NECTJ Bunkasai (文化祭)

Overview

Showcase your talents at the NECTJ Bunkasai! Students are invited to perform on stage and share their creativity through performances related to Japan, Japanese language, or Japanese culture.

Eligibility

• Participants must be available to perform live on stage on the day of the Bunkasai.

• Participating students must be supervised by a teacher who is a current NECTJ member.

• Each school may submit up to three applications.

Performance Guidelines

All performances must meet the following requirements:

• Time Limit: Each performance must be no longer than 5 minutes, including setup time.

• Cultural Relevance: Performances must be related to Japan or Japanese culture.

• Japanese Language: Performances must be in Japanese language.

• Appropriateness: All performances must be suitable for a school event.

• Content Restrictions: Performances must not contain violence, inappropriate language, or inappropriate behavior.

Application Requirements

To apply for the Talent Show:

1. Prepare a 30-second demonstration video showcasing your planned performance.

2. Upload the video to YouTube.

3. Submit the YouTube video link as part of your application.

Application Deadline: January 8 (Fri), 2027

Application Form: TBA

Important Notes:

• The application deadline is strictly enforced. Late submissions will not be accepted.

• All applications will be reviewed through a screening process. Depending on the total number of applications and available stage time, not all applicants may be selected to perform.

• Submission of an application does not guarantee a place in the Talent Show.

Overview

Bring your unique perspective to life through art by designing a poster for the NECTJ Bunkasai! Whether inspired by anime, manga, traditional culture, or everyday life in Japan, your design can help capture the spirit of the Bunkasai and make this celebration memorable.

Suggested themes include anime, manga, Japanese culture, spring, food, and more.

Eligibility

• Participating students must be supervised by a teacher who is a current NECTJ member.

• Each teacher may submit a maximum of two poster designs per school level or school.

Poster Design Guidelines

All submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Format: Both hand-drawn and digitally created posters are accepted.

• File Type: Posters must be submitted as JPG, JPEG, or PNG image files.

• Size and Orientation: Posters must be designed in US Letter size (8.5 × 11 inches) in portrait orientation.

• Originality: All designs must be original student work and must not have been submitted to any previous contests.

• Copyright: The submitted work must be the student's original creation and must not have been entered in any previous contests. All submissions must comply with applicable legal and copyright requirements.

• Event Title: The poster must include the official event name, “第32回 NECTJ文化祭” written in handwritten Japanese.

• Media Release: Applicants must review and complete the media release section of the application form regarding the potential display and publication of submitted artwork.

• Use of AI: Students in high school or younger are not allowed to use AI to create posters. College students may use AI to create posters.

Application Deadline: December 4 (Fri), 2026

Application Form

Overview

Bring your Japanese language skills and imagination to the screen in the NECTJ Bunkasai Video Skit Contest! Whether you enjoy acting, animation, storytelling, or comedy, this is your chance to create an original video and share your ideas through Japanese.

Eligibility

• Participating students must be supervised by a teacher who is a current NECTJ member.

Video Skit & Submission Guidelines

All submissions must meet the following requirements:

• Duration: Videos must be between 2 and 5 minutes long.

• Format: Live-action videos, animations, narrated videos using copyright-free images, and monologue-style performances (such as rakugo) are accepted.

• Originality: All scripts must be original work created by the participating students.

• Language: Videos must be performed in Japanese and include English subtitles.

• Appropriateness: All content must be suitable for a school event and must not contain violence, inappropriate language, or inappropriate behavior.

• Copyright: All submissions must comply with applicable copyright requirements.

• Submission: Videos must be uploaded to YouTube, and the video link must be submitted through the designated application form.

• Media Release: The winning video may be featured on the official NECTJ Bunkasai website. Applicants must review and complete the media release section of the application form regarding the potential publication of their work.

• Use of AI: Students in high school or younger are not allowed to use AI to create a video. College students may use AI to create a video.

Judging Criteria

Entries will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

1. Adherence to Guidelines: Compliance with the duration and content requirements.

2. Originality and Creativity: Creativity and originality of the script, concept, and presentation.

3. Japanese Language Proficiency: Effective and appropriate use of the Japanese language.

Application Deadline: February 5 (Fri), 2027

Application Form: TBA

NECTJ Bunkasai is an annual celebration where students can immerse themselves in authentic Japanese language and culture through hands-on activities, performances, and meaningful interactions in Japanese. Whether participants are just beginning their Japanese language journey or have studied for years, Bunkasai offers a unique opportunity to use Japanese in a lively, welcoming, and real-world environment.

The event began in 1994 as NECTJ Harumatsuri (Spring Festival), organized by the Northeast Council of Teachers of Japanese (NECTJ). For many years, it was held at the United Nations International School (UNIS) in New York City, becoming a beloved tradition for Japanese language learners across the region.In 2025, the festival entered an exciting new chapter by moving to Hunter College, CUNY, where the 30th anniversary was celebrated as "The 30th NECTJ Bunkasai @ Hunter College." Building on that success, the 2026 festival expanded its partnership with the addition of Japan Society, and was presented as "NECTJ Bunkasai in Partnership with Hunter College and Japan Society." These collaborations reflect our shared commitment to promoting Japanese language education and cultural exchange throughout the Northeast.

Each year, more than 300 students studying Japanese and 100 dedicated volunteers come together to create an unforgettable experience. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities, including: Japan trivia quiz show, interactive cultural experience booths, fun contests and competitions, student talent show, and opportunities to meet fellow Japanese learners and practice Japanese in authentic communication

More than just a festival, NECTJ Bunkasai is a place where students build friendships, gain confidence in using Japanese, and discover the richness of Japanese culture through shared experiences. We look forward to welcoming you to the next NECTJ Bunkasai!

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Past event archives are coming soon.