TUFS Student Wins Grand Prize at “Filipino Language Speech Contest” Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Normalization of Diplomatic Relations Between Japan and the Philippines

October 1, 2026

On Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the Azabu Community Center (Minato City, Tokyo), Anna Tsukuda (a fourth-year student majoring in Filipino in the School of Language and Culture Studies) won the Grand Prize in the Higher Education Division at the Filipino Language Speech Contest “BUKLOD-WIKA: Tagisan sa Pagtatalumpati sa Wikang Filipino” (organized by the Philippine Embassy in Japan, in cooperation with Minato City, Tokyo).
This contest was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between Japan and the Philippines, which is being observed this year, as well as the Philippines’ “Language Month” (August). Ms. Tsukuda delivered her original speech titled “Why Do We Learn Filipino?” and demonstrated the results of her daily studies and her high proficiency in the Filipino language.
At the ceremony, the university’s Philippine Folk Dance Club performed a dance, adding a touch of splendor to the program.

The press coverage by the Philippine Embassy can be viewed here.

Comment from Anna Tsukuda

This past August, I competed in the higher education division of the “Filipino Language Speech Contest” hosted by the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Japan. This contest was held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Japan. I am truly delighted to have competed on such a memorable stage representing our university and to have achieved first place.
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the professors who guided me and to my friends and family who supported me. In particular, I am filled with gratitude for the professors in the Filipino Studies program, who teach us students about the various charms of the Philippines—not only its “language” but also its “culture” and “society”—with love and enthusiasm. The speech I delivered at this contest, titled “Why Do We Learn Filipino?”, could not have been completed without my studies at this university.
Furthermore, through participating in this competition, I not only deepened my understanding of Filipino pronunciation and grammar but also had the privilege of experiencing valuable opportunities I had never encountered before, such as media interviews in both the Philippines and Japan and interactions with renowned authors. I sincerely hope that my juniors in the Filipino Studies program will also actively seek out and take on such challenges. Through this experience, I have once again realized the joy of learning Filipino and the wonderful opportunities available at our university.

 (This text was translated by AI.)