Core Points - The article highlights the success of two students, Yang Han and Chen Ruyue, who won the special prize at the East China regional final of the 19th National Japanese Speech Contest and will advance to the national finals in Tokyo in March 2026 [1][3]. Summary by Sections Event Overview - The East China regional final of the 19th National Japanese Speech Contest took place on November 8 at Zhejiang Gongshang University, with 29 students from 29 universities in Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Jiangxi participating [1][5]. - The competition consisted of a 5-minute prepared speech on a chosen theme and a 3-minute impromptu speech, with scores based on pronunciation, grammar, content, and expression [1]. Participants' Themes - Both Yang Han and Chen Ruyue chose the theme "My Ideal Hometown" for their speeches [1]. - Yang Han shared a personal experience about regretting not expressing dissent during a group discussion, emphasizing that an ideal hometown is a city free from such constraints [1][3]. - Chen Ruyue described her ideal hometown as a "city that embraces failure," reflecting on her journey from perfectionism to valuing experiences gained from failure [3]. Personal Reflections - Yang Han expressed confidence in the rewards of hard work and acknowledged her progress through continuous practice [3]. - Chen Ruyue emphasized the importance of accurately expressing one's thoughts over using elaborate language, stating her intention to speak sincerely in the finals [3].