WASHINGTON, DC (March 21, 2025) – The Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASWDC) is thrilled to announce that the 33rd National Japan Bowl® competition will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 4-5, 2025, at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) in downtown Washington, DC. JASWDC is honored to partner with the Edwin O. Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies to host this year’s event.  

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.  

The 2025 event marks the first time ever that the National Japan Bowl has been held in downtown Washington, D.C., providing students with the unique opportunity to explore the nation’s capital, visit historical landmarks, and connect with peers in a culturally vibrant setting. JASWDC looks forward to welcoming approximately 200 students and teachers from across the country for the two-day competition, culminating in the Championship Rounds and Awards Ceremony on April 5.  

The National Japan Bowl is proud to once again be a “Participating Event” of Washington DC’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. Learn more about Japan Bowl at japanbowl.org and @japanbowl on Instagram.  

EVENT SUMMARY
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 years of language study, with teams of two to three students representing their schools. Over two days, participants tackle 80 challenging questions, engage in a conversation round, 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, students, and dignitaries such as Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, the National Japan Bowl’s honorary patron.

EVENT SCHEDULE (OPEN TO PRESS)
Championship Round || April 5 from 13:30 to 16:30 (ET)

Level 2       13:30 – 14:30

Level 3       14:30 – 15:30

Level 4       15:30 – 16:30

Closing Ceremony || April 5 from 17:00 to 18:30 (ET)

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.

EXPO 2025
The 33rd National Japan Bowl® is excited to announce that special guest Myaku-Myaku will join us at this year’s competition, helping to spread the word about EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Kansai, Japan. Held from April 13th to October 13th, EXPO 2025 aims to address critical global issues by creating a space for the world’s leading knowledge and cutting-edge technologies. By bringing these together to foster new ideas and sharing the resulting solutions, EXPO 2025 aims to improve the lives of people everywhere.

Myaku-Myaku is the mascot/yuru-chara representing EXPO 2025. Designed by picture book illustrator Kouhei Yamashita, Myaku-Myaku was chosen from nearly 2,000 public submissions. Myaku-Myaku is described as a “mysterious creature” born from the fusion of cells (represented by the red elements) and water (represented by the blue). Its true identity remains unknown, adding to its enigmatic charm.

PRESS CONTACTS
For more information about the 33rd National Japan Bowl, please email japanbowl@jaswdc.org or call (202) 833-2210. For media inquiries, please contact William Denton, Communications Manager, at wdenton@jaswdc.org.

ABOUT THE JAPAN-AMERICA SOCIETY OF WASHINGTON DC
The Japan-America Society of Washington DC is a 501(c)(3) educational and cultural non-profit organization dedicated to strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United States at the grassroots level. Our programming aims to bring Japanese and American people closer together in the National Capital Region.