Schedule & Venue
Date: Saturday, November 29, 2025
Venue: Saitama City Omiya International Secondary School
All participating teams will take part in a minimum of three debate rounds, not including any special or final rounds.
Saitama City Omiya International Secondary School
What is MOIS Cup?
MOIS Cup is a bilingual debate tournament hosted at Municipal Omiya International Secondary School in Saitama City.
Held annually in November, this event encourages students to apply and develop their skills in research, critical thinking, collaboration, and public speaking.
Students form their own teams and prepare independently with their teammates. Beginning this year, all divisions (junior high and senior high; English and Japanese) follow a modified World Scholars Cup (WSC) Team Debate format, with our everlasting theme of Change.
Application
The Deadline for registration is 10/31.
Apply Here
Who Can Participate
- Students from Saitama City schools, IB World Schools, and schools invited by faculty.
- Teams consist of 3 to 4 students. (“Free Riders” are welcome.)
- Each team chooses English or Japanese for their debate language.
- Up to four teams (two English and two Japanese) per school should apply. (Have more? Contact us)
Debate Format and Rules
Preparation and Debate Flow
- Topic Reveal & Research (15 minutes)
Teams are given the topic and assigned a side (Affirmative or Negative). - Debate Round
Each speaker has 4 minutes to speak without interruption. Between speakers, there is 1 minute of preparation time. Speaker order alternates between Affirmative and Negative. The first speaker on each side introduces their team and defines key terms. - Peer Feedback
After the final speaker, each team provides up to 90 seconds of constructive feedback to their opponents. - Judging & Results
Judges evaluate based on content, organization, delivery, teamwork, and peer feedback. The judge announces the winner but does not provide individual feedback. Guests may attend as audience members and share their own observations after the round.
Debate Flow (Single Round Overview)
Judging Criteria
- Content: Strength and relevance of arguments and evidence.
- Organization: Logical structure and clarity of ideas.
- Delivery: Confidence, tone, and communication skills.
- Teamwork: Coordination and support among speakers.
- Peer Feedback: Helpful and Respectful.
Etiquette and Good Manners
Debating is a discipline of reasoned argument, not a shouting match.
Speakers should maintain eye contact, speak clearly and respectfully, and engage their audience through organized and persuasive speech. Courtesy and team spirit are as important as winning.
Other
- Transportation and other expenses are the responsibility of the individual.
- Parents and guardians are also welcome to visit.