PERSUASIVE arguments as to why Japan should host the World Cup have won two Tavistock College students second prize in a national competition organised by the Japan Festival Education Trust.

In 1996, FIFA chose the hosts for the 2002 World Cup. The countries wishing to host the World Cup made bids, in which they put forward the reasons why their country would be a suitable host.

Todd Palmer and Joseph Hill, both 14, were awarded books and certificates in the 'Why Japan?' competition, in which students, either individually or as a team — had to imagine that they worked for the Japan bidding committee in 1995.

They had to persuade FIFA why Japan should host the World Cup. Entries were received from all over the country and judges were impressed by the marketing skills, the meticulous research, as well as the variety in layout.

Overall, they were particularly looking for pupils who showed an understanding of Japan through their writing without too many inaccuracies, as well as a convincing marketing style.

The judges were: Heidi Potter, executive director, Japan Festival Education Trust; Jim Sells, literacy development officer — Professional Football, National Literacy Trust; Atsuyuki Asano, education attaché, the Embassy of Japan and Samantha Flanders, education officer, Japan Festival Education Trust.

Todd and Joseph's work, together with the other winning entries, will be on show on the JFET website http://www.jfet.org.uk">http://www.jfet.org.uk from August onwards.

l Pupils from Tavistock College were accompanied by Sally Benson, their Japanese teacher, on a visit to the Japanese Embassy in

London recently.

They were able to make Japanese rice balls — and eat them — see a slide-show about Japan, do Japanese calligraphy and try on kimonos (pictured right).

There were Japanese volunteers on hand to help the students, including showing them how to use chopsticks.

The embassy wrote to say how impressed the staff and volunteers were with the pupils' behaviour and appearance, and they have invited 60 more to visit them again next

academic year.