Registration opens in mid-December 2026
What is Benkyoukai?
The Japan Bowl® of California Benkyoukai is a free virtual study and cultural exchange program hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California for high school students studying Japanese.
The program is especially designed to support students preparing for the National Japan Bowl®. However, any high school student studying Japanese is welcome to participate, regardless of whether they plan to compete.
In 2027, JASSC will offer Benkyoukai sessions for students of all proficiency levels, including Levels 2, 3, and 4, free of charge.
Session Schedule
Session 1: Friday, February 5 |
5:00 PM–6:30 PM (PT)
Session 2: Friday, February 12 |
5:00 PM–6:30 PM (PT)
Session 3: Friday, February 19 |
5:00 PM–6:30 PM (PT)
Cultural Day: Friday, February 26 |
5:00 PM–6:30 PM (PT)
*Schedule is subject to change.
*Students are welcome to participate even if they cannot attend all sessions.
Session Details
Each session will feature original presentations by Japanese university students on a wide range of topics related to Japanese society, culture, and current trends.
After each presentation, participants will be divided into small breakout rooms according to their Japanese-language proficiency level. Students will have the opportunity to practice conversational Japanese with the university students and other participants.
Who Can Participate?
Benkyoukai is open to high school students across North America who are studying Japanese. While the program is primarily intended for students in Southern California, out-of-state participants are welcome as space allows.
Due to limited capacity, registration will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
Please note:
Benkyoukai is primarily designed for students preparing for the National
Japan Bowl®. Some portions of the presentations may be challenging for
beginners, but conversation practice will be organized by proficiency level.
*Benkyoukai sessions may be recorded, and portions of the recordings may be shared publicly.
What is Cultural Day?
Cultural Day is the final session of Benkyoukai and gives participants an opportunity to enjoy a fun and engaging cultural presentation as a reward for their hard work. Each year, JASSC invites a special guest speaker from Japan or the United States to present on a fascinating topic related to Japanese culture.
Cultural Day Guest Speaker
Misato Wheeler
Founder of
IKIGAI MATCHA®
,
a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand
Misato Wheeler is the founder of IKIGAI MATCHA®, a Japan-born matcha lifestyle brand. Through the Japanese concepts of ikigai and matcha, she inspires people to nurture both mind and body while embracing a healthier, more meaningful lifestyle.
A mother of two, Misato will relocate to Maryland in spring 2027. She is the Founder and Representative of the International Matcha Advisor Association, a Certified Kanagawa Prefecture Tour Guide, an Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan exhibitor, and an Ambassador for the Kanagawa–Maryland Sister State Relationship. She also has extensive experience collaborating on events with luxury brands.
Supported by
Photos from Benkyoukai Cultural Day 2025
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Michael VanHartingsveldt
Program Officer, Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
PhD Candidate, University of Kansas
Thank you to all of our Generous Program Sponsors of 2025!
Would You Like to Sponsor JASSC's Japanese Language Education Program?
Click on the "Donate" button below, and check "JASSC Educational Programs - Japan Bowl of California".
The Japan Bowl Benkyoukai is an independent program hosted by the Japan America Society of Southern California.
The Japan Bowl Benkyoukai is in no way sponsored or administered by the National Japan Bowl.
What is Japan Bowl?
Japan Bowl of California is an academic competition that tests the achievements of high school students who are studying the Japanese language. Its uniqueness stems from its dedication to test high school students not only on the language itself, but also on knowledge of “Japan, the country.” Japan Bowl also recognizes and encourages these students, who have chosen to study Japanese as their foreign language. The competition format is modeled on popular quiz shows such as “It's Academic.” Teams of high school students will compete at three different levels, depending on how long they have studied Japanese. This will be a wonderful opportunity for the students to show their Japanese language skills and knowledge, and meet other students in California that share the same interest.
The Japan Bowl® of California will be modeled on the National Japan Bowl®. Given that one-half of all high school students studying Japanese in the U.S. live and go to school in Southern California, Japan Bowl® of California promises to be one of the most important regional contests of its kind.
During the preliminary round of the competition, students will be tested with written questions, covering both language and non-language topics. Some non-language areas include history, arts and traditional and modern culture, geography, society and daily life, popular culture and current events. Finalists are tested with verbal communication skills in the championship round. Throughout the competition, students must have a decent comprehension of kanji (including names of topics, people and places), idiomatic expressions, onomatopoeic expressions, and affective expressions.
In addition to being an outstanding opportunity for students of Japanese language and culture to meet one another, immerse themselves in all things Japanese for a day, and publicly demonstrate the depth of their knowledge of Japan, the Japan Bowl® of California will serve as a preliminary round for the National Japan Bowl®, with the winning team representing California in the national championship.2016 Japan Bowl® of California
2015 Japan Bowl® of California
2014 Japan Bowl® of Southern California
2013 Japan Bowl® of Southern California
Highlight video from 2013 Japan Bowl of Southern California
Japan Bowl® is a registered trademark of The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc. The Japan Bowl® name and logo may be used only with the permission of The Japan-America Society of Washington, Inc.