2026 Year 7-8 Jikoshowcase

A competition in which entrants write, memorise and film a short self-introduction without notes.

Who: Year 7-8 students of Japanese. Schools may enter a maximum of 5 entrants across both categories (eg, schools may enter 2 beginners and 3 continuers, or 5 continuers, or 5 beginners, or 1 beginner and 4 continuers). Schools will need to carefully read the category definitions and choose the most appropriate category for their students. Students may choose to write their じこしょうかい as themselves, or, take on the persona of a character (real or imagined).

Schools must be a member of JLTASA to enter.

We anticipate a judging panel of 3-4 teachers will assess the entries, with a mix of native and non-native speakers.

Category Explanation

Beginners

Entrants in this category will be fairly new to speaking Japanese, eg having commenced their Japanese studies this year, with minimal experience in the Primary Years, if at all.

Beginners text guide – 5 sentences plus greeting/farewell, for example:

• Salutation/greeting
• Name
• Age
• Live in
• Likes and/or dislikes
• Nationality
• Farewell/closing

CONTINUERS

Entrants in this category will have had experience speaking Japanese throughout Primary School, and/or, have had continued/consistent exposure this year or last at High School. Continuers text should be more complex in terms of length, and/or use of a cohesive device (そして、でも、)

Continuers text guide – 8 sentences plus greeting/farewell, for example:

• Salutation/greeting
• Name
• Age
• Live in and/or born in
• Likes and/or dislikes
• Nationality
• Family explanation (a few sentences)
• Farewell/closing

HERITAGE SPEAKERS

Are not eligible for this competition.

Submission Guidelines

1. Please film the self-introduction in front of a live audience (eg, their class)
2. Students may have a visual (eg something on a powerpoint) if they wish
3. Please be mindful of the file size + quality, ensuring the introduction is audible
4. Students should not read off any notes or script for their filmed entry (they should have it memorised)
5. Please clearly label each file with your school + student name
6. There is flexibility in how you wish to submit your entries – you can try…
   1. Using the JLTASA website e-form (coming soon) to submit the actual file
   2. Using the JLTASA website e-form to submit a word document that contains a link to the file
   3. Sharing a folder with Tom via jltasa@jltasa.asn.au
   4. Something else!

Proposed Criteria

• Text: grammar and accuracy (5 points)
• Cohesion and fluency of speaking (5 points)
• Pronunciation and intonation (5 points)
• Engagement [eye contact, confidence, body language/posture, bow/gestures as appropriate] (5 points)