In view of the importance Japan gives to its relationship with South Asian countries, Japan has been participating in the SAARC Summit as an observer. Under this recognition, the 1st South Asian Japanese Language Speech Contest is being organized on 17 March 2010 (Wednesday), at the India International Centre Auditorium, New Delhi, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

The event is sponsored by the South Asian Federation of Japanese Universities Alumni Associations (SAFJUAA), with participants consisting of five alumni from South Asian countries (Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), and supported by the Embassy of Japan, New Delhi, and the Japan Foundation, New Delhi.

The contest has two separate categories, namely, Junior and Senior. The former is open to those who have studied Japanese Language for less than 500 hours, and the latter to those who have studied Japanese Language for more than 500 but less than 1,500 hours. All participants of this contest have won the regional Japanese Language speech contests in their respective countries.

The South Asian Japanese Language Speech Contest presents a good opportunity to further promote people-to-people exchange between Japan and the South Asian countries, as also within the South Asian region. Besides, it would act as an incentive for Japanese Language students to further improve their Japanese language skills.