Registration is Open
Whether you're competing or observing, we invite you to register, now through January 31.
More than language.
More than Language
35th National Japan Bowl
April 23-24, 2027 at Johns Hopkins SAIS
The National Japan Bowl® is America's premier Japanese-language competition, now celebrating its 35th year! Join us at Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) campus in Washington DC on April 23-24, 2027. Registration is now open!
See the 2027 Topics
Download the official Study Guide and begin preparing for the National Japan Bowl today!
Learn the Rules
Including eligibility information, a breakdown of competition format, and more, the Competition Guide is an invaluable resource!
Now available!
Download sample questions for Level 2, 3, or 4 and become more familiar with our question formats.
35 Years of Japan Bowl
Created in 1992, learn more about the program, its past, and the organization behind the program.
Have a question?
Meet the Japan Bowl team, learn about the event and its format, and ask questions. Students and adults welcome!
Book your Stay in DC
Join the discounted Japan Bowl hotel room block, stay within a 15-minute walk to the venue! (more info coming soon)
Websites and More
We are gathering a list of resources for our participants. Have a resource you'd like to share? Let us know!
America's Premier Japanese Language Competition
National Japan Bowl
For the past 35 years, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC has organized the Japan Bowl to recognize and encourage students across the United States who have chosen Japanese as their foreign language. The National Japan Bowl, America’s only nationwide Japanese-language competition, is vital for inspiring students and reinforcing their teachers' and school districts' efforts and investments. JASWDC’s Japan Bowl program truly has global impact, incentivizing the study of Japanese language across the world. JASWDC owns the rights to the Japan Bowl name and logo.
Team Registration
$200
per team
Teams must consist of at least 2 but no more than 3 students at the same level. Registration fees also cover 1 chaperone.
Observer Registration
$75
per observer
Registration is required to observe the Preliminary Rounds, Opportunities in Japan Fair, and cultural workshops.
Competition in Action
Curious to see what happens at the National Japan Bowl? We invite you to review the Competition Guide to learn more about the competition format, and watch a recording of the Championship Rounds of the 31st National Japan Bowl, held in April 2023.
April 23 & 24, 2027
35th National Japan Bowl
Get your buzzers ready — the next Japan Bowl begins in…
Why join National Japan Bowl?
Cultural Workshops
At NJB, we offer cultural workshops for our participants and observers, giving you a chance to experience Japanese culture hands on!
Opportunities in Japan Fair
Visit the Opportunities in Japan Fair during the event to meet with universities, sponsors, and community members to see where your studies can take you.
Winners' Trip
In the past, our top students have been invited to visit Japan through the Kakehashi Project, kindly sponsored by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
