October 29^th, 2025    The Komaru Koutsu Foundation (Headquarters: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Chief Director: Shigehiro Komaru), in collaboration with Fukuyama City University and Sonoma State University, held the Third Japanese Composition Speech Contest at Sonoma State University in California on October 28. The event welcomed Mr. Takeshi Ishihara, Deputy Consul General of Japan in San Francisco, as an honored guest and received special sponsorship from Fukuyama Transporting Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture; Chairman: Shigehiro Komaru).

The contest was established to promote greater awareness of traffic safety in the United States, focusing on the theme of “Transportation.” Nine university students delivered speeches in Japanese on topics related to traffic and safety. Ms. Renee Zhang from California State University, Sacramento, won the Grand Prize for her presentation, which emphasized that “distracted driving caused by smartphone use often begins with a moment’s carelessness, and it is crucial for each individual to raise their awareness.”

Through the Japanese Composition Speech Contest, the Foundation aims to continue promoting traffic safety awareness, deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the United States, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between the two nations.

Founded on September 9, 2013, the Komaru Koutsu Foundation is dedicated to promoting traffic safety and preventing accidents. The Foundation conducts educational programs in schools across Japan and implements a variety of initiatives to enhance road safety. In support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), it also provides opportunities for international students studying Japanese to share their learning through composition and speech contests?encouraging both traffic safety awareness and cross-cultural exchange.

【Applicable sustainable Development Goals】

(Venue of the Third Japanese Composition Speech Contest in the U.S.)

(From left to right: Dr. Emily F. Cutler, President of Sonoma State University; Ms. Renee Zhang, California State University, Sacramento; and Mr. Shigehiro Komaru, Chief Director of the Komaru Koutsu Foundation)

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