Latai Toluta’u (19) of Tonga Institute of Education is Tonga’s nominee for a two-weeks study tour to Osaka this year, after winning the 10th Japanese Speech Contest open-category on May 8.

Twenty one students competed in the Form 4, 5, 6 and open category (18+) levels, at St Andrews High School hall.

Japanese Ambassador HE Mr Tetsuya Ishii said in education there are two notable subjects where the popularity of Japanese culture is recognized, especially among the young people of Tonga. Firstly is the study of soroban and secondly, the Japanese language.

In 1986, more than 30 years ago, the Japanese language was introduced to only one school in Tonga. Today, there are seven schools in Tonga teaching the Japanese language, he said.

Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Semisi Sika said the gift of acquiring a new foreign language gives them unique opportunities to learn a new culture, explore new academic pathways, meet new people and make a positive and worthwhile contribution to families, communities and development of Tonga.

He congratulated Japan embarking on a new era and acknowledged its generous continuous support for Tonga's education. 

Winners in other categories were Sela Kaumataili of ‘Eua High School (Form 6), ‘Ilaisaane Katuotua of Tailulu College Vava’u (Form 5) and Latu Mafi, Tonga High School (Form 4). They received other prizes.

The Japanese Speech Contest is an annual event co-hosted by the Embassy of Japan and Tonga’s Ministry of Education and Training.