Haruka Masuda of Makuhari International School in Chiba Prefecture was crowned the winner Saturday of The Japan Times Spelling Bee after correctly spelling the word "ignominious," landing her a spot in the annual National Spelling Bee in Washington.
Masuda, 12, outlasted 35 contestants aged 9 to 14 from international, Japanese and U.S. schools across the country to win the contest.
"It was shocking, but I am excited and happy," the Japanese girl said.