Fugalaau Mafi (18) of Tonga High School is Tonga’s nominee for a two-week study tour to Japan this year, after winning the 9th Japanese Speech Contest open-category on May 25 at Tanoa Hotel.

She would travel to Osaka to participate in a Japanese Language Program for overseas students in September.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said the popularity growth of the Japanese language, especially among young people is a symbol of the sound friendship between Tonga and Japan.

More than 30-years-ago, Japanese language was introduced to one school in Tonga. Now there are eight teaching it, he said.

A total of 26 students competed from Form 4-6 level and an open category for 18-year-old plus, from seven secondary schools and one tertiary, Tonga Institute of Education.

Winners of each level were Arial Sanchez also of Tonga High School won the speech for open category, Konifelenisi Fifita from Vava’u High School won for Form 6, Sione Taufo’ou of Tonga College won the Form 5 and Petulisa Finau of Vava’u High School won Form 4. They were awarded Japanese school materials.

Competitors were from ‘Eua High School, Vava’u High School, Tonga High School, Tonga College, Tailulu College Tongatapu,Tailulu College Vava’u and St Andrews High School.