Oval Toastmasters Club

🌿✨ Oval Toastmasters Club – 287th Regular Meeting Recap ✨🌿

📅 April 15, 2026 | 🏢 Hybrid Meeting at Shimbashi Balloon & 💻 Zoom

As the cherry blossoms fade and the season turns to fresh, vibrant greenery, we enjoyed a truly refreshing and uplifting evening at the 287th regular meeting of Oval Toastmasters Club. 🌸➡️🍃

Held on April 15, 2026, in a hybrid format at Shimbashi Balloon and on Zoom, the meeting brought together 6 club members and 2 guests. Even though we joined from both the venue and online, the meeting felt beautifully connected from start to finish. 🤝✨

🎤 TMOE
TM Yuriko Nomura served as Toastmaster of the Evening and guided us with calm energy, warmth, and grace. Her smooth facilitation helped everyone—both onsite and online—feel included, relaxed, and engaged. 🌷

☀️ Theme: Preparing for Summer
The meeting theme, “Preparing for Summer,” gave the evening a bright and forward-looking spirit. It reminded us that every new season is a chance to refresh our goals, prepare for what lies ahead, and keep growing together. 🌻🧢🍉

🗣️ Table Topics
The Table Topics session was led by TM Sophie Zhang, who took on the role of Table Topics Master for the first time. Sophie did a wonderful job bringing energy and fun to the session—good job, Sophie! 👏🎉
In tune with the spring season, participants enjoyed impromptu speeches on topics such as:
　•🌷 favorite spring flowers
　•😊 positive feelings inspired by spring
　•🏖️ Golden Week memories and plans
The session was lively, cheerful, and full of personality. It was a joy to hear everyone speak so spontaneously and creatively. 🌸✨

🎙️ Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two prepared speeches, both insightful and practical, followed by evaluations filled with specific and warm encouragement. 💬💖

Speakers & Titles
　•TM Azusa Yamasaki — Let’s Try AI 🤖
　•TM Masayo Arai — Prepare for Online Events 💻
TM Azusa Yamasaki delivered an insightful and inspiring speech on effective ways to make use of AI.
TM Masayo Arai gave an instructive presentation on how to prepare and set up effectively for online speech presentations and events.
Both speeches highlighted one of the greatest strengths of Toastmasters: we challenge ourselves, learn useful skills, and grow through mutual support. 🌱🌟

🏆 Awards
Congratulations to this meeting’s award recipients! 🎉👏
　•Best Table Topics: TM Emily Sugioka (Guest) 🌟
　•Best Evaluator: TM Masashi Otani 📝
　•Best Speaker: TM Azusa Yamasaki 🎤
A big congratulations to all the winners, and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed as a speaker, evaluator, role-taker, or guest. 🙏💐
This meeting was another lovely reminder of what makes Oval Toastmasters Club so special: a place where people can take on new challenges, gain confidence, and encourage one another in a warm and supportive community. 💕🌈

🔔 Next Meeting – 288th Regular Meeting
📅 May 6, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (JST)
💻 Online Meeting
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09
🌟 Guests and visiting Toastmasters are always very welcome.

We would be delighted to have you join us at our next meeting!

🌸 Oval Toastmasters Club – 286th Regular Meeting Recap 🌸

April 1, 2026 | Online Meeting via Zoom

Now that the calendar says spring is fully here (Fiscal/School Year Start), our 286th regular meeting brought just the kind of fresh energy the season deserves.

Held on April 1, 2026, on Zoom, the meeting welcomed 4 club members and 1 guest from the Philippines. Even in a small online gathering, the evening was full of warmth, encouragement, and the kind of positive spirit that reminds us why Toastmasters is such a rewarding place to learn and grow together.

TMOE
TM Masayo Arai served as Toastmaster of the Evening and guided the meeting with grace and cheerful energy. Her smooth facilitation helped create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere from start to finish.

Theme: April Fool’s Day
The meeting theme, April Fool’s Day, added a playful touch to the evening. It brought lightness and humor to the meeting while also reminding us how enjoyable communication can be when creativity and spontaneity come together.

🗣 Table Topics
The Table Topics session was led by TM Dino Santos (Guest). Thank you, Dino, for stepping into the role and offering such a rich variety of topics.　
Participants enjoyed giving impromptu speeches on a wide range of subjects, including: the future of plastics / how we use AI/ lunch boxes decluttering (Konmari)
The topics were diverse, thought-provoking, and fun, giving everyone a chance to think on their feet and share their ideas in different directions. Dino’s contribution made the session lively and engaging, and we truly appreciated his creativity.

🎤 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two prepared speeches, both of which were followed by specific and warm evaluations.
Speakers & Titles :
TM Azusa Yamazaki — Cool Noodle Trip
TM Masayo Arai — Your Efforts Always Pay Off
TM Azusa Yamazaki’s speech was informative and enlightening, taking us on a memorable and engaging journey.
TM Masayo Arai’s speech was inspiring and heartwarming, leaving the audience with an uplifting message about perseverance and belief in one’s efforts.

The evaluations were thoughtful, concrete, and encouraging, offering valuable feedback while recognizing each speaker’s strengths. This is one of the great values of Toastmasters: we challenge ourselves, learn from one another, and grow through supportive feedback.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
Please join us in congratulating our award winners! 🎉
Best Table Topics: TM Sophie Zhang
Best Evaluator: TM Dino Santos (Guest)
Best Speaker: TM Masayo Arai
Congratulations to all the award recipients for your wonderful achievements.

And heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated, spoke, evaluated, and helped make the meeting meaningful.

This meeting was a lovely reminder that growth does not depend on size. Even with a small group, Toastmasters gives us the chance to take on challenges, sharpen our communication, encourage one another, and leave the meeting stronger than when we arrived.

🔔 Next Meeting – 287th Regular Meeting
📅 April 15, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (JST)

📍 Hybrid Meeting
🏢 Venue: Shimbashi Balloon
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/toshokan/shogaigakushu/01.html
💻 Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

Guests and visiting Toastmasters are always very welcome.
We would be delighted to have you join us at our next meeting!

🌸 Oval Toastmasters Club – 285th Regular Meeting Recap 🌸

March 18, 2026 | Hybrid Meeting at Shimbashi Balloon & Zoom

Although the air may still carried a hint of chill, we officially entered full spring on the calendar, and our 285th regular meeting truly captured that uplifting seasonal spirit.

Held on March 18, 2026, in a hybrid format at Shimbashi Balloon and on Zoom, the meeting brought together 5 club members and 3 guests from India, the Philippines, and Japan. It was a joyful evening filled with fresh energy, thoughtful speeches, and warm encouragement shared seamlessly across the room and online.

TM Masashi Otani served as TMOE and guided the meeting with a steady, welcoming presence. His facilitation helped create a smooth flow throughout the evening, making both onsite and Zoom participants feel equally involved and connected.

✨ Meeting Theme: Swing into Spring
The theme, “Swing into Spring,” set just the right tone for the evening—light, cheerful, and full of momentum. It reminded us that spring is a season of renewal, and Toastmasters is a wonderful place to try something new, refresh our goals, and move forward together with confidence.

🗣 Table Topics
The Table Topics session was led by TM Taishi(Lenny) Oda (Guest), who brought great energy and enthusiasm to the role. Thank you, Lenny, for making the session so lively and enjoyable!
In keeping with the meeting theme, participants gave impromptu speeches about things that make them feel spring has arrived, as well as things they would like to newly start or renew in this season. The responses were imaginative, personal, and full of seasonal charm. It was a delightful session that invited everyone to reflect, smile, and speak from the heart.

🎤 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two prepared speeches, each followed by specific and warm evaluations that offered both encouragement and meaningful feedback.

Speakers & Titles:
• TM Yuriko Nomura — My Perspective About Focusing on the Positive
• TM Sophie Zhang — Why Japan Became My Second Home

TM Yuriko Nomura’s speech was insightful and inspiring, offering thoughtful reflections on the power of choosing a positive outlook.
TM Sophie Zhang’s speech was especially heartwarming and moving, sharing her personal connection with Japan in a way that deeply resonated with the audience.

Both speeches reminded us that Toastmasters is not just about public speaking skills—it is also about sharing perspectives, building understanding, and encouraging one another through honest communication.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
Please join us in celebrating this meeting’s award recipients! 🎉👏
• Best Table Topics: TM Masayo Arai
• Best Evaluator: TM Adarsh Chandran (Guest)
• Best Speaker: TM Sophie Zhang

Congratulations to all the award winners for your wonderful contributions! And heartfelt thanks to every speaker, evaluator, role-taker, and guest who made the evening meaningful and memorable.

This meeting was a lovely example of what makes Oval Toastmasters Club so special: members and guests encouraging each other, taking on new challenges, and growing step by step in a warm and supportive atmosphere.
From spontaneous Table Topics to inspiring prepared speeches, the evening gave us fresh ideas, shared laughter, and renewed motivation—just the kind of energy spring brings.

🔔 Next Meeting – 286th Regular Meeting
📅 April 1, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (JST)
💻 Online Meeting
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

Guests and visiting Toastmasters are always most welcome.
We would be delighted to have you join us at our next meeting!

🌷 Oval Toastmasters Club – 284th Regular Meeting Recap 🌷
March 4, 2026 | Online Meeting

As signs of spring begin to appear all around us, we were delighted to hold the 284th regular meeting of Oval Toastmasters Club on March 4, 2026 via Zoom. This warm and uplifting evening brought together 5 club members and 1 guest from the Philippines, and reminded us once again how Toastmasters helps us grow through challenge, encouragement, and shared learning.

👥 TMOE
A big thank-you to TM Lily Sakamoto, who served as TMOE and led the meeting with calm energy and a welcoming touch.Her smooth facilitation helped create a relaxed and positive atmosphere where everyone could enjoy speaking, listening, and supporting one another.

✨ Meeting Theme: Spring has come!
Our theme for the evening was “Spring has come!”—a perfect match for the season. The meeting felt fresh, hopeful, and full of forward-looking energy, just like spring itself. It was a lovely reminder that every meeting gives us a new chance to try, learn, and bloom a little more.

🗣 Table Topics
The Table Topics session was led by TM Azusa Yamasaki, who prepared prompts about the things, actions, and words that make us feel spring has arrived.
The responses were thoughtful, lively, and personal, bringing out smiles as well as seasonal reflections. Even short impromptu speeches showed creativity, individuality, and heart.

🎤 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two prepared speeches, followed by supportive evaluations that offered both encouragement and valuable insight.

Speakers & Titles:
• TM Masashi Otani — Same Name, Different League
• TM Masayo Arai — A few more members, much more experience

Both speeches reflected the real value of Toastmasters: turning ideas and experience into messages that connect, encourage, and leave us with something meaningful to think about.

A special highlight of the evening was TM Sophie Zhang taking on the role of General Evaluator for the first time.
Congratulations on this new step, Sophie—great job! It was wonderful to see another member challenge herself and grow through experience.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
Please join us in congratulating this meeting’s award recipients! 🎉👏
• Best Table Topics: TM Dino Santos (Guest)
• Best Evaluator: TM Dino Santos (Guest)
• Best Speaker: TM Masayo Arai

Special congratulations to TM Dino Santos, our guest from the Philippines, for winning both Best Table Topics and Best Evaluator—a fantastic achievement.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the meeting by speaking, evaluating, listening, and cheering others on. Every role matters, and every contribution helps make our club a welcoming place to learn and grow.

💐 This meeting showed once again that progress often comes one step at a time: trying a new role, sharing an idea, speaking from the heart, and learning from each other.
At Oval Toastmasters Club, every meeting is more than practice—it is a place where confidence grows, friendships deepen, and members support one another on the journey.

🔔 Next Meeting – 285th Regular Meeting
📅 March 18, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (JST)
📍 Hybrid Meeting
🏠 Venue: Shimbashi Balloon
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/toshokan/shogaigakushu/01.html
💻 Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

Guests and visiting Toastmasters are always welcome.
We would love to have you join us at our next meeting—onsite or online!

🌸 Oval Toastmasters Club – 283rd Regular Meeting Report 🌸
February 18, 2026 | Hybrid Meeting (On-site & Zoom)

What a lovely way to celebrate the season of renewal!
Our 283rd regular meeting of Oval Toastmasters Club was held on February 18, 2026, in a hybrid format, bringing together members both onsite and online for another warm, uplifting, and memorable evening of speeches.

This time, 6 club members joined the meeting, and although it was a relatively small gathering, it was filled with the kind of encouragement, sincerity, and positive energy that makes Toastmasters so special.

The session was smoothly led by TM Azusa Yamasaki, who guided the meeting with calm confidence and a welcoming presence.

✨ Meeting Theme: Chinese New Year!
Inspired by the spirit of Chinese New Year, our meeting carried a bright and refreshing sense of new beginnings. Just like the Lunar New Year invites us to look ahead with hope and gratitude, the evening reminded us that every speech is also a fresh start—another chance to grow, connect, and encourage one another.

🗣 Table Topics – Winter to Spring Memories
The Table Topics session was led by TM Masashi Otani, who invited participants to speak on the theme of “memories from winter to spring.” The topics ranged from food, entrance examinations, to the Olympics, giving speakers the chance to share personal stories, seasonal reflections, and unexpected insights.Each impromptu speech brought something unique—some were thoughtful, some playful, and some beautifully nostalgic. It was a wonderful reminder that even a short response can reveal personality, imagination, and heart.

🎤 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We also enjoyed two prepared speeches, each followed by an evaluation speech that offered thoughtful feedback and encouragement.
Prepared Speeches:
•TM Sophie Zhang — From Silence to Speaking: My Journey Beyond Comfort
•TM Lily Sakamoto — Akama Shrine & Karato Market

TM Sophie Zhang’s speech was deeply personal and inspiring, taking us on a journey of growth, courage, and finding one’s voice beyond comfort zones.
TM Lily Sakamoto’s speech was rich in cultural interest and vivid detail, introducing us to the charm of Akama Shrineand Karato Market in a way that was both informative and engaging. Both speeches were truly insightful and informative, and they reflected the beauty of Toastmasters: sharing not only polished words, but also meaningful experiences and perspectives.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
A big round of applause to this meeting’s award recipients! 👏🎉
•Best Table Topics Award: TM Masayo Arai / TM Yuriko Nomura
•Best Evaluator Award: TM Yuriko Nomura
•Best Speaker Award: TM Sophie Zhang
Congratulations to all! And heartfelt appreciation goes to everyone who spoke, evaluated, listened, and supported one another throughout the evening.

We also celebrated the area speech contest winners from our club members. TM Arai and TM Lily, Way to go for the next divisional contest!

This meeting felt like a gentle celebration of the Lunar New Year—fresh, cheerful, and full of forward-looking energy. From spontaneous stories to carefully prepared speeches, we shared another evening that reminded us how encouraging and heartwarming this club can be.

At Oval Toastmasters Club, every meeting is more than a speaking practice session. It is a place where we challenge ourselves, learn from one another, and grow together in a spirit of friendship and respect.

🔔 Next Meeting – 284th Regular Meeting
📅 March 4, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (JST)
💻 Online (Zoom)
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We always welcome guests and visiting Toastmasters.
We look forward to seeing you at our next meeting!

🌸 Oval Toastmasters Club – 282nd Regular Meeting Recap (Online on Zoom) 🌸

February 4, 2026 | Zoom

What a refreshing way to welcome the Beginning of Spring! 🌱
In the traditional Japanese calendar, February 4 marks Risshun (立春)—the start of spring—and our 282nd regular meeting felt just right: upbeat, lively, and full of inspiring speeches.
We were happy to gather with 6 club members and 1 guest (Japan).

A big thank-you to TMOE: TM Masayo Arai, who guided the meeting smoothly and kept the energy flowing from start to finish. 🙌

✨ Table Topics (Impromptu Speeches)
Our Table Topics session was led by TM Sophie Zhang—and it was her first time as the Table Topics Master! 🎉
With a fun variety of prompts (a time machine, a person you respect, and how you relax), we enjoyed spontaneous speeches filled with creativity, humor, and heartfelt stories.

🎤 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We listened to three powerful speeches—each serving as excellent rehearsal for the upcoming Toastmasters Area Contest. The evaluations were thoughtful and supportive, helping every speaker sharpen their final polish.
Speakers & Titles:
　　・　TM Kaori Mizunuma (Guest) — Even if forgotten
　　・　TM Lily Sakamoto — Take it easy!
　　・　TM Masayo Arai — Dandelions
Each speech was truly insightful and instructive, and we left with new perspectives and positive momentum.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
• Best Table Topics: TM Kaori Mizunuma
• Best Evaluator: TM Masashi Otani
• Best Speaker: TM Kaori Mizunuma
👏👏👏 Well deserved—congratulations to all awardees!

We enjoyed “spring-like” refreshing speeches that helped us shake off the winter chill and step into the new season with a smile.

🔔 Next Meeting (283rd Regular Meeting – Hybrid)
📅 February 18, 2026 | 7:30 PM (JST)
🏠 Venue: Shimbashi Balloon
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/toshokan/shogaigakushu/01.html
💻 Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We look forward to seeing you again—onsite or online! 😊

🌟 Oval Toastmasters Club – Special Meeting Recap (Hybrid Workshop) 🌟

(January 21, 2026 | Onsite + Zoom)

What a memorable evening! On January 21, 2026, Oval Toastmasters Club hosted a special hybrid meeting—and it turned into a truly energizing, heartwarming workshop filled with learning, laughter, and brave speaking.

We were delighted to welcome 6 club members and7 special guests joining from the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Japan. 🌏✨
Thank you all for bringing such friendly, open, and supportive energy—whether you were in the room or on Zoom!


🎯 Meeting Theme
A Table Topics Contest Workshop — learning how to run a contest properly and experiencing the excitement through a realistic mock contest.

👏 Key Roles
• Facilitator: TM Masayo Arai
• Mock Contest Chair: TM Lily Sakamoto
• Mock Contest Master: TM Dino Santos (Guest)

With clear explanations of contest flow, timing, and judging procedures, we didn’t just “talk about” the contest—we ran it like the real thing. This hands-on format made the contest rules feel practical and easy to understand.

🗣 Mock Table Topics Contest
The highlight of the night was our mock contest, where 9 participants (including guests!) stepped up as contestants.
It takes courage to speak under contest conditions—especially with time pressure, an audience, and the “contest spotlight.” And yet, each contestant showed remarkable composure, creativity, and positivity.

The meeting had that special “contest atmosphere”—focused, lively, and full of encouragement. Many of us walked away thinking:
“Now I can actually imagine myself in the real contest.”

🏆 Awards – Congratulations to Our Winners!
A big round of applause to the award recipients—well deserved! 👏🎉
🥇 1st Place Speaker: TM Angie Palmer (Guest)
🥈 2nd Place Speaker: TM Shunsuke Kaminohara (Guest)
🥉 3rd Place Speaker: TM Masayo Arai

Everyone who participated was a winner—because contest readiness is built through experiences like this.

This was our first Table Topics Contest workshop, and it exceeded expectations. More than a training session, it felt like a shared challenge we tackled together—step by step, speech by speech. That’s what makes Toastmasters special:
a safe place to practice brave things, surrounded by people who cheer you on.

To our guests: thank you for jumping in so wholeheartedly.
To our members: thank you for creating such a welcoming space.
Let’s carry this momentum into the upcoming real Table Topics contest!

🔔 Next Meeting

Our 282nd regular meeting will be held online:

📅 February 4, 2026
🕖 7:30 PM (JST)
💻 Online (Zoom)
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We can’t wait to see you again—let’s keep learning, growing, and enjoying the journey together! 😊

🌟 Oval Toastmasters Club – 280th Meeting Recap 🌟

Happy New Year！🎍

The Oval Toastmasters Club kicked off 2026 with our 280th regular meeting, held online via Zoom on January 7, 2026.
Despite being a virtual meeting, the session was lively and engaging, bringing together 5 club members and 2 guests from the Philippines and Japan. 🌏✨

🎤 TMOE (Toastmaster of the Evening)
The meeting was smoothly facilitated by TM Lily Sakamoto, who guided us through the program with warmth and confidence under the theme “Happy New Year.”

🗣 Table Topics Session
Led by TM Masayo Arai, the Table Topics session featured a delightful variety of thought-provoking prompts. Everyone jumped in enthusiastically, enjoying spontaneous speeches filled with creativity, humor, and personal reflections.

🎯 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two well-crafted prepared speeches, each followed by insightful evaluations:
* TM Sophie Zhang – “Hello, I am Sophie”
A refreshing Ice Breaker speech that introduced our new member with clarity and charm.
* TM Lily Sakamoto – “My Leadership Style 3”
An insightful and instructive speech offering thoughtful reflections on leadership.
Both speeches were perfectly suited to the start of the year—fresh, meaningful, and inspiring.

🏆 Awards – Congratulations!
Best Table Topics Award: TM Dino Santos
Best Evaluator Award: TM Dino Santos
Best Speaker Award: TM Sophie Zhang
(Outstanding Ice Breaker—way to go! 👏)

🌈 It was a truly refreshing way to begin the New Year, filled with positive energy and encouraging speeches.

🔔 Next Meeting Announcement

Our 281st regular meeting will be held on
📅 January 21, 2026, starting at 7:30 PM (JST)
📍 Hybrid format: Onsite & Zoom

🏠 Venue: Shinbashi Balloon
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/toshokan/shogaigakushu/01.html
💻 Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We look forward to welcoming you—whether online or in person!

🌟 Oval Toastmasters Club – Meeting #279 Report 🌟

December 17, 2025 | Hybrid (On-site & Zoom)

What a wonderful way to wrap up the year. Our 279th regular meeting was held in a lively hybrid format, bringing together warm smiles in the room and friendly faces on Zoom. With 6 club members and 2 guests(from the Philippines and Japan) joining—and even better, one brand-new member officially added to our club—the evening felt both intimate and energizing.

👥 Facilitator
Our meeting was smoothly facilitated by TM Masayo Arai, who kept the session well-structured while maintaining an encouraging, supportive atmosphere—exactly what we need when practicing for contests.

✨ Meeting Theme: International Speech Contest Practice
This time, we ran our meeting based on the International Speech Contest guidelines, using the full contest flow so that everyone could experience the pace, procedures, and “real contest” atmosphere. TM Lily Sakamoto took the role as Contest Chair. It wasn’t just practice—it truly felt like stepping into the contest venue ahead of time.

🎤 Prepared Speeches (Contestants)
We enjoyed four polished and engaging speeches—each with its own unique world, message, and emotional impact:
• TM Masashi Otani – “Unbound TBC "
• TM Yuriko Nomura – “The Gift of the Magi”
• TM Lily Sakamoto – “Puppy’s March”
• TM Masayo Arai – “Dandelion”
From heartfelt storytelling to vivid imagery and well-timed humor, every speech reminded us why Toastmasters is not only about public speaking—but also about connecting with people through words.

🏆 Contest Practice Awards – Congratulations!
A big round of applause to our award recipients:
🥇 1st Place Speaker: TM Masayo Arai
🥈 2nd Place Speaker: TM Yuriko Nomura
🥉 3rd Place Speaker: TM Masashi Otani
Congratulations! And to every contestant: your courage and preparation made this session truly inspiring.

As the year draws to a close, we were grateful to share an evening of refined speeches, focused learning, and genuine encouragement. It was a perfect reminder that growth happens fastest in a community that celebrates one another.

📣 Next Meeting – #280
🗓 Wednesday, January 7, 2026
⏰ 7:30 PM (JST)
💻 Online (Zoom)
Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We warmly welcome guests and visiting Toastmasters.
Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and a bright start to 2026. See you in the New Year!

Visit Oval Toastmasters' YouTube channel, including Pathways updates, members' speeches, and easySpeak tips.
http://www.youtube.com/
Oval Toastmastersのビデオをご活用ください。Pathways関連ニュース、メンバーのスピーチ、easySpeakのお助け情報などご用意しています。

Pathways Tips playlist has added a new video:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKWvSyY34rPsWyyVDYZ3wPZUJWv9n2_9f

Oval Speech Selection:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKWvSyY34rPsgh7_uAJGN_ris-BAvnM4_

easy-Speak Help Desk
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKWvSyY34rPtaYuhGgBiqLcX8UAhdeEBO

Goal Setting and Planning - Leadership Excellence Series Speech title: "Big Goals, Small Goals"Presented at the Oval Toastmasters meeting on December 3, 2025.Masayo Arai, D76 Pathways Guide, who has 11 and a half y...

🌟 Oval Toastmasters Club – Meeting #278 Report 🌟

We are delighted to share the highlights of our 278th regular meeting, held online via Zoom on December 3, 2025.
Despite being a fully virtual meeting, the session was filled with warmth, laughter, and meaningful connections.

👥 Participants
A cozy yet diverse group came together—4 club members and 2 guests from the Philippines and Japan—creating an intimate atmosphere that encouraged open sharing and active participation.

🎤 Toastmaster of the Evening
The meeting was skillfully led by TM Masashi Otani, who guided the session smoothly and energetically as Toastmaster of the Evening, keeping everything aligned with our theme.

✨ Meeting Theme: “Serendipity”
Unexpected discoveries and joyful surprises were very much at the heart of the evening.

🎲 Table Topics Session
Led by our guest TM Dino Santos, the Table Topics session featured a delightful mix of uniquely Japanese and familiar themes - Vending machines in Japan, Strawberry shortcake in Christmas, Natto, and KFC! Everyone joined in, enjoying lively and spontaneous impromptu speeches filled with humor and creativity.

📝 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two insightful prepared speeches, each followed by thoughtful evaluations:
• TM Masayo Arai – “Big Goals, Small Goals”
• TM Lily Sakamoto – “My Way to Manage Time”
Both speeches were insightful, instructive, and leadership-oriented, offering practical takeaways and personal reflections that resonated with the audience.

🏆 Award Winners – Congratulations!
• Best Table Topics Award: Sophie Zhang
• Best Evaluator Award: TM Lily Sakamoto
• Best Speaker Award: TM Masayo Arai

🍁 We truly enjoyed a series of calm, reflective speeches that perfectly suited the deepening autumn season.

📣 Next Meeting – #279
🗓 December 17, 2025 (Wed)
⏰ 7:30 PM JST
📍 Hybrid (On-site & Zoom)
🏠 Venue: Shinbashi Balloon
https://www.city.minato.tokyo.jp/shisetsu/toshokan/shogaigakushu/01.html
💻 Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We warmly welcome your participation. Join us to enjoy inspiring speeches, friendly learning, and unexpected moments of serendipity!

Oval Toastmasters Club – Meeting #277 Report
Held on November 19, 2025 – Hybrid (On-site & Zoom)

We’re delighted to share the highlights of our 277th regular meeting, held in a warm hybrid setting with participants joining both from the venue and online. 🍂✨

A total of 5 club members and 1 guest gathered—small in number, but big in energy and camaraderie.

🎤 Toastmaster of the Evening
TM Yuriko Nomura led the entire session with grace, clarity, and heartfelt facilitation, perfectly matching our theme of the night.

🦃 Meeting Theme:
“Thanksgiving – Good Company, Great Thanks”
It was the perfect motif for an evening filled with gratitude, reflection, and warm fellowship.

📝 Prepared Speeches & Evaluations
We enjoyed two wonderful speeches that captured the spirit of peace, reflection, and active living:
• TM Lily Sakamoto – “Nagasaki Peace Park”
• TM Azusa Yamasaki – “Attractive Activity Experience”

Each speech was followed by thoughtful and supportive evaluations, making the learning experience rich for everyone.
It was truly an evening of insightful, peaceful, and active presentations.

🎲 Table Topics Session
Led by TM Masashi Otani, the session captured seasonal transitions with the theme:
“Deepening Autumn, Moving Toward Winter”
Members and guests enjoyed speaking impromptu on topics filled with seasonal atmosphere and poetic imagery.

🏆 Award Winners of the Evening
Warm congratulations to our winners! 🌈

• Best Table Topics Award: Sophie Zhang (Guest)
• Best Evaluator Award: TM Masayo Arai / TM Yuriko Nomura
• Best Speaker Award: TM Lily Sakamoto

We truly enjoyed a set of heartwarming speeches that perfectly suited the deepening autumn night. 🍁💛
Thank you to all who joined and made the meeting meaningful!

📣 Next Meeting – #278
🗓 December 3, 2025 (Wed)
⏰ 7:30 PM JST
📍 Online (Zoom only)
Zoom Link:
https://zoom.us/j/92140149421?pwd=OFUrUU5RMzcwZ0Vkenp5UlRkYm5qUT09

We warmly welcome your participation—join us and enjoy meaningful speeches together! 🌈✨