foreign language is not an easy task, but she hopes that young people will learn to appreciate a country's culture and way of thinking through language study, and gain a broader perspective and experience for their own personal growth.
 
Mr. Toshio Odagiri, Consul General of Japan in Karachi, addressed the participants, expressing his great expectations and interest in the competition and his surprise that the speech topics chosen by the contestants were all very challenging and interesting. The Consul General said that some of the contestants may go on to study at Japanese universities or work for Japanese companies in the future, but whatever path they take, he hopes that they will play an active role in helping the country and its people, and that they will serve as a bridge between Pakistan and Japan.
 
All of the contestants demonstrated their excellent Japanese language skills, which they have cultivated over the past six months of study, and captivated the audience. All the judges were overwhelmed by the high level of speeches of the Karachi contestants and praised them. Certificates and prizes were awarded to the speech contest participants and Japanese language learners.