RESOLUTION NO. RS2017-569

A resolution recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Tennessee Area Japanese Speech Contest.

WHEREAS, on April 1, 2017, prospective participating universities Belmont University, East Tennessee State University, Maryville College, Middle Tennessee State University, Murray State University, University of Memphis, University of Tennessee at Knoxville, University of Tennessee at Martin, University of the South, Sewanee, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Vanderbilt University will gather at Vanderbilt University for the annual Japanese speech contest; and

WHEREAS, the contest was founded by Keiko Nakajima, senior lecturer at Vanderbilt university, in collaboration with Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville; and

WHEREAS, each year, approximately 40 students presented their speeches, and competed in three levels, beginning, intermediate, and advanced and have been supported by Japan affiliated companies and organizations located in Nashville area and beyond. Beginning in 2017, the coordination and execution of the contest will be independently managed by the teachers from the Tennessee area; and

WHEREAS, the contest gives opportunities to the students of Japanese who study at any colleges or universities in Tennessee area to present their language learning outcome, held annually at the end of the academic year, is a platform for contestants to display the culmination of their Japanese language study up until that point, enables further improvement in the contestants’ Japanese language ability through a process that involve skills such as writing and memorization of the speech; and

WHEREAS, the speech contest motivates learners of Japanese to devote themselves with even greater zeal to their studies. In addition, the contest promotes greater intercultural understanding between the U.S. and Japan and encourages interactions/exchanges between participating universities; and

WHREAS, participants in the contests have deepened understanding of Japanese language and culture by listening to the speeches given by their peers and felt immeasurable sense of accomplishment that gave them confidence to challenge difficult tasks in the future and the Grand prize winners were given opportunities to visit Japan and experience real life in Japan; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes Keiko Nakajima, Vanderbilt University, Priya Ananth, Middle Tennessee State University, Kyoko Hammond, University of Tennessee at Martin, Yoko Hatakeyama, Murray State University, Mike Fedele, Mitsui & Co. (U.S.A.), Inc., Consulate-General of Japan, Nashville, The Japan Foundation, Nissan North America, United Airlines, Middle Tennessee Japan Society, JAST (Japan America Society of Tennessee), Brother International, Mr. Japanese, Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. and Tennessee Foreign Language Institute for their contributions and support.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as recognizing the 10th Anniversary of the Tennessee Area Japanese Speech Contest.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Council Office is directed to prepare a copy of this Resolution to those who contributed and supported the 10th annual Tennessee Area Japanese Speech Contest.

Section 3. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Mina Johnson