National Japan Bowl

For over three decades, the National Japan Bowl has recognized and celebrated high school students across the United States who have chosen to study Japanese as their foreign language. As America’s premier Japanese-language competition, the Japan Bowl® inspires students and reinforces the efforts of their teachers and schools. Many alumni of the competition credit it as a key motivator in their professional journeys, including careers in
diplomacy, business, cultural exchange, and education.

This year, JASWDC looks forward to welcoming a grand total of 19 schools, 38 teams, and over 150 students and teachers from across the country for the two-day competition, culminating in the Championship Rounds and Awards Ceremony on April 18. 

The Japan Bowl is a fun and challenging competition where students showcase their knowledge of Japanese language and culture. Competitors are divided into three levels based on their current level of language study, with teams of two to three students representing their schools. Over two days, participants tackle 80 challenging questions, engage in speaking activities, and participate in the championship rounds to determine the national champions. Between rounds, students can attend cultural workshops, network with representatives from Japanese cultural organizations and universities, and explore opportunities for study abroad programs and further Japanese language study. The top winners will receive an invitation to travel to Japan for a week of immersive cultural experiences, including meetings with host families, local students, and dignitaries such as Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the National Japan Bowl’s honorary patron.

Learn more about Japan Bowl at japanbowl.org and @japanbowl on Instagram.

EVENT SCHEDULE

Championship Round: April 18 from 13:30 to 16:30 (EST)
Level 2 – 13:30 to 14:30
Level 3 – 14:30 to 15:30
Level 4 – 15:30 to 16:30
Closing Ceremony: April 18 from 17:00 to 18:00 (EST)

LOCATION
Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)

555 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001

METRO

The SAIS building is a short walk from five different metro stations, accessed best by the Red, Yellow, Orange, and Green lines:

• Archives Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter Station (Green and Yellow Lines) — 4-minute walk
• Gallery Place-Chinatown Station (Green, Yellow and Red Lines) — 12-minute walk
• Federal Triangle Station (Blue, Orange and Silver Lines) — 13-minute walk
• L’Enfant Plaza Station (Orange, Blue, Silver, Green and Yellow Lines) — 13-minute walk
• Judiciary Square Station (Red Line) — 8-minute walk

PARKING
No parking available on-site. Paid street parking is available and several parking garages are located within walking distance of the building.