About 30 Japanese-speaking students will compete in Rockhampton this weekend as part of the Meikai ~ Asahi ~ Central Queensland University Fifth Annual Japanese Speaking Festival.

The competition, open to all Australian resident Year 10, 11 and 12 students and immersion students of Japanese, has attracted entries from Brisbane, Townsville, Mackay, Biloela and Rockhampton.

Heats and finals will be held at CQU Rockhampton this weekend. The competition has been held in Brisbane in previous years.

There are four major prizes of a fully-funded trip to Japan, courtesy of Meikai and Asahi Universities. Minor prizes will be awarded to all finalists.

Event coordinator Kerry Fesuk said competitors are encouraged to incorporate props, visual aids or other creative strategies to enhance an original speech, oral presentation, dramatic performance or other creative form of presentation.

Ms Fesuk said finalists will be required to interact in Japanese with the judges about their speeches/presentations.

The major prize winners will represent Australia in the International Nihongo Forum 2004 during their visit to Japan. The Forum, aimed at encouraging development in Japanese language education for students of Japanese living in Korea, Taiwan, China and Australia, will be held at Meikai University (Tokyo area).ENDS For more information, contact Kerry Fesuk - tel: 4930 9188.