NEWS

ICU Student Wins the 19th Annual Student Interpretation Contest

Update: December 8, 2025

On November 29, 2025, Kana Matsuda (4th year student，College of Liberal Arts, Double major：Media, Communication and Culture,Sociology) won the 19th Annual Student Interpretation Contest hosted by Nagoya University of Foreign Studies. This year's contest, held under the theme "Can we have world peace? Overcoming conflict, violence and disparity," brought together students representing eight universities from across Japan. Participants consecutively interpreted speeches delivered in Japanese and English, competing on accuracy and expressiveness. Matsuda also previously won first place in the student division of the Simultaneous Interpreting Grand Prix organized by the Japan Association of Conference Interpreters (JACI) in June of this year.

【Comments by Kana Matsuda】

It was an honor to have had the opportunity to participate in the 19th Annual Student Interpretation Contest. Having watched the incredible performances of the ICU students who have won this contest in the past, I was extremely nervous when I was selected to compete this year. However, thanks to the guidance of Professor Tomoko Tamura and the support of my classmates and family, I was able to enjoy the preparation leading up to the event.
The other competitors and I encouraged and celebrated one another throughout the competition, and also had the opportunity to receive the judges' valuable feedback. Through this experience, I felt myself drawn even more to the act of "interpreting."
I am truly grateful for this opportunity. All glory to God!