Captain Repka gives a speech while holding up a cherry blossom picture made by Captain Toyota. (October 27, Kumagaya City) (Photo courtesy of Asagumo Newspaper)
Captain Gregory Repka, a U.S. Air Force exchange officer assigned to the 4th Technical School, 1st Education Division, won the “Excellence Award” at the 32nd Japanese Speech Contest in Kumagaya City.
The Kumagaya International Association hosted the event at the Kumagaya City Cultural Center in Saitama Prefecture on October 27. This annual contest first began in 1992 and now has a history of over 30 years, and is open to foreign residents of Japan aged 15 and older who have lived in Japan for less than five years. This year, 15 participants from nine countries competed in the event—United States, China, Russia, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Indonesia, and Myanmar.
Captain Repka, arrived in Japan in May after 18 months of Japanese language training in the United States, had the shortest amount of time in Japan among the contestants.
Currently, he serves in the 1st Education Division, Communications Education Section, where his primary duties include teaching students about the U.S. Air Force organization, cyber structure, and military terminology. Additionally, he coordinates field training events at Yokota Air Base and leads an English conversation club at the base.
During the contest, a large cheering group rallied behind Captain Repka, holding handmade signs and banners. His speech, titled “Once in a Lifetime: Encounters Guided by Cherry Blossoms”, recounted a personal story: “When I first arrived in Japan, I did not know anyone. However, I was able to forge meaningful connections with Japanese people by joining a cherry blossom viewing event”. He concluded, “Forming friendships through this event was truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ moment. I hope to continue enjoying life in Japan, to fully immerse myself in the culture and gain a deeper understanding of the traditions”.
The powerful and heartfelt speech earned Captain Repka the Excellence Award. Major General Yasuo Akimoto, Commandant of the 4th Technical School, praised the presentation. “It was a remarkable performance that reminded me of Japan’s beauty. Captain Repka is a popular base figure known for his proactive engagement with the personnel. I hope he will continue to help strengthen the friendship between the JSDF and the U.S. military”.
Captain Keitaro Toyota, who oversaw Captain Repka’s Japanese language training, reflected on the challenges. “Improving Japanese pronunciation and intonation, unique to the language, was particularly tough. But with the support and advice of the 4th Technical School staff, Captain Repka made steady progress”.
Captain Repka expressed his gratitude, “I am deeply honored to receive this award. I owe my success to the Commandant of the 4th Technical School, Captain Toyota, and all the personnel who supported me. Using the language skills I have developed through this contest, I aim to help deepen mutual understanding between Japan and the United States and further strengthen our alliance”.
Disclaimer:
The statements expressed do not necessarily represent the views of the US Air Force.
