Four students of the Study Programme of Japanese Literature (SPJL) at the Faculty of Cultural Studies (FCS) Universitas Brawijaya (UB) made a brilliant achievement at the 21st Kanji Cup organized by the Consulate General of Japan in Surabaya. The competition was held on the 9th floor of the LPSP Building, the State University of Surabaya, on Saturday (10/19/2024). In this prestigious competition, SPJL FCS UB students won three categories.
In the Chukyuu category, Ismail Mahfud Hidayat and Caecilia Amalia Zafira Himawan won 1st place. Meanwhile, in the Shokyuu category, Nabiel Muammar Rumata and Nadira Putri Rahmanisa won 2nd and 3rd place, respectively. This achievement certainly gives pride to the students who have previously prepared themselves through intensive training.
Caecilia, also known as Cecil, explained that the Kanji Cup competition requires participants to deeply understand reading and writing kanji.
“Overall, Kanji Cup is a competition that tests the ability to read and write kanji. I participated in the Chukyuu category with a pair competition system,” said Cecil.
Previously, she had participated in the Kanji Cup in the Shokyuu category but was stopped at the preliminary round.
“This is the first time I participated in the Chukyuu category and immediately won, which was unexpected because the competition at this level is very competitive,” she added.
Intensive preparation was carried out for one month before the competition, with guidance from the supervisor. Cecil and her partner practiced twice a week, learning basic techniques such as the number of strokes and how to read kanji effectively. This consistent training process proved to be key to achieving success at the Kanji Cup.
Nabiel Muammar Rumata, the 2nd place winner in the Shokyuu category, expressed his feelings after making the achievement.
“I am very grateful and did not expect to win this competition. Previously, at last year’s Kanji Cup, I fell in the first preliminary round. This victory is truly a reward for my efforts and hard work,” Nabiel said gratefully.
He added that the process of preparing for the competition had encountered obstacles, especially in terms of maintaining motivation and overcoming nervousness. However, thanks to his friends’ support, Nabiel could rise and perform confidently.
Nadira Putri Rahmanisa, who won 3rd place in the Shokyuu category, also revealed that this victory resulted from careful preparation.
“After last year’s failure, I was determined to prepare myself better. The support from my friends meant a lot to me, making me calmer and more confident when facing the final,” she said.
The students’ victory is expected to inspire the next generation.
“I hope anyone who wants to participate in the Kanji Cup will keep trying until the results are achieved. For those who have not had the opportunity to win, don’t give up because life has its ups and downs,” Nabiel said. [acl/dts/PR FCS]
