On November 27, 2025 (Thursday), the English Speech Showcase was held at the Kanazawa Institute of Technology (KIT) campus. This event, held twice a year, provides students with a valuable opportunity to share their experiences and ideas in English. This time, Kotori Mae, a 2nd year student from ICT, joined 11 KIT students and delivered a confident and engaging speech.

 

■Three Key Tips from Her New York Experience

Kotori drew on her valuable experience in New York this summer to encourage students who are considering studying abroad. In her speech, she shared three practical tips for making the most of time overseas.
Her first tip was to actively engage in conversation and enjoy communication. At the beginning, she mostly spent time with fellow Japanese students out of shyness, but gradually started interacting with friends from other countries. By speaking up and taking initiative, she broadened her perspective and experienced unexpected encounters.
Her second tip was to express your thoughts honestly. Instead of using indirect expressions, she learned that speaking openly and directly helped shorten the distance between people and led to deeper connections.
Finally, she advised the audience not to be afraid of challenges and to make the most of every opportunity. By visiting famous local spots and embracing new experiences, she enriched her knowledge and expanded her horizons.
These pieces of advice may sound simple, but coming from someone who has lived through these experiences, her words carried undeniable weight. Her fluent English and confident delivery were clear proof of the effort and growth she achieved through studying abroad. The warm applause that followed her speech reflected how deeply her message resonated with the audience.

■An Event Filled with Energy and Exchange

This year’s Speech Showcase featured highly impressive presentations that captivated the audience. Among the participants, KIT 1st year student, Toya Onishi, received the Best Speaker Award, while KIT 2nd year student, Daiki Hagihara, earned the Best Message Award. The level of the speeches was remarkably high, and the fact that all available slots were filled within a single day shows just how eager students are to participate in this event.

After the event, Kotori was seen interacting with KIT students, enjoying warm conversations with a smile. It was a moment that truly embodied the meaning of “building new circles of communication through English.”

■ICT Students Paving the Way for the Future

Our students have many opportunities to use English in their daily life, and events like this provide a valuable chance to share their knowledge and experiences. Kotori has actively taken on challenges and demonstrated her achievements across different occasions. Her example will not only inspire junior students but also encourage senior students—especially those who have studied in New Zealand—to step forward and share their own stories. As ICT students continue to learn from and inspire one another while taking on new challenges, the doors to the future will open even wider.