JAPAN Forward launched its "Ignite" series of English compositions to directly share the voices of students in Japan with their global peers. Kobe City University of Foreign Studies student Saaya Kozeni is one. Within the Institute for International Business Communication (IIBC) speech contest's motto, "Let's communicate with the world," Saaya Kozeni uses the knitted bouquet her grandmother made for her graduation to change the way she communicates and reestablish trust. It is a story of what happens when a family member's memories fade, and the laughter stops.
Families ー and whole communities can be affected by a loved one's dementia. Sharing her failures as well as her successes, Kozeni brings some good ideas and a refreshingly honest yet optimistic perspective to this growing social challenge.
Saaya Kozeni and other students participated in the IIBC 4th annual IIBC University Student English Speech Contest on February 21. Delivering their remarks in English, Kozeni and her co-participants shared their thoughts about learning and important subjects of the time.
Her speech won the 2nd Prize in the 4th annual contest. She opens doors for us to continue the conversation started by her presentation. Do you have ideas to share? First, let's listen.
Thirty-fifth in the Series, 'Ignite'
Saaya Kozeni (©IIBC)
Saaya Kozeni, 2nd Prize Winner of the 4th IIBC University Student English Speech Contest
Watch Saaya Kozeni give her presentation in English:
About the Winner:
Saaya Kozeni is a student at Kobe City University of Foreign Studies. In her presentation, she emphasizes the power of positivity and creating shared goals to deal with the challenges of dementia. She explains:
"I learned that even when memories fade, the heart remains. It taught me the importance of refraining from scolding, of empathetically attuning to emotions, of finding joy together in what remains possible. And of sharing small, achievable goals. It also underscored the vital necessity for caregivers themselves to reach out and seek support. I offer a compassionate approach to interacting with individuals living with dementia — an approach grounded in love."
Upon winning the 2nd Prize in the 4th annual IIBC English Contest, she also shared this comment:
"Although I had prior experience giving speeches at university, this was my first time entering a contest, so I felt quite nervous. However, rather than viewing it as a 'competition,' I approached it as an opportunity to 'share' — a platform for offering new insights to the audience. Having dedicated myself to practicing with this mindset, I am deeply honored to have received this award. I now feel a strong resolve to continue using English to share my ideas in various settings moving forward."
About the Speech Contest
The "IIBC University Student English Speech Contest" is a nationwide contest for university students, organized by the organization that administers the TOEIC® Program. Saaya Kozeni's February 2026 presentation is from the contest's 4th edition. To learn more or to participate in the future, see the IIBC homepage.
Explaining the contest, IIBC says, "In this globalized era, leading people in the direction they desire requires logical thinking, appropriate word choice, and skillful use of voice and body language.
"IIBC supports English speech activities that utilize these skills and provide a platform for communication, thereby contributing to the creation of global talent that 'connects the world.'"
Feel free to join the conversation by leaving comments on the topic in the comment box below.
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Author: Saaya Kozeni, Student,
Kobe City University of Foreign Studies
