Yuan Ze University’s Department of Applied Foreign Languages Built an English–Japanese Bilingual Performance Platform

To enhance senior high school students’ interest in Japanese-language learning and to create a diverse performance platform, the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Yuan Ze University held the 2026 Northern Taiwan (Taipei–New Taipei–Keelung–Taoyuan–Hsinchu–Miaoli) Senior High School Japanese Singing Contest on March 14.

The event attracted enthusiastic participation from students of multiple schools, including Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School, Wuling Senior High School, Jin-Ou Girls’ Senior High School, and the Affiliated Senior High School of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, showcasing young learners’ passion for language learning and music.

The competition atmosphere was vibrant and energetic. Contestants carefully selected Japanese songs across a wide range of genres, including pop music, anime theme songs, and lyrical ballads. In addition to demonstrating stable vocal performance, participants also delivered impressive results in pronunciation accuracy and emotional interpretation. The judges noted that many contestants had already reached a high standard in both stage presence and language use, making their performances particularly remarkable. Ultimately, Yi-Chieh Teng from Huajiang Senior High School won first place, Chi-Chen Tai from Hsinchu Girls’ Senior High School received second place, and Hsin-Chieh Chen, also from Huajiang Senior High School, earned third place, all demonstrating outstanding ability.

The event also highlighted the long-term achievements of the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Yuan Ze University in cultivating language education and promoting international exchange. With English–Japanese bilingual education as its core development focus, the department emphasized both language proficiency and cross-cultural literacy. Through diversified course design and practice-oriented teaching, it cultivated students’ professional competencies in translation, international communication, and cultural understanding. For this competition, intern teachers from Akita International University, Japan, were specially invited to serve as judges and hosts. In addition, Japanese faculty member Kazuaki Nakazawa and professional singer Hung-Mei Chang jointly participated in the judging process, allowing students to engage directly with an authentic language environment and further deepen their learning outcomes.

Yi-Chung Ko, Director of the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Yuan Ze University, stated that the department had continuously developed learning platforms that integrated language proficiency with expressive skills through competitions, international exchange programs, and interdisciplinary activities. In addition to expanding the number of awards this year, the department also planned to introduce English–Japanese bilingual singing competitions in the future. By combining language learning with performing arts, these initiatives aimed to enhance students’ learning motivation and self-confidence while aligning with future career development needs.

The organizers noted that the Department of Applied Foreign Languages at Yuan Ze University had long been committed to creating diverse learning contexts, enabling students to apply their language skills in real-life situations and on stage through both on-campus and off-campus activities. With the strong support of faculty members, students, and alumni, the event concluded successfully. The department continued to promote related activities, further strengthening its distinctive strengths in language education, expanding students’ international perspectives, and cultivating foreign language professionals with strong cross-cultural competitiveness.