‘Eua High School students won the Form 6 and open categories of the 2025 Japanese Speech Contest on Friday, 12 September at Tailulu College Hall, Nuku’alofa. The Form 5 level was won by Mele’unga Lolohea of Tailulu College and Form 4 by Mauiana Lemoto of Tonga High School.
Twenty-four students participated in the 2025 Japanese Speech Contest, from seven schools, including students from Vava’u and ‘Eua High School.
The Ambassador of Japan to Tonga, HE Inagaki Hisao, told students that learning the foreign language can be challenging, but the benefits are significant.
“I know that learning a foreign language isn’t always easy, and it can take hours of study, but the rewards are great. You can now see Japan and Japanese culture from a new perspective. You can read Japanese manga, watch Japanese animated films, and listen to Japanese pop music,” said Ambassador of Japan to Tonga.
“Language is more than just words — it reflects culture, values, and ways of thinking. By learning Japanese, students gain a deeper understanding of Japan and its people, and help build bridges between our two nations,” he said.
The speech contest was in four categories: Form 4, Form 5, Form 6, and an Open category for 18 years old and older. The schools competing were Tonga High School, ‘Eua High School, Vava’u High School, Tonga College, Tailulu College, and St. Andrews High School.
Mr. Miyamoto Hideharu, President of the Narita Airport Business Company sponsored the 2025 Japanese Speech Contest. Also attending the contest were the Minister for Education and Training, Hon. Dr ‘Uhilamoelangi Fasi, and Vice-Chancellor of Tonga National University, Dr. Giulio Masasso Pāunga, and high school principals.
Contest result
Open (age 18+)
1st prize – Mele Taufa (‘Eua High College)
2nd prize – Kolo’one Mavea (Tonga High College)
3rd prize – Marilyn Vaka (Tonga High School)
Form 6
1st prize – Lolononga Epui (‘Eua High College)
2nd prize – Esther Tupola (Tonga High College)
3rd prize – Caroline Tumua (St. Andrew High School)
Form 5
1st prize – Mele’unga Lolohea (Tailulu College)
2nd prize – Maama Lomu (Queen Salote College)
3rd prize – Malia Hafoka (‘Eua High School)
Form 4
1st prize – Mauiana Lemoto (Tonga High School)
2nd prize – Pelenaise Funaki (Tailulu College)
3rd prize – ‘Ilisapesi Sakalia (Queen Salote College)
In Tonga, the Japanese language is taught in seven high schools and the School of Education at the Tonga National University.
Japan and Tonga have fostered a long-standing friendship through exchanges between the Japan’s Imperial Household and Tonga’s Royal Household, and have diplomatic relations for 55 years now.
AloJapan.com