“Discovering Japan” – A playing field that ignites a passion for the Japanese language

“Discovering Japan” is an annual activity of the Faculty of Oriental Languages and Cultures, specially designed for students majoring in Japanese Studies and the Japanese Language programme to hone their professional knowledge, improve their foreign language ability, and at the same time spread the distinctive values of the culture of the land of cherry blossoms. It is also one of the standout highlights in the Faculty’s series of academic activities, helping to bring a dynamic and experience-rich learning environment to students at HUFLIT.

In particular, the support of the MANABI Japanese Language Academy not only helped raise the professional quality of the contest but also opened up many opportunities for study and hands-on experience in Japan for students.

The final round: Where knowledge and skills are tested by fire

Right from the qualifying round, the contest attracted a large number of teams registering to take part. After a careful selection process, the finest teams officially entered the final round with a confident spirit and high determination.

In the final round, the teams went through a series of engaging rounds one by one:

• In the Warm-up round, the teams demonstrated their firm grasp of general knowledge about Japanese culture, society and people by quickly answering questions. The hall’s atmosphere kept “heating up” through dramatic contests, showing the teams’ quick wits and solid knowledge base.
• The Presentation and Performance round: the teams made the most of their creativity by combining Japanese language skills with lively forms of expression such as drama, music, illustrative video and more. The impressive presentations not only won over the judging panel but also received enthusiastic encouragement from the audience.

Serious investment, effective teamwork and a confident style of expression helped the teams deliver colourful performances, clearly showing the mettle and individual character of HUFLIT’s Japanese-major students.

A journey to Japan awaits the champion

Closing the contest, the Organising Committee awarded First Prize to team Hikari for its outstanding, all-round performance across the rounds. In particular, the prize for the champion team is a two-week short study tour in Japan sponsored by the MANABI Japanese Language Academy – a precious opportunity for students to directly experience the local learning environment and culture.

Discovering Japan: A playing field that builds knowledge and tempers skills

More than just a contest, “Discovering Japan 6” is also a journey that helps students:

+ Develop communication and presentation skills in Japanese

+ Consolidate cultural and social knowledge, and more

+ Enhance creative thinking and teamwork ability

+ Experience an academic environment tied to practice

Through contests such as “Discovering Japan 6”, HUFLIT students in the Foreign Languages and Culture field group in general, and Japanese-major students in particular, are becoming increasingly confident, dynamic and ready for international integration. This is also clear proof of the training orientation tying knowledge – skills – experience together that the university always aims for.