The Takarazuka Revue Company, one of the largest theatre groups in Japan, features an all-female cast that specialises in either a “male role” or a “female role” in the musicals, stage dramas and dance revues. Showcasing a wide range of genres, it has attracted a mass audience of mostly female followers, resulting in tickets sales reaching fever pitch levels. But what is the role of Takarazuka in the world of Japanese theatre and what does it signify?

This special event commemorating the 100^th anniversary of Takarazuka provides an opportunity to cultivate a cross-cultural understanding of the theatre company through discussion. Beginning with a brief talk by Dr Nobuko Anan, a lecturer in Japanese studies at Birkbeck, University of London, regarding the history and characteristics of Takarazuka, she will be joined by Noriko Tosaka (aka Ai Otohara) and Machiko Nakano (aka Reo Kazami), two distinguished former Takarazuka performers, as well as Jano Williams, co-director of the documentary Dream Girls (1994). Tosaka and Nakano will reflect on their past experiences inside the exclusive, fiercely competitive company whose practices have remained largely unchanged for a century. As arguably one the first filmmakers outside of Japan to capture the elite world of Takarazuka, Williams, a British filmmaker, will speak about their motives for making their insightful film, and what they observed through the camera behind the scenes of the dazzling revue.

Following the discussion, the former Takarazuka performers will take part in a short demonstration illustrating the distinct form of male and female characterisations that the company is so well known for.

This event will extend beyond a simple overview of Takarazuka and together, the speakers, each with their own perspectives, will delve into the impact of Takarazuka, issues associated with Takarazuka, including gender, as well as the societal norms that have created this spectacular scene.

Attend TANAKA Kotaro's talk on DOMON Ken to discover the renowned photographer. Gain insights about his iconic works and explore his relationship with contemporaries such MORIYAMA Daido and ARAKI Nobuyoshi. Discover how DOMON's photography reflects the society he lived in.

The Photographers' Gallery

Date: 25 July 2023, 18:30 BST

Registration is essential and spaces are limited, so please book your ticket here.

Discover the world of Ninja! Join our talk with Prof. YAMADA Yuji and learn how the perception of these iconic figures has evolved over time using some cinematic examples.

Venue: Japan House London

Date: 19 September 2023, 18:30 BST

Registration is essential and spaces are limited, so please book your ticket here.

Image credit © KITCHEN MINORU

Diary of a Void – a subversive tale that delves into the complexities of lies, life, and female interiority (co-translated by David Boyd and Lucy North). We are delighted to invite YAGI Emi the author behind this award-winning debut book, to the UK.

She will jointly appear at The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival with KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu, the author of the million selling Before the Coffee Gets Cold series. Following the festival, YAGI Emi will tour the country, including London.

Date: Sunday 8 Oct 16:30

Venue: Town Hall, Pillar Room, The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival

Book here [Tickets for this event are sold out]

Date: Monday 9 Oct 17:30

Venue: The University of Sheffield, Lecture Theatre 7, The Diamond

Book here

Date: Tuesday 10 Oct 19:00

Venue: The West Kirby Bookshop, West Kirby

Book here

Date: Wednesday 11 Oct 18:30

Venue: National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, Norwich

Book here

Date: Thursday 12 Oct 19:00

Venue: Foyles, The Auditorium (Level 6), 107 Charing Cross Road, London

Book here

Anime enthusiasts, get ready for a deep dive into the world of mecha-anime!

Join us for an online talk by FUJITSU Ryota, a leading anime critic, as we explore the evolution of machines as characters in Japanese animation. As part of Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2023.

Date: Friday 10 Nov 18:30 GMT ONLINE

Book here

We are delighted to announce that the 18th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!

This contest gives students the chance to make their voices heard in Japanese, and win some fantastic prizes! Finals Day will be held at King’s College London, on Saturday 4th March 2023. This is the first in-person Finals Day in three years! (Please note that this event may take place online depending on the circumstances regarding Covid-19.

:: Contest Aims

The main purpose of the event is to improve the speaking and presentation skills of students studying Japanese as a foreign language. Through this event, we hope to promote Japanese language learning at higher education level in the UK and Ireland.

:: Who can apply?

The contest is aimed at undergraduate students who are currently studying Japanese as a foreign language at a university in the UK or Ireland.

There are three different categories:

1. Speech Category:  For those studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard C1 or C2 at a university the UK or Ireland including as an elective, optional or other university-based language course. Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: 7th November 2022 (15:00 GMT)

2. Individual Presentation Category: For those studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard B1 or B2. Participants will give a PowerPoint presentation using Japanese. The aim of the presentation is to introduce a particular theme to the audience, for example a region, event, custom, etc. from the UK or another country outside Japan. Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: 5th December 2022 (15:00 GMT)

3. Group Presentation Category: For those studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A1 or A2. Participants will take part in groups of two to four students and give a PowerPoint presentation using Japanese. The aim of the presentation is to introduce a particular theme to the audience, for example a region, event, custom, etc. from the UK or another country outside Japan. Five groups which are selected to present during the finals day will be given a special award.

Application Deadline: 12th December 2022 (15:00 GMT)

*Details of JF Standard can be found here: https://jfstandard.jp/pdf/jfs2015_pamphlet_eng.pdf

Videos from the 17^th Contest Finals Day can be viewed here

Please see the files below for the contest poster, FAQ, and application forms for each category:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contest Poster
• Speech Category Application Form
• Individual Presentation Category Application Form
• Group Presentation Category Application Form
• Speech Category Rules and Guidance

Date:	4 March 2023
Download SpC18 FAQ
Download SpC2023 Application Poster
Download SpC18 Speech Category Application Form
Download SpC18 Rules and Guidance
Download SpC18 Individual Presentation Category Application Form
Download SpC18 Group Presentation Category Application Form

*Looking for Volunteers* UCL-Japan Youth Challenge

Interested in Japanese culture? Learning Japanese? Want to help pre-university students shape their future studies and careers?

The UCL-Japan Youth Challenge are looking for university student volunteers who can join the in person summer school programme for a week at the end of July, to help the participants make the most out of their experience!

Volunteer roles:

• Join and facilitate group discussion during the UCL Grand Challenge Workshop on Tuesday 25 July

• Encourage Japanese high school students to communicate in English

• Support the staff (catering, guide to venues, etc.)

Dates:

• Rikkyo School in England: Saturday 22 July

• University of Cambridge: Sunday 23 & Monday 24 July

• UCL (University College London): Tuesday 25 - Saturday 29 July

*Volunteers may join us from one day to the whole programme between Saturday 22 and Saturday 29 

Times:

9am to 6pm (BST)

* Times may vary depending on the day (may finish slightly earlier or later)

To download the information flyer, click here.

If you can participate, please email ujyc@japanatuk.com

Website: www.ucl-japan-youth-challenge.com

The UCL-Japan Youth Challenge is an annual summer school programme for pre-university students from UK sixth form colleges and Japanese high schools for cultural interaction through various educational activities and events held at UCL (University College London) and the University of Cambridge, since 2015, celebrating the 150th anniversary of Japan’s Choshu Five and Satsuma 19, all of whom studied at UCL in 1863 and 1865 respectively.

If you are a pre-university student interested in learning more and attending this event, please see our previous post here: https://www.jpf.org.uk/whatson.php#1264

Or visit the official event website: https://www.ucl-japan-youth-challenge.com/

Date:	22 July 2023 - 29 July 2023 from 12.00am
Venue:	Rikkyo School in England Cambridge University University College London (UCL)
Download UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023

In partnership with ICA, HANEDA Sumiko's documentary film Ode to Mount Hayachine, set against the backdrop of rural Japan, will be screened as part of the 16mm screening, programmed by The Machine That Kills Bad People.

This film captures the essence of a year in the life of villagers preparing for kagura performances, offering a multi-layered exploration of culture and societal change.

For more details, click here 

As part of the ongoing Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective exhibition at The Photographers’ Gallery, supported by us, Every Day a Good Day will be screened at the TPG Friday Late: Daido Moriyama event – in collaboration with us.

Starring KUROKI Haru as the protagonist finding happiness through the world of tea ceremonies.

Date: Friday 17 November

Event: TPG Friday Late: Daido Moriyama

Time: 17:00-21:00 (Event duration)

Film screening: Every Day a Good Day starts at 19:00

Click here for details

No booking necessary; free for all. Drop in and enjoy!

All activities and exhibition entries, including Daido Moriyama: A Retrospective exhibition, will be free and open to everyone during the event.

Click here for exhibition details 

The 18th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students - Finals Day / 第１8回大学生のための日本語スピーチ・コンテスト　決勝大会

Why not join us for the Finals Day of the 18^th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students and listen to what university students studying Japanese in the UK and Ireland have to say! The finalists will give their speeches and presentations in Japanese to an audience consisting of members of the public, fellow students, teachers, families, key figures from the UK-Japan community and a panel of judges.

This event is FREE to attend, but prior registration is required. This event will be in person at King's College London.*

* (The event may take place online depending on the circumstances regarding Covid-19.)

Event Schedule (please note that the schedule may change in the event of unforseeable circumstances):

• 12:30 Doors open
• 13:00 Event start
• 18:00 Reception
  

Registration link

The Eighteenth Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is organised by the British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ) and the Japan Foundation London in joint partnership. The event provides an opportunity for students from the UK and Ireland to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills.

Download our event poster!

-

If you would like to find out about this year's speeches and presentations, please download the speech/presentation abstracts below:

• Speech Category abstracts (Japanese / English)
• Individual Presentation Category and Group Presentation Category abstracts (English)

Date:	4 March 2023 from 12.30pm - 7.00pm
Venue:	King's College London
Download 18th Speech Contest Finals Day Poster
Download 18th Speech Category Summaries
Download SpC2023 Group and Individual Abstracts

The UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023

The UCL-Japan Youth Challenge is back in person for its 9th iteration!

Suitable for pre-university students in the UK, the Youth Challenge is a week long summer school, this year taking place between Saturday 22nd July ～ Sunday 30th July 2023.

The Youth Challenge 2023 will be hosted in three locations: Rikkyo School in England, West Sussex; Cambridge University, Cambridge; and UCL, London.

This year's theme is Resilience:

"Our world in 2023 is experiencing diverse challenges, including natural disasters, war, the pandemic and economic recession. We need a society where it can adopt rapid and agile recovery from dynamic and unpredictable challenges. Therefore, we are confronting the topic of ‘resilience of the global society’ in the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 this year, offering opportunities to every individual to consider what resilience means to you."

The programme is a great chance for students from the UK to meet high school students coming from Japan, to participate in cultural exchange, and gain valuable skills to prepare for higher education with the guidance of university lecturers!

The two-week programme includes:

   --- University-style lectures delivered by professors from top universities

   --- UCL Grand Challenge Workshop which facilitates teamwork, problem solving, and presentation skills

   --- Social activities

How much does it cost?

The fee below covers the complete cost of the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023,  excluding accommodation fees.

To secure your place on the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023, you will need to pay your fees in full. Details of how to pay your fees will be provided as part of the application process.

£100

The standard programme fee in the past was £300, however by courtesy of various sponsors in the UK, the fee for UK based participants has been reduced to £100.

As an added bonus, the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge may count for your Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award (DofE) as a Residential activity.

Your participation in the UCL-Japan Youth Challenge 2023 does not count towards a DofE Award in itself.

Applications are now open but spaces are limited and may fill up, so register now to avoid disappointment!

For more detailed information and registration, please visit the official website:

https://www.ucl-japan-youth-challenge.com/

We are proudly partnering with Arcola Theatre to present Sputnik Sweetheart – partly a story of love and loneliness, partly a detective story. MURAKAMI Haruki’s novel is brought to stage by Bryony Lavery (Frozen, The Book of Dust) and Melly Still (My Brilliant Friend, Coram Boy).

Date: 26 October – 25 November 2023

Venue: Arcola Theatre

Book here

© 2018 “Every Day a Good Day” Production Committee

Don't miss this special screening of the heart-warming tale of Noriko (KUROKI Haru) in the film adaptation of the beloved essay Every Day a Good Day: Fifteen Lessons I Learned about Happiness from Japanese Tea Culture by essayist MORISHITA Noriko - co-presented with Japan House London. Join her as she finds purpose and happiness through the world of tea ceremonies.

For more details, click here 

Calling all primary school teachers! We have some exciting news for you. An enchanting event, presented in partnership with The Children’s Bookshow, is brought to school children – perfect for those who love art and storytelling. Give your students the opportunity to explore the world of KITAMURA Satoshi, a renowned figure known for his classic picture book, Stone Age Boy, as he shares live drawings, captivating story readings, and offers inspiring insights into his creative journey. 

Date: Monday 6 November, 11:00

Venue: The Crucible, Norfolk St, Sheffield S1 1DA

If you’re a teacher and would like more information or to book: Click here

Additionally, The Children’s Bookshow is offering four free in-classroom workshops to schools attending this event with 30 or more children.

A netsuke is a clothing accessory, used since the Edo period (1603-1868). Initially a simple toggle to attach personal items such as money pouches to a person's obi (a sash worn with kimono), netsuke have become intricately carved miniature sculptures.

From 20 January at Oriental Museum, Durham, visit an exhibition which presents contemporary netsuke crafts, allowing visitors to explore the subtle and highly artistic skills embodied in these miniature crafts of work.

Date: Friday 20 January to Sunday 14 May, 2023.

Venue: Spalding Gallery of Japan, Oriental Museum, Durham

[Free - no booking required]

The Japan Foundation in Europe (Cologne, London, Paris, and Rome offices) will jointly hold an online teachers’ seminar on ‘Reading That Incorporates a “Re-Telling” Activity’ on 15th July 2023.

The theme, date and time of the seminar are as follows. Please find the event details below written in Japanese.

*Please note that information is only available in Japanese, as the seminar will be conducted in Japanese. Thank you for your understanding.

 Theme: ‘Reading That Incorporates a “Re-Telling” Activity’

 Date/Time: 15^th July 2023 (Saturday),  9:00-11:30 (BST/UTC+1)

 Application Deadline: 6^th July 2023 (Thursday) 17:00（BST/UTC+1）

 Enquiries:

 The Japan Foundation, Budapest: BP_nihongo@jpf.go.jp (Japanese)

 Japan Foundation, London enquiries: events.japanese@jpf.go.jp  (Japanese / English)

-------

このたび、欧州にある国際交流基金（The Japan Foundation）5拠点共催で、「『再話』を取り入れた読解」をテーマにした研修会を開催いたします。

「再話」とは、ストーリーを読んだ後に原稿を見ない状態でそのストーリーの内容を知らない人に語る活動のことです。ぜひ下の「講師からの一言」をご覧ください。

みなさまのご応募、お待ちしています。

なお、応募者多数の場合はご希望に添えない場合がございます。ご了承ください。

日時：2023年7月15日（土）9：00～11:30 （BST/UTC+1）

テーマ：「再話」を取り入れた読解

講師：小河原義朗先生（東北大学大学院文学研究科）

　　　木谷直之先生（元国際交流基金日本語国際センター）

形式：オンライン（Zoomミーティング）

参加費：無料

使用言語：日本語

対象：日本語教師（欧州在住の日本語教育に携わっている方を優先します）

定員：90名程度

講師から一言：

読解の授業では、学習者がテキストを読み、文章や筆者の意図をどのくらい正しく理解しているのか、内容把握を問う設問や教師の質問に答えて、クラス全体で正誤を確認するといったことがよく行われます。しかしながら、こうした授業活動では、一人ひとりの学習者が実際にテキストをどのように理解し、どこがわかっていないのかがなかなかわかりません。そこで、学習者をペアにして再話（ストーリーを読んだ後に原稿を見ない状態でそのストーリーの内容を知らない人に語る）する活動を取り入れてみました。本研修会では、この「ペアによる再話活動」を体験しつつ、実際に学習者がペアで再話する際に何が起きているのか分析し、読解の教室活動として再話をどのように活用できるかについていっしょに考えたいと思います。

お申込み：https://forms.office.com/r/yycJUX8exK

お申込み締切：2023年7月6日（木）17:00（BST/UTC+1）

問い合わせ：

　国際交流基金ブダペスト日本文化センター日本語チーム BP_nihongo@jpf.go.jp（日本語／ハンガリー語）

　国際交流基金ロンドン日本文化センター events.japanese@jpf.go.jp （日本語／英語）

その他の詳細はフライヤーをご覧ください。

フライヤー

Date:	15 July 2023
Venue:	Online event
Download 03_230715_Flyer_Reading incorpodating re-telling

The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is a test for non-native speakers of Japanese which evaluates and certifies their Japanese-Language proficiency. The test takes place twice a year (July and December) in Japan and various locations around the world. Currently, it is the largest Japanese-language test in the world, with more than 1.36 million people in 87 countries worldwide registered for the JLPT in 2019.

The next JLPT will take place on Sunday, 3^rd December 2023 at three locations in the UK: London (SOAS University of London)*, Edinburgh (the University of Edinburgh)* and Cardiff (Cardiff University).*

 *Please note that applications at all three sites (SOAS, The University of Edinburgh, and Cardiff University) have CLOSED as applications have reached maximum capacity. We apologise for any disappointment caused.

Please refer to university’s website for application opening dates and registration details.

×          Japan Research Centre, SOAS University of London SOAS applications have now closed 

×          Centre for Open Learning, The University of Edinburgh Edinburgh applications have now closed 

×          Cardiff University Cardiff applications have now closed

Please note that JLPT is very popular and registration at each test centre will close when the test centre has reached its maximum capacity.

For more information about the test, please visit the JLPT website 

Ø  Let’s Try Sample Questions! 

Calling all secondary school teachers of Japanese! We will be holding a fifth Online Get-Together. This is a great opportunity to talk with your colleagues about your work in a relaxed, casual setting. We hope you can use this as a chance to talk about any issues you are facing in the classroom, exchange information on exams, and more.

As well as group discussion sessions, Mrs Shoko Middleton will be giving a talk on the theme of “Example of entry level lessons as an enrichment class – What skills students gain and how their possibilities broaden – ”.

In addition, Mrs Kaye Jackson and Mr Martin Buck from Skills and Education Group (SEG) will explain about their assessment process, followed by a presentation by Mrs Noriko William, SEG moderator.

About the speakers

Shoko Middleton has taught Japanese to a wide range of students in England for 20 years including at primary, secondary, university and adult education levels, from beginners to advanced learners. She currently teaches Japanese at Sherborne Girls and Imperial College London. Her interests are positive cross-cultural communication and using music in language classrooms to enhance learners' language acquisition.

Noriko Williams is a Japanese moderator for Skills and Education Group. She is an experienced teacher of Japanese at all levels including GCSE, A-Level, IB and SEG. She has taught at private schools, colleges, and at university in the southwest of England since 1996. Her interests are developing teaching/learning materials, gardening, landscaping and skiing.

Kaye Jackson, Head of Relationship Management, Skills and Education Group

Martin Buck, Head of Assessment and Product Development, Skills and Education Group

Date:

• 21^st March 2023 (Tuesday), 16:00-17:30 

Schedule:

• First half: Presentations by the speakers
• Second half: Group discussion

To apply, please click here.

Participation fee: Free (Registration in advance is required.)

Registration Deadline: 14^th March

Languages used: English/Japanese

• You can read some comments from participants of the previous Online Get-Togethers below:
• It was really good to join in with fellow Japanese colleagues from around the country (and world!) and listen and see in Japanese how these colleagues created and use these resources.
• I spent a hugely worthwhile time getting to talk with other teachers that I do not often get a chance to meet and exchange new information.
• I have gotten a lot of ideas and tips from the speaker’s presentation. Thanks to the presentation I think I can improve my teaching skills to encourage my pupils to learn more!

Experience the captivating melodies of anime and games with KIKUCHI Ryota’s piano concert! 

A popular YouTuber and pianist, he transforms numerous music pieces into unique arrangements. Will your favourite song be featured? Come and see! 

Midlands Arts Centre (Birmingham)

Date: Tuesday 8 August 2023, 12:30

Click here for details

*Free to attend. Booking is not required, just turn up!

*Mostly standing, seats may not be available

St James’s Church, Piccadilly (London)

Date: Wednesday 9 August, 19:00

Click here to book your place

*Free to attend but booking is essential

 *SOLD OUT! Waiting list only

Yamaha Music London (London)

Date: Thursday 10 August, 16:00

Click here to book your place 

*SOLD OUT! Waiting list only

Join this session to look into some varying perspectives and the joint ultimate goals of inclusiveness in the performing arts scenes both in the UK and Japan.

Venue: Japan House London

Date: 8 September 2023, 18:30 BST

Registration is essential and spaces are limited, so please book your ticket here.

Partnering with Waterstones & Picador to bring you a rare opportunity to meet KAWAGUCHI Toshikazu, the author of the popular book series Before the Coffee Gets Cold.

This event costs £8* to attend, or £14 including a copy of Before the Coffee Gets Cold (RRP £9.99).

Registration is essential and spaces are limited, so please book your ticket here.

We are proudly partnering with Barbican for this exciting film I Like You, I Like You Very Much (1994) showing as part of Queer 90s. A fresh and sexy romance from OKI Hiroyuki, following a gay man in a relationship pursuing a sexual encounter with another man.

Date: 8 June 2023, 18:30

Venue: Barbican Centre, London 

Get your tickets here!

Brand-New Event! Japanese Video Championship for Young Learners UK

This is a brand-new event for primary and secondary school students studying Japanese in the UK organized by the Japan Foundation, London.

The world is currently changing very quickly. Technology is advancing, and nowadays if you have a computer or a smartphone you can send a message to anyone in the world. In a time like this, we should always have the following questions in our mind: “What message do I want to convey and how?” It is important for us to deliver messages clearly and easily for others to understand.

This event is a contest for young Japanese learners in the UK to use their Japanese and make a video on a topic provided. You can apply individually or as part of a group.

You can make your video in whatever style you prefer.

Show us your creativity in full and have fun making the video!

Finals day will take place on 9th July 2022 (Saturday).

Eligibility:

・Primary and secondary school students studying Japanese in the UK may enter individually or as part of a group. However, one person cannot participate in multiple group videos, or one person cannot submit both an individual video and a group video.

・Students studying Japanese outside of school, students who have lived in Japan in the past, and students who speak Japanese at home can all apply.

Categories and Theme of the Video:

[Primary School]

 - Japanese level: A1-A2 Level of standard for Japanese-language Education /CEFR

 - Theme: My/Our School

 - Length of Video: Aprrox. one minute

[Secondary School Category 1]

- Japanese level: A1-A2 Level of standard for Japanese-language Education /CEFR