"Practice Makes Perfect"

 Note: "Russell's Ken-Bun-Ki" is a series of articles I wrote for my Japanese City Hall newsletter back in 1996. They were articles about life in America or life in Japan as experienced by an American. This one is from September 26, 1996.

Last week, the Aya International Exchange Contest was held. During the English Speech Contest section there were speeches by Elementary School students (4th, 5th, 6th graders) as well as Junior High and Senior High School students as well as adults.  As an attraction the lower grade Elementary School students (1st, 2nd, 3rd) introduce themselves in English or perform a conversation together. (see photo)

Some of this year's Junior High and Senior High School students have been in the town English Classroom since they were in Elementary School. From their childhood they played in English while learning vocabulary and mastered their pronunciation. Their speeches were awesome. Language starts from listening, so when you are a child


The winners are as follows. Congratulations to all! (terms of respect are not included)

Elementary School Students

1. Nakamura Yuichi

2. Teraoka Kazuki

3. Yamamoto Miyabi 

Junior High 1st Graders

1. Sei Takayoshi

2. Shimada Koichi

3. Ikemi Shinji

Junior High 2nd Graders

1. Kumamoto Takuto

2. Momiki Junya 

3. Hiroshige Sachiko

Junior High 3rd Graders

1. Saigo Mizue 

2. Yoshino Rumiko 

3. Ono Yuri 

Adults

1. Morizono Toshihiko 

2. Ogura Nahoko 

3. Shitanda Sachiyo