North Central College to host first-ever Illinois Japan Bowl

North Central College will host the first-ever Illinois Japan Bowl at 9 a.m. Saturday, March 7, in the College’s Heininger Auditorium at the Larrance Academic Center, 309 E. School St.

The Japan Bowl is a nationwide academic competition covering a wide range of topics that tests high school students who are studying the Japanese language. The 2015 Illinois Japan Bowl is open to full-time students who are currently enrolled in Level 3 Japanese language classes at a high school in the state of Illinois. The competition tests not only their knowledge of the language, but also their understanding of pre-modern and modern Japan.

By organizing the first Illinois Japan Bowl, the Japan America Society of Chicago seeks to promote Japan’s rich history through cultural and language education to the community as a whole, as well as support and encourage high school students who have an interest in Japan.

Originating in 1993, more than 200 students from some 30 high schools across the United States participate in the Japan Bowl. Students form teams of three members and the champion team goes on to compete in the National Bowl in Washington, D.C.

The Japan America Society of Chicago has a strong, ongoing relationship with North Central College. Students and faculty have attended and supported the society’s annual Japan Student Network Forum. Omron Management Corporation, a member of the society’s board, also has strong ties with North Central College through its support of the Japanese language education program.

The competition portion of the event is private. For more information, contact the Japan America Society of Chicago at 312-263-3049 or email Ericka Kono at kono@jaschicago.org.

This event is sponsored by Omron and made possible by Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chicago. Other sponsors and supporters include Mazda Foundation, Takeda, MUFG, Advisory Research Investment Management, Joyce Chelberg and Molex.

North Central College is one of the few colleges or universities in Illinois that offers a major in Japanese. With a full range of courses in Japanese for all four years and a vibrant Japanese study abroad program, students study the Japanese culture while improving their reading, writing and speaking skills. Click here to learn more.