The 2011 Cherry Blossom Festival and Parade runs Mar. 26 to Apr. 10. During the 15-day festival period, Japanese-themed arts, cultural, historical, and culinary activities dominate the nation's capital. Japan Bowl is one of three signature programs sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Washington, D.C. during the cherry blossom festivities.
Japan Bowl is designed to allow students who have accumulated knowledge of Japan and its language to showcase their accomplishments in a quiz show format.
Cherry blossom season is a favorite time for many Washington, D.C. residents, including my family. Although the centennial isn't until next year, this year promises to be a special cherry blossom year for us. My teenage son has been studying Japanese and will compete in the Japan Bowl; I will be chaperoning his team.
What is the Japan Bowl?
The Japan Bowl is an academic competition with a game show format. Teams of students compete to demonstrate their knowledge of Japanese language, culture, history, geography and current events. The Japan Bowl format is based on "It's Academic," a D.C. televised, high school quiz show.
Who Is Eligible to Compete in the Japan Bowl?
High school students in the United States who study Japanese as a foreign language are eligible to participate in the Japan Bowl. Students form teams of 2-3 contestants, with one team permitted per high school. Students who are native speakers of Japanese or who speak Japanese at home are not eligible to participate.
There are approximately 50,000 U.S. high school students who study Japanese as a foreign language.
What is the Format of the Japan Bowl?
The Japan Bowl qualifying contest consists of two competition rounds and one conversation round. In the conversation round, judges individually assess each team's Japanese-speaking ability. The Japan-America Society provides study materials identifying required vocabulary proficiency and prospective interview topics for the conversation round.
The top 3 teams compete in National Championship Rounds.
Where and When Is Japan Bowl Held?
The Japan Bowl is held at the National 4-H Youth Conference Center in Chevy Chase, Md. Apr. 7 and Apr. 8.
May the Public Attend Japan Bowl?
The National Championship Rounds on Apr. 8 from 2 to 5 p.m. are open to the public. The qualifying rounds are closed to the public.
How are Japan Bowl Winners Recognized?
The winning team is awarded a trip to Japan.
What is the History of the Japan Bowl?
The Japan Bowl was held for the first time during the cherry blossom festivities in 1993. A Japanese language teacher from the Washington, D.C. area masterminded the creation of the Japan Bowl and was awarded The Order of the Precious Crown Apricot in recognition of her contribution to the study of Japanese language and culture.
Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado is Honorary Patron of the Japan Bowl.
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