The 11^th Republic Student Olympiad on the specialty “Oriental Studies” took place at the Oriental Studies faculty of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University.

This year’s Olympiad was sponsored by university of Tsukuba and professor Ninomiya Takashi from Tsukuba university. Furthermore, the director of Ichikawa Japanese language school Mr. Naoyuki Kanka has participated as a special guest. The total number of Japanese Language Section participants were 18 students from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages and Eurasian National University.

Olympiad consist of two sections. The first task was to accomplish a test on Japanese language and history and then to write an essay in Japanese language. By the results of the first round, 9 students out of 18 made it to the second round, making a presentation about the issues of the day of studied country.

According to the results of these sections, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University’s Far East Department was awarded by three prize-places. First place was won by the 4^th course student Skatov Alisher, second place 3^th course student Galym Asem and 2^nd Junis Fariza, 2^nd course student Bitis Gulnur and 4^th year student Saidalieva Dilinur and Ybysheva Dina took 3^rd place. The Olympiad winners were given special diplomas and gifts.

Holding Republic Oriental Studies Olympiad based on Oriental Studies Faculty of Al-Farabi KazNU yearly has became a good tradition and has a great meaning. Participating in this contest is establishing interest towards studying subject, chosen profession, scientific research and determination. Also, it helps to build a character, which leads to self-development and development of Orientalism in Kazakhstan.