Hiromi Elliston-Sensei’s Students Shine at the 2025 Japanese Language Contest in Kansas City - International Bears

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International Programs at Missouri State University

Hiromi Elliston-Sensei’s Students Shine at the 2025 Japanese Language Contest in Kansas City

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The 27th Annual Japanese Language Contest, held on March 8th, 2025, in Kansas City, was a remarkable success for Hiromi Elliston-sensei’s students from the Foreign Language Institute at Missouri State University. Competing in a range of linguistic and cultural events, the students demonstrated their exceptional skills, earning 10 prestigious awards across eight categories.

The contest, a platform for students to showcase their proficiency in the Japanese language and culture, featured events such as grammar and vocabulary quizzes, creative writing, and cultural projects. Hiromi-sensei’s students stood out for their deep understanding of the language and their appreciation for Japanese culture.

Key Achievements:

  • Steven Palmesano (JPN 102): 1st place in JLPT N5 Vocabulary and Grammar Quiz, 1st place in Kanji Karuta (N5)
  • Jimi Frazier (JPN 202): 2nd place in JLPT N4 Vocabulary and Grammar Quiz, 1st place in Kanji Karuta (N4)
  • KaMara Brown (JPN 202): 3rd place in Tanka Poem (Japanese)
  • Nicholas Talbot (JPN 102): 1st place in Tanka Poem (English)
  • Jordy Vestal (JPN 102): 2nd place in Kanji Karuta (N5)
  • Zane Wigton (JPN 102): 3rd place in Kanji Karuta (N5)
  • Mark Tsitsyura (JPN 202): 3rd place in Kanji Karuta (N3)

FLI students were thrilled to receive their certificates and prizes at the Japanese Language Contest.

In addition to language competitions, students contributed creatively, with Ally Vestal’s design being selected as the official t-shirt for the contest. Her artwork became a symbol of the 2025 event, making her stand out among the competitors.

Teacher Hiromi Elliston and her students were proud to showcase their official contest t-shirts.

A powerful Wadaiko drumming performance added a unique cultural touch to the event, energizing the crowd and deepening the students’ cultural experience.

The success at the 2025 Japanese Language Contest is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and passion of Hiromi-sensei’s students. Their exceptional performances across multiple categories not only demonstrate their language proficiency but also reflect their deep appreciation for Japanese culture. This impressive achievement highlights the strength of the Foreign Language Institute’s program and sets a high benchmark for future participants. With such a talented group of students, the future of the program looks incredibly promising, and even greater accomplishments are undoubtedly on the horizon.