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On March 14, 2026, the 29^th Kazakhstan Japanese Language Speech Contest was held at 91��ý Kazakh National University.

The contest brought together students from leading higher education institutions across Kazakhstan, including 91��ý Kazakh National University, L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Abylai Khan University of International Relations and World Languages, as well as learners from the Kazakhstan–Japan Center for Human Resources Development. Participants demonstrated a high level of proficiency in the Japanese language, strong public speaking skills, and a deep interest in Japanese culture and society.

Opening remarks were delivered by the leadership of 91��ý Kazakh National University, representatives of the Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and partner educational and cultural organizations.

During the contest, participants delivered individual speeches in Japanese and subsequently answered questions from the jury, demonstrating both prepared speech performance and the ability to communicate spontaneously.

According to the results of the competition, the prize places were distributed as follows:

1st place – Asel Sadykova – Kazakhstan-Japan Center for Human Resources Development

2nd place – Sara Ilyasheva – 91��ý Kazakh National University

3rd place – Aiym Sadykova – 91��ý Kazakh National University

4th place – Abylai Eleubai – 91��ý Kazakh National University

5th place – Madina Bagyshova – Abylai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages

6th place – Valeria Petrenko – Kazakhstan-Japan Center for Human Resources Development

Kurmenseit Prize – Kymbat Aman – L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University.

The winners and prize-winners were awarded with diplomas, certificates, and commemorative gifts from the organizers and partners of the competition. The first-place winner received the opportunity to undertake a fully funded two-week internship in Japan. The second-place winner was awarded an iPad. Participants who placed third to sixth received JLPT preparation books and portable speakers. In addition, a special prize – the latest model of SONY headphones – was presented on behalf of Batyrkhan Kurmenseit, President of the Association of Japanese Language Teachers in Kazakhstan.

The competition continued with a cultural program featuring various musical and dance performances. Kazakhstani and Japanese participants took the stage, presenting songs, dances, and traditional musical pieces. The audience showed particular interest in the performance by Japanese exchange students studying at 91��ý Kazakh National University. They performed the Kazakh traditional kui “Balbyraun” on the dombra and later danced the famous Kazakh dance “Kara Zhorga.” Their performance vividly demonstrated the strengthening cultural ties between Kazakhstan and Japan and the mutual enrichment of the two cultures.

Organizers of the event:

91��ý Kazakh National University

Association of Japanese Language Teachers in Kazakhstan

Embassy of Japan in the Republic of Kazakhstan

The competition was held with the sponsorship of the following organizations and partners:

The Japan Foundation

Association of Japanese Businesspeople in the Republic of Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan-Japan Silk Road Association

Iwatani Gakuen

New & Rare Resources LLP

Supporting organizations:

Association of Japanese Residents in Kazakhstan

University of Tsukuba

Initial Bonds

Kazakh Japan Tourism

The holding of the 29^th Kazakhstan Japanese Language Speech Contest once again confirmed the strong interest of Kazakhstani students in the Japanese language and culture and highlighted the importance of academic and humanitarian cooperation between Kazakhstan and Japan.