On February 24th, Shinjuku Japanese Language School held its 2023 Speech and Performance Contest at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center. This event showcased performances that students and faculty had been practicing for several weeks in front of the entire school.

In the days leading up to the event, students and staff could be seen practicing in empty classrooms between classes and work, with a palpable sense of nervousness in the air.

On the day of the event, many people gathered at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center, a frequently used venue for the school, and the seats in front of the stage gradually filled up. Behind the scenes, in addition to the staff, students from the Tourism Business Class worked hard as event staff.

Students performed speeches and plays they had developed in class, sang J-pop and anime songs, and enjoyed themselves in cosplay costumes.

During the intermission, there was a voting session for the SNG mascot drawings created by students, and at the end, staff and students came together to deliver a moving group performance. The event was so touching that some participants were seen shedding tears.

To everyone who took the stage and all the staff members, we will never forget this wonderful experience. We sincerely thank you and appreciate your efforts. Great job! We look forward to the next event!