On November 4, Okayama University held the "8th Okayama Cup Japanese Speech Contest" online, connecting universities in Northeast China and six national universities in Japan (Chiba University, Niigata University, Kanazawa University, Okayama University, Nagasaki University, and Kumamoto University).
　
This speech contest has been held annually in China since 2014 in cooperation with the Six National Universities International Education, Research System (SixERS), the Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang, and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS) Beijing Representative Office to encourage students studying Japanese at universities in the three provinces of Northeast China (Heilongjiang, Jilin, and Liaoning) and strengthen relations between Japanese and Chinese universities. However, due to the ongoing impact of COVID-19, the event has been held online since last year with the cooperation of related organizations.

Continuing from last year, student volunteers and staff from Northeast Normal University (Changchun, Jilin Province, China) supported the operation in China.
In addition to the competitive speech category, a recitation category was added last year so that Japanese language learners with varying levels of proficiency can participate. This year, 34 students from 9 universities applied. A total of 10 students, 5 from each category selected in the first round of video screening, gave presentations in front of audiences from the three northeastern provinces and six national universities who participated online.
　
The judging was conducted by Consul General KATAE Takashi of the Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang, Vice President for International Affairs SUZUKI Takayoshi of Okayama University, and faculty members from the six national universities. After a rigorous screening process, Xie Mengyuanof Dalian University of Technology was selected as the grand prize winner in the speech category, and Jiang Jin of Dalian University of Foreign Languages was selected as the grand prize winner in the recitation category, receiving a study trip to Okayama University as a complimentary prize. In addition, as a special award, the Consulate-General of Japan in Shenyang selected Jiang Qingwe of Dalian University of Foreign Languages for the Consul General’s Award, which was presented by Consul General KATAE.

Based on more than 30 years of exchange with universities in Northeastern China, Okayama University will continue to promote academic exchange among Okayama University, SixERS, and universities in Northeastern China, and encourage students to serve as a bridges for friendship between Japan and China.

Six National Universities International Education, Research System (SixERS)
Established in the Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan, this organization promotes collaboration and cooperation in international activities among the Six National Universities. Vice President for International Affairs SUZUKI Takayoshi of Okayama University serves as the director of the organization.

The Consortium of Six National Universities in Japan
The Consortium was established in March 2013 for the purpose of further strengthening functions of education, academic research, social contribution, etc., and promoting human resource development and upgrading academic research to lead global society through cooperation among the six national universities, while respecting their independence and self-reliance.