JAPAN Forward launched its “Ignite” series of English compositions to directly share the voices of students in Japan with their global peers. St Paul’s University student Miu Goto is one. She directly tackles the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) speech contest’s motto, “Let’s communicate with the world,” including those of other cultures. Communication isn’t just about words, and language differences do not have to be a barrier. It’s also about attitude, she emphasizes. By offering to share your time and guide visitors to an understanding of local norms, you keep them from feeling excluded and enhance the opportunity for real cultural understanding, instead of conflict.
Her speech won the 2nd Prize in the 3rd annual contest in 2025. Do you sometimes get annoyed by or try to speak to foreigners? Please share your thoughts below, but first, let’s listen.
Thirty-eighth in the Series, ‘Ignite’
Miu Goto, 2nd Prize Winner of the 3rd IIBC University Student English Speech Contest
Watch Miu Goto give her presentation in English:
About the Winner:
When University of Tokyo student Miu Goto lived overseas, she learned that her casual comment had deeply offended a friend. How she came to understand her mistake shaped her approach to helping foreigners overcome cultural differences. Both sides can benefit from her mindfully generous approach of bringing outsiders into the culture. She emphasizes sharing knowledge with them, not shaming them or ignoring the irritations they cause. After listening to her speech, let us know how you would handle the challenge.
Upon winning the 2nd Prize in the 3rd annual IIBC English Contest in 2025, Miu Goto also shared this comment:
“I was incredibly nervous before my very first speech contest. However, I am delighted to have had the opportunity to share a topic I am passionate about in English. I sincerely hope that my words resonated, even in a small way, with everyone who listened. And, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who supported me.”
Miu Goto (©IIBC)
About the Speech Contest
The “IIBC University Student English Speech Contest” is a nationwide contest for university students, organized by the organization that administers the TOEIC® Program. Miu Goto’s presentation is from the contest’s 3rd edition in May, 2025. To learn more or to participate in the future, see the IIBC homepage.
Explaining the contest, IIBC says, “In this globalized era, leading people in the direction they desire requires logical thinking, appropriate word choice, and skillful use of voice and body language.
“IIBC supports English speech activities that utilize these skills and provide a platform for communication, thereby contributing to the creation of global talent that ‘connects the world.'”
Feel free to join the conversation by leaving comments on the topic in the comment box below.
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Author: Miu Goto, Student,
University of Tokyo
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