Japanese Language Education Student Wins Favorite Award at the 6th Sakura Cup Japanese Speech Contest

Singaraja, February 23, 2025 – A remarkable achievement was made by a student from the Japanese Language Education Study Program, Faculty of Languages and Arts, Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha), at the 6th Sakura Cup Japanese Speech Contest. The competition was organized by the Japan-Bali Friendship Foundation, Bali Japan Club, and the Consulate General of Japan in Denpasar.

Undiksha’s Japanese Language Education Study Program sent three students to compete in the speech script selection stage of the competition. Based on the results announced on January 27, 2025, two students, Kadek Mira Juni Aryani and Ida Bagus Made Pramana Pradnyana, advanced to the final round. They were invited to Kuta, Badung, on February 23, 2025, to deliver their speeches in front of the judges.

In the final round, Kadek Mira Juni Aryani won the Favorite Award in the university and general category. Her speech, titled トンボたちはどこへ行ったんだろう？(Where Have the Dragonflies Gone?), highlighted the gradual decline of dragonfly populations. Through her speech, Mira expressed both her nostalgia and concern for the environment, demonstrating her deep awareness of ecological changes.

This achievement was made possible through the guidance of her academic advisor, I Kadek Antartika, S.S., M.Hum., who provided mentorship in scriptwriting and speech delivery. Additional support came from Kako Shintani, an intern from Ohkagakuen University, who helped refine Mira’s speech and pronunciation (hatsuon).

This accomplishment reflects Undiksha’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and encouraging students to compete at the national level.