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"Shine Your Life
For Tomorrow"
Book of Speeches
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Chiran Speech Contest
High School Division
High school students have participated in the Chiran Speech Contest since its
beginning in 1990. Over 1,200 students entered the contest in 2004. Students apply
from all over Japan, but about ninety percent of the entrants live in Kagoshima
Prefecture, where Chiran Town is located.
The Japanese Army used Chiran Air Base for planes departing to make kamikaze
attacks on Allied ships near Okinawa. The residents of Chiran strongly feel they
must work toward realization of a society that loves peace and that respects
each and every life. Chiran Town established an annual speech contest with
this goal in mind.
High school students submit draft speeches on topics related to the preciousness of life and the importance of peace.
A selection committee then reviews the speeches to select four students who will
travel to Chiran Town with all expenses paid in order to give their speeches on
August 15, the date of Japan's surrender in World War II. The first-prize winner in the high
school division receives a prize of 200 thousand yen (US$1,800). The second-prize and two third-prize winners receive
150 thousand
yen and 100 thousand yen, respectively. Each winner also gets a certificate
of commendation and a bronze trophy.
This web site presents English translations of selected winning speeches from
prior years:
- Everyone for a Peaceful World, Miki Nagatomo,
Honorable Mention, 2002
- June's Thoughts of Life, Noe Yonamine,
First Prize, 2002
- Peace and the Dignity of Life: What My Uncle Taught Me,
Tomomi Kimura,
Honorable Mention, 2002
- Peace Bridge to the Future, Shoko Nakama,
Honorable Mention, 2002
- Power in a Smile, Tomoyo Kawasaki, Third Prize,
2002
- They and I, Hiromi Nomura, Third Prize, 2002
- To the Sky, Hiroyuki Beppu, Second Prize, 2002
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