Saturday, February 22, 2020
at Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA
Japan Bowl® of California is made possible by the generous support of our sponsors
Presenting Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
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Supporters
Mr. & Mrs. Ruth & Stacy Cromidas
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.Study Guide
This Study Guide describes the format, content, and rules of the Japan Bowl® of California competition. It also describes who is eligible to compete. The Study Guide’s purpose is to help students and teachers form teams and prepare for the 2020 competition.
Download 2020 Japan Bowl® of California Competition Guide (PDF)
Download 2020 Japan Bowl® of California Administrative Guide (PDF)
Webinar Series for Teachers
You can sponsor a Title 1 school (2 teams from each level, total of 6 students and 2 chaperones) for only $250! Click on the "Donate" button below, and check "JASSC Educational Programs - Japan Bowl of California".
Past Japan Bowl® of California
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.