AIU Debating Society (AIUDS)－ Saori Yamamoto, Sophomore

Are you interested in participating in some activities other than “study” during your study abroad?

Join one of AIU’s 40+ clubs and circles to pursue your passions, build friendships, and practice intercultural communication in several languages.

AIU Voices would like to introduce you to some of the club activities at AIU. Through these club activities, you may not only make great memories, but you may also meet friends for life!

Here’s a message from the head of AIU Debating Society (AIUDS), Saori Yamamoto.

An Invitation to the World of a Parliamentary Debate

At the AIU Tournament in 2019

AIU Debating Society (AIUDS), consisting of 26 friendly members, is open to everyone interested in the world of a parliamentary debate! In the parliamentary debate, a motion is announced 15 to 30 minutes (depends on the style) before the match begins. As you practice in AIUDS, you will become capable of structuring effective arguments in such a short time. A warm and safe environment of AIUDS will also make you feel comfortable sharing your ideas in front of others.

Participants in Wakaba Cup (a domestic debate tournament) in 2019

We have a regular debating practice, but we also have lectures to develop our speaking and critical thinking skills and deepen our understandings of a wide range of topics, including politics, economy, international relations, religion, and criminal justice. AIUDS has many other exciting events, such as AIU Tournament and Professors vs. Students Debate. AIU Tournament is a tournament within AIUDS, which provides an excellent opportunity for rookie debaters to enjoy debating! In Professors vs. Students Debate, AIU professors and AIUDS members have a heated debate on the audience’s motion.

Some members debate and judge at domestic and international competitions and are being very successful. Many exchange students have also won prizes while they are studying at AIU.

Due to COVID-19, we have been practicing, holding events, and participating in competitions online since last April. We can feel connected to other members and have opportunities to debate with debaters from all around the world.

AIUDS members after online Professors vs Students Debate in 2020

To know more about AIUDS, please check out our SNS! We are all looking forward to seeing you soon!