Express Yourself! Expo (EYE)
Express Yourself! Expo (EYE) is a national English language event built around a simple idea: students should have opportunities to actually use English to communicate, create, connect, and express themselves. While memorization and test preparation are important parts of language learning, EYE focuses on giving students meaningful situations where they can apply English in authentic and memorable ways. Through presentations, performances, teamwork, games, and creative projects, students from schools across Japan will come together to use English with purpose.
EYE was created from the belief that language learning should be more than just putting your “head down” and studying. Students also need chances to look up, interact, take risks, share ideas, and experience success using the language they’ve learned. By combining communication, creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration, EYE aims to build confidence while supporting many of the goals found in MEXT’s educational vision, including self-expression, global awareness, and developing a true “Zest for Life.” Whether students are speaking on stage, sharing a video project, answering questions in a game show, or presenting their ideas to others, EYE celebrates not only what students know, but what they can do with English.
Show the World What You Can Do
Whether through performance, teamwork, or art, there is a place for every student to shine at EYE.
Game Show
English Game Show is a team-based English activity designed to get students communicating, collaborating, and thinking creatively in English. Unlike traditional quiz competitions that focus mainly on correct answers and memorized knowledge, this event encourages students to express ideas, work together, and actively participate.
Students will take part in a variety of interactive challenges and prompts that may involve:
sharing opinions
describing ideas
solving problems as a team
responding creatively
communicating under pressure
The focus is not on perfect English. Instead, the goal is to help students use the English they know with confidence while enjoying the excitement and energy of a game show atmosphere.
More than anything, we want students to leave the event feeling:
“I used English to express myself.”
Mini Debates
Mini Debates give students the opportunity to practice expressing their opinions, supporting their ideas with simple reasons, and responding to different viewpoints in English. Topics are carefully chosen to match students’ ages and language abilities while encouraging critical thinking, communication, and confidence.
Students participate as part of a team from their school. Before the event, teams receive a list of lighthearted debate topics to practice, such as:
Which is a better pet: a cat or a dog?
Which is more beautiful: the beach or the mountains?
At EYE, teams take part in several short debates. Topics are selected at random, and teams take turns sharing their opinions and responding to the other team's ideas. The focus is not on winning an argument, but on communicating clearly, listening respectfully, and expressing yourself with confidence.
All teams receive professional feedback on their English communication and self-expression skills. At the end of the day, students are awarded a medal representing their achievement in the English Debate Division.
Film Festival
Students create and submit original short videos before the event, then showcase their work during the Expo. Videos may include interviews, skits, documentaries, animations, travel reports, or creative storytelling projects. The Film Festival encourages students to combine technology, creativity, and communication while using English in ways that feel authentic and meaningful.
This year’s theme is: “My Home Town.” Students are encouraged to find fun, interesting, and unique ways to introduce their town through video.
LESSON PLANS & RUBRICS
Poster Presentation
Students create visual displays and present their ideas in English to participants and judges. Topics may range from personal interests and hobbies to science, travel, culture, or imaginative concepts. This event gives students the opportunity to organize information, practice descriptive language, and build confidence while sharing knowledge and ideas with others.
Homemade Picture Book
Students create an original English picture book before the event and bring it to the Expo to share with others. During the event, participants read their stories aloud while introducing their characters, ideas, and illustrations. This activity combines reading, writing, speaking, and creativity while encouraging students to see English not only as something to study, but also as a tool for creating and sharing their own stories.
Talent Show
Students share their unique talents with others while using English as part of their presentation. Performances may include singing, playing an instrument, dancing, magic tricks, artwork, sports demonstrations, comedy, or other special abilities. The Talent Show celebrates individuality and gives students the chance to build confidence while showing that English can be used to share passions, personality, and creativity with others.
SIGN UP AND BE A PART OF IT!
SIGN UP AND
BE A PART OF IT!
EYE brings together educators, students, and schools who believe English is more than a subject—it's a tool for connection, creativity, and self-expression.
Interested in participating? Register below to receive lesson plans, rubrics, event updates, and information about how your school can take part.
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