At 15, Soichiro Inoue still cannot believe that his first trip outside Japan has brought the remarkable English language speaker to Christ’s College.

His prize for impressing the judges in the 75th H.I.H. Prince Takamado Trophy All Japan Inter-Middle School English Oratorical Contest in Tokyo is the New Zealand Embassy-facilitated trip to Christchurch. Misa Kitaoka, the Director of Education at Education New Zealand in Japan, has fostered the educational connection with Christ’s College.

“It is definitely a prestigious prize,” the Year 11 student says. “I was so happy when I found out that I was going to New Zealand. I really have enjoyed my time in Christchurch and at Christ’s College, along with loving being in Flower’s House with all the boarders.”

A third-year student at Takaki Junior High School in Kasugai, Aichi Prefecture, Soichiro’s speech was titled ‘Stepping into Someone Else’s Shoes’. It was based on his experience of debating in English since the first year of junior high school.

He believes that debating “is about embracing multiple perspectives, and understanding the thoughts and feelings of others” and that by nurturing this skill, “we can cultivate understanding and pave the way for compromise, harmony, and peace”.

Commemorating its 75th edition this year, the premier domestic English oratorical contest – supported by the Imperial House of Japan – is open to junior high school students and has featured several alumni who have made significant contributions to society. Japan’s Princess Takamado serves as the Honorary President.

“I entered the competition, in part, because my mother said ‘you should try’, but I also really like talking, speaking about certain issues, and I enjoy competitive debating,” Soichiro explains. “I like talking about different things with other people and I thought this could be fun and interesting.

“I didn’t know about the prize but, of course, I was so happy when I found out. It is a prefectural competition, with regional representatives then going to the semi-final contest in Tokyo. You must speak in English all the time.”

From Nagoya, Soichiro discovered his love of language at age six, when his mother introduced him to DVDs in English. He then did conversational English online with teachers from other countries during his elementary school years.

“Not many people learn English in Japan but Mum thought it would be good for me to learn and that it could be beneficial to my career,” he says. “Knowing English is an advantage and I hope to study political science. My younger sister speaks English, too, but my parents do not speak any English at all.

“I have been speaking English all the time at College, even when spending time with other Japanese students. Flower’s House is brilliant and full of good people. I definitely have enjoyed the boys, and, if I have the opportunity, I want to come back and meet everyone again. Being able to be with your friends all the time in the boarding House really is fun.”

Soichiro also has been surprised by the class sizes at College, and the opportunities to learn.

“Putting the curriculum aside, one thing here that is so different is the class size of about 20 students,” he says. “In Japan, there are about 40 students. In New Zealand, it is easier for students to ask questions and easier for teachers to teach us all. In Japan, we have one classroom and always the same classmates, just different teachers come to us.”

Soichiro has made the most of his time in Upper West, impressed by the gymnasium as a basketball fan. He also has spent time exploring the city, discovering meat pies and the Riverside Market. He credits International Student Manager Sarah Davidson and Flower’s House Matron Karen Adams for their positive roles during his stay.

“Karen took me to Akaroa, which was great, and we saw dolphins,” he says. “It was really beautiful. And I appreciate Mrs Davidson for organising everything, and the support of my House buddy, Jan-Adriaan Van Wyk, and all the Year 11 boys in Flower’s House.

“I definitely want to come back for longer. It has been a completely different experience and I have learnt a lot. It really has widened my perspective and I have experienced a lot of things that I cannot do in Japan. Leaving on my first international trip felt strange, and coming from summer into winter, but I made many good friends in Flower’s House and around the school. I hope to return and do – and see – more of New Zealand.”