• Michaella Bostrom stands with (from left) spelling judge Steve McClure, master of ceremonies Marc Davies, pronouncer James Tschudy, Japan Times Deputy Managing Editor Edan Corkill, Japan Times President Takeharu Tsutsumi and Shigeo Yushita, commercial director and head of Japan for the International New York Times. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
    Michaella Bostrom stands with (from left) spelling judge Steve McClure, master of ceremonies Marc Davies, pronouncer James Tschudy, Japan Times Deputy Managing Editor Edan Corkill, Japan Times President Takeharu Tsutsumi and Shigeo Yushita, commercial director and head of Japan for the International New York Times. | YOSHIAKI MIURA
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Michaella Bostrom has been crowned winner of the 5th Japan Times Spelling Bee after besting 37 other students from around the country, booking a ticket to the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington on her third try.

“I’m surprised!” the 14-year-old student at Kakegawa International Christian School in Shizuoka Prefecture said after receiving her trophy Saturday. “I thought there was a possibility, but didn’t really expect to win. I’m happy.”

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