UTDS (University of Tokyo Debating Society)

＿■Philosophy/Guiding Principles＿

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UTDS (University of Tokyo Debating Society) is a community that aims to create an environment for enhancing expression and persuasion skills in English, as well as broad knowledge across various fields and universal logical thinking, through impromptu English debating. It has a history of approximately 20 years.
 
Three types of impromptu English debates—NA Style, BP Style, and Asian Style(*)—are conducted depending on the season. The format varies by style, but generally, after a Motion (debate topic) is given, there is a preparation time of 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a 7-minute speech per speaker. Motions cover a wide range of topics, including international relations, politics, law, arts, sports, economics, education, and romance. Debating these topics helps participants develop broad knowledge and expressive skills. Since the time between the announcement of the Motion and the actual speech is short, a major characteristic of the activity is the enhancement of English proficiency and critical thinking skills.
 
UTDS is ranked among the top one or two debating societies in Japan, consistently placing at the top in domestic competitions. The society has achieved results not only in Asian tournaments but also in world championships. In the most recent World Universities Debating Championship (WUDC) in 2023, UTDS advanced to the knockout stage in a category that included native speakers. In 2024, in addition to reaching the knockout stage, the society also produced a judge for the final round, solidifying its status as a top-tier debating organization.
 
(*Explanation of each style)

NA Style: 2 vs 2

Preparation time (20 minutes) → 7-minute speech per speaker (total 28 minutes) → 1 additional 4-minute speech per team

Asian Style: 3 vs 3

Preparation time (25 minutes) → 7-minute speech per speaker (total 42 minutes) → 1 additional 4-minute speech per team

BP Style: 2 vs 2 vs 2 vs 2

Preparation time (15 minutes) → 7-minute speech per speaker (total 56 minutes)
 

＿■Activities＿

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Debate practice is conducted either in person at Komaba Campus or online.
 

■＿Career Paths/Activities of Alumni＿

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Many UTDS alumni leverage their strong logical thinking and risk management skills to secure careers in foreign investment banks, global consulting firms, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and international organizations.

Number of Members:
Total: 55 members
 

Year Distribution:
1st year: 30 members

2nd year: 17 members

3rd year: 4 members

4th year: 4 members
 

Executive Term:
Begins in December of the first year of membership and ends in December of the second year.
 

Organizational Structure:
The executive team consists of six members: President, Vice President, General Affairs, Domestic Affairs, International Affairs, and Treasurer. However, the group operates on an individualistic basis, meaning that roles do not affect participation in activities.
 

Gender Balance:
Approximately 40% of the members are female.
 

Joining Period:
May
 

Member Backgrounds:
Around 20% are returnees or native English speakers.

About 40% have prior debate experience from high school.
 

Dropout Rate:
40%
 

• about acceptance:
  PEAK/GPEAK 　〇
  Exchage students 〇

• Language requirement:
  Be able to handle basic conversations

• Commitment Requirement:
  All members are free to participate in any frequency and amount of commitment

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Practice Schedule
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays at 19:00

Tournament Participation
Members can optionally participate in various tournaments.

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Selection Process:
None (Open to all)

*Eligibility: *
Primarily 1st and 2nd-year students (Beginners in English debate are also welcome)

Actual Membership Trends:
The majority join in their 1st year, but some 2nd-year students also join.

Joining Procedure:
Until the end of April, new members are considered provisional members and can freely participate in practices and tournaments.

In May, they decide whether to officially join. Those who choose to do so complete the process via email.

○Pros

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△Cons

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