What's On

Is your school interested in starting a Japanese Club?

Sign up now to receive a Japanese Club package (including teacher training) so your school can be ready to run a Japanese Club in near future!

Applications from more than one teacher from the same school are very welcome as it will provide you with opportunities to use what you learn through the course!

What we provide (free of charge):

1. Teaching materials: “Kon-Kon! Konnichiwa Japanese Club”

• Material set about Japanese culture and language
• The materials consist of 10 topics for 30-60 minute club activities (KS 2-4) (*Examples of topics covered: Greetings, Self-introduction, Food, Numbers, Festivals, Manga etc.)

2. Online teacher training course
- 12 x 1-hour online sessions
 * Please see the training schedule below.

3. Support and advice for teachers running the Japanese Club

The teaching material and the training programme are designed for teachers who don’t have any experience of running Japanese clubs or Japanese language knowledge.

Details

Aims of the online training programme:

• to learn how to use the set of materials.
• to learn basic knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language.
• to build a network of teachers who are interested in language and cultural education.

Eligibility:

• primary or secondary schools that are interested in starting Japanese clubs.
• schools that currently don’t have a Japanese programme as a part of curriculum.
• schools that have a teacher who is available to attend the training programme and run a club at school.

* No prior experience in Japanese language learning and running a Japanese Club is required.

* Applications from more than one teacher from the same school are very  welcome.

* In case of a high number of applicants, those who have no or limited experience in Japanese will be prioritised.

Benefits:

• to be able to learn how to run a Japanese Club for at least 1 term (10 to 12 sessions).
• to be able to learn how to use the materials.
• to be able to gain basic knowledge of Japan and the Japanese language.
• to be able to expand your network.

Training Schedule:

* Participants are expected to attend all the sessions below:

• Every Monday (excluding half-term and holidays) starting from 7 October, 4 pm to 5 pm. Please refer to the schedule below for precise dates.
• In total of 12 sessions of 1h/week classes.

October: 7, 14

November: 4, 11, 18, 25

December: 9

January: 13, 20, 27

February: 3, 10

Venue: Online

Medium of language: English

Fee: Free

Number of participants: around 10 teachers

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Application:

Please click here to fill out the application form

*Please ask your head teacher or other senior teachers acting on behalf of the head teachers at your school for permission before applying.

Application deadline:

3rd October 2024 at 4pm

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Enquiries:  Language Team, The Japan Foundation, London

                events.japanese@jpf.go.jp (English/Japanese)

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FAQ:

Q: I am interested in working at a school but currently am not teaching at any school. Can I apply?

A: This course is designed mainly for teachers who are already employed by a school. You can apply but please note that school-employed teachers will be prioritised in the event of a high number of applicants.

Q: Can a teacher who is a native speaker of Japanese apply to this course?

A: Japanese native speakers with no experience of teaching Japanese can apply. For those experienced teachers of Japanese, we are going to provide another opportunity in future to introduce the set of materials over a shorter period of time.

Q: Can I get support while running a Japanese club after the training?

A: Yes, you can contact us if you have any concerns.

Q: Can I apply although we are not certain we can run a Japanese club this September?

A: Yes, as long as you and your school have an active intention to start a Japanese club in the future. You don't necessarily have to start the club before finishing the course.

When you think of Japanese woodblock print-making, you likely think of the 18th-and-19th-century greats: KITAGAWA Utamaro, KATSUSHIKA Hokusai, and UTAGAWA Hiroshige are all well-known around the world for their ukiyo-e works, but the art of woodblock printing continued to prosper well beyond their times. In fact, the artform thrived well into the more modern times of the 1920s and 1930s, evolving beyond ukiyo-e along the way, with a number of its artists using it to express their own unique takes on the liveliness of a newly-modernised Tokyo.

In this special talk event, KOYAMA Shuko, curator at the Edo-Tokyo Museum in Tokyo, will give an illustrated talk on hanga (woodblock print) works, with a particular focus on the 1920s and 1930s and the ways in which the artists of this time captured the changing city of Tokyo, while also comparing this more modern hanga to its ukiyo-e predecessors.

This event is organised in celebration of the opening of Tokyo, naissance d'une ville moderne (Tokyo, the Birth of a Modern City) at the Japan Foundation's Maison de la culture du Japon in Paris.

This event is free to attend, but booking is essential.
Click here to book your place on Eventbrite.

We're returning to Cambridge for another special film screening event, and this time we're bringing not just one, but two films!

In collaboration with Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature and Jesus College, University of Cambridge, join us for FREE screenings of Kamome Diner (2005, dir. OGIGAMI Naoko) and Key of Life (2012, dir. UCHIDA Kenji).

These screenings are free to attend, but booking is essential.
Click here to book on the Panorama Journal website.

Screenings

Kamome Diner
dir. OGIGAMI Naoko, 2005, 102 min, English subtitles
Summer arrives in Helsinki, bringing with it the opening of a small Japanese eatery known as Kamome Diner. After a slow start, the shop gradually begins to grow in popularity, yet no-one ever orders the "soul food" rice balls made by its 38-year-old owner, Sachie (KOBAYASHI Satomi).
Screening at 14:30 GMT

Key of Life
dir. UCHIDA Kenji, 2012, 128 min, English subtitles
Failed actor SAKURAI (SAKAI Masato) visits a bathhouse to purify himself before ending it all. When wealthy fellow patron KONDO (KAGAWA Teruyuki) takes an amnesia-inducing fall, SAKURAI spots an opportunity to escape his current struggles and assumes KONDO's identity.
Screening at 17:00 GMT

The Japan Foundation offices (Madrid, Colon, London and Paris) will jointly hold an online teachers’ seminar on the topic ‘Learners are people who “can do”! : Take a Look into Language Education from the CEFR's “Can Do” and “Mediation” on 22nd November 2024 (Friday).

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: Learners are people who ‘can do’! : Let's Take a Look at Language Education through the CEFR's ‘Can Do’ and ‘Mediation’

 Date/Time: 22nd November 2024 (Friday),  9:00-11:30 (GMT/UTC) / 10:00-12:30 (CET)

 Application Deadline: 10th November 2024 (Sunday)

Online form

 Enquiries:

 The Japan Foundation, Madrid:  nihongo.kyoshi@jpf.go.jp  (Japanese / Spanish)

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

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このたびマドリード日本文化センターが中心となり、国際交流基金の欧州4拠点共催で2024年11月22日（金）にオンライン日本語教師研修会を開催する運びとなりました。

今回のテーマは【学習者は「できる」人である！～CEFRが描くcan doと仲介からことばの教育をのぞいてみよう～】　

講師に奥村三菜子先生をお呼びしての開催です！

多くの方にご参加いただけると幸いです。

テーマ：学習者は「できる」人である！

                 ～CEFRが描くcan doと仲介からことばの教育をのぞいてみよう～

日時：2024年11月22日（金）9:00-11:30 （英国・アイルランド）/10:00-12:30（中央ヨーロッパ）

形式：オンライン（Zoom）

使用言語：日本語

対象：
・欧州在住の日本語教師を優先しますが、他地域からもご参加できます
・CEFRを使った実践やCan-doや「仲介」の実践にご関心がある方
・オンラインレッスンやプライベートレッスンをされている方も大歓迎！

講師：奥村三菜子  先生 （NPO法人YYJ・ゆるくてやさしい日本語のなかまたち、副理事）

申込：Online form　＊締切：11月10日（日）

チラシ

※ポスターの時刻は、スペイン・ポルトガル時刻で表示されています。英国、アイルランドからのご参加のみなさまは、ポルトガルと同じ時間帯です。どうぞ時差にご注意ください。

講師からのメッセージ：

「できない」を「できる」にすることだけが教育ではありません。「できる」を「もっとできる」にすることも教育です。学習者本人も忘れていた／気づいていなかった「できる」を学びの場で発掘するために、私たちには何ができるでしょう？　CEFRが描くcan doと仲介の考え方からそのヒントを探ってみませんか？

講師略歴：

NPO法人YYJ・ゆるくてやさしい日本語のなかまたち、副理事

1990年代から日本語教育に携わる。1999年に赴任したドイツでCEFRと出会い、以来、CEFRを参照した教育実践、ワークショップ、教師研修等を多数行う。現在は、2019年に仲間と設立したNPO法人で、日本語教師同士および日本語教育と隣接領域をつなぎ、共に支え合うことができる場づくりの活動を行っている。

　主な著書：

　『日本語教師のためのCEFR』（共編著，くろしお出版，2016）

　『CEFR-CVとことばの教育』（共著，くろしお出版，2024）

　『日本語を教えてみたいと思ったときに読む本』（共著，コスモピア，2022）

　＊NPO法人YYJホームページ：https://www.yyjnpo.com

問い合わせ先 :
国際交流基金マドリード日本文化センター 　nihongo.kyoshi@jpf.go.jp

Date:	18 October 2024 - 22 November 2024
Download 1124 オンライン講演会_フライヤ2

Why not learn Japanese language alongside the exhibition of Japanese food replicas?

Calling all young learners who have never learnt Japanese before or those who are at a very beginner level!

Japan House London is currently holding an exhibition showcasing Japan’s food replicas. This bold exhibition bridges the worlds of Japanese food and culture. The Japan Foundation, London will be holding a Japanese Language session linked to this exhibition.

Please note:

• This session is aimed at young people, such as sixth form students or university students (aged 16-22)
• For those who have never learnt Japanese before or those who are at a very beginner level.
• The food samples at this session and the exhibition are not edible.
• The session is followed by a free exhibition tour, led by Japan House staff. (Optional, approx. 15 min) 

To register, please click here

Fee: Free (registration in advance is required.)

Registration deadline: Monday 21st October

The maximum number of participants is 30 people for each session.

Applications will close when this event has reached maximum capacity (30 participants)

Lecturer: Ms Masumi Jinda Everett

Organised by The Japan Foundation, London

Supported by Japan House London

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About the Lecturer

  Masumi Jinda Everett has dedicated over 20 years to educating young minds, teaching Japanese at Harrow International School in Thailand, as well as at Bexley Grammar School in the UK. Her commitment to her students' development while teaching Japanese language and culture has been the cornerstones of her teaching philosophy. She has continued to inspire and guide students from various cultural backgrounds, enriching their understanding of Japanese language and culture.

The Japan Foundation is proud to partner with the Centre for Contemporary Arts (CCA) in Glasgow and the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in London for athese special screening events featuring director ENDO Maiko, including an In Focus series at ICA.

Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness ENDO's profound, thought-provoking experimental films, accompanied by a pair of Q&A sessions with the director herself - see below for more details and to get your tickets.

Screenings

Kuichisan
dir. ENDO Maiko, 2011, 76 min, English subtitles
Screening from a 35mm print and presented in a mixture of colour and monochrome, Kuichisan paints a striking, dreamlike picture of a boy's (played by ISHIHARA Raizo) wanderings through an Okinawan town.
Screening at:
Centre for Contemporary Arts, Glasgow
Tuesday 15 October 2024, 19:30 (with director Q&A)
Click to book

Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Tuesday 22 October 2024, 18:30 (with director Q&A)
Click to book

Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Saturday 26 October 2024, 12:45
Click to book

Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Sunday 27 October 2024, 13:45
Click to book

Technology
dir. ENDO Maiko, 2016, 73 min, English subtitles
Filmed in Iceland and India, Technology tells the surreal story of the search for a sacred flower and a child from the moon (Bobbi Salvör Menuez) drawn towards the dangerous business of dealing its seeds.
Screening at:
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Saturday 26 October 2024, 14:40
Click to book

Jizai
dir. ENDO Maiko, 2024, 14 min, English subtitles
Based on the real-life INAMI JIZAI BODY PROJECT, Jizai playfully explores what is needed for AI to challenge the limits of human capabilities, and how senses and emotions can interact with robotics.
Screening at:
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Sunday 27 October 2024, 18:00 (followed by Tokyo Telepath 2020)
Click to book

Tokyo Telepath 2020
dir. ENDO Maiko, 2020, 49 min, English subtitles
The year is 2018, and preparations for the Olympics are hiding a programme that will digitise Tokyo's inhabitants and control their minds. Meanwhile, two telepathic girls (Natsuko, Luka) receive a special task.
Screening at:
Institute of Contemporary Arts, London
Sunday 27 October 2024, 18:00 (preceded by Jizai)
Click to book

The Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival is back for 2024, and we're delighted to once again partner with the festival to bring you the very best in Japanese animation past and present!

This year's festival takes place in October, visiting Chapter in Cardiff from 5 to 6 October, and Aberystwyth Arts Centre in Aberystwyth from 25 to 27 October. With a trio of Welsh premieres in Cardiff, and films spanning genres from mecha to drama, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Click here to book your tickets for screenings at Chapter.

Click here to book your tickets for screenings at Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

Don't forget to check the Kotatsu website for more details!

We are excited to announce three upcoming Rakugo events taking place in Oxford and London (with some events streaming online, TBC). A master Rakugo performer will be travelling from Japan to perform, and there will also be Kobanashi performances from learners of Japanese all over the country and lectures from experts. Why not join us to discover a unique aspect of Japanese culture, gain new Japanese knowledge, and – most importantly – to laugh at some great stories.

These events are all free but advance booking is required.

There will be English translation provided for each performance, so everyone is welcome!

• What is Rakugo? Rakugo is the traditional art of one-man storytelling in Japan. A single figure sits on stage and uses only his voice, a cloth and a fan to tell comedic or dramatic stories.
• What is Kobanashi? A short and witty story that is told before the main Rakugo performance.

Download our event flyer!

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Dates and Booking for Each Event

There will be three separate Rakugo events. Please refer to the following information on location and dates.

Different Rakugo stories will be performed on 8th November and 9th November in Oxford, so if you like, you can attend both events!

There will be a longer explanation about Rakugo and the culture of Rakugo as part of the events on the 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London).

Children are especially welcome to the events on the 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London)!

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8th November 2024

• Location: Oxford
• Venue: Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Oxford
• Time: 17:00 – 18:30
• Online streaming available (TBC)
• Schedule:

17:00 – Opening

Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

Rakugo performance by Ryūtei Saryū

Q&A Session

18:30 – Closing

Followed by a short drink reception

Click here to book tickets!

Co-organised by The Japan Foundation, London and Nissan Institute of Japanese Studies, University of Oxford

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9th November 2024

• Location: Oxford
• Venue: Holywell Music Room, Wadham College, University of Oxford
• Time: 13:00 – 15:30
• NO online streaming
• Children welcome!
• Schedule:

13:00 – Opening

 Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

 Kobanashi performances by learners of  Japanese

 Rakugo performances by Ryūtei Saryū

Talk and Q&A Session

15:30 – Closing (TBC)

Click here to book tickets!

Organised by The Japan Foundation, London

Supported by Wadham College, University of Oxford

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10th November 2024

• Location: London
• Venue: Regent’s University (London)
• Time: 13:00 – 15:30
• Online streaming available (TBC)
• Children welcome!
• Schedule:

13:00 – Opening

Introduction and demonstration of Rakugo

Kobanashi performances by learners of Japanese

Rakugo performances by Ryūtei Saryū

Talk and Q&A Session

15:30 – Closing (TBC)

Click here to book tickets!

Organised by The Japan Foundation, London

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Challengers Wanted! Why not try performing Kobanashi?

All levels of Japanese ability welcome!

The 9th November (Oxford) and 10th November (London) events will feature Kobanashi performances by learners of Japanese. You will have the chance to perform your Kobanashi on our stage! Whether you are a teacher or learner, please contact us if you have an interest in performing your kobanashi.

• Application deadline: 24th October 2024 (Thur)
• The details and information on how to apply can be found here

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Performer Profiles

  Ryūtei Saryū – Rakugo Performer

Ryūtei Saryū (stage name) is a Rakugo Master from Chiba Prefecture. He became an apprentice of Yanagiya Sankyō and began performing Rakugo in 1993. He was promoted to Shin’Uchi Rakugo MasterStoryteller status in 2006. He is the recipient of awards, including the Hanagata Engei Taisho* for three consecutive years: 2009 (silver), 2010 (gold), 2011 (gold). He has performed Rakugo all over the world. Since 2013 he has been working as a part-time lecturer and became a visiting associate professor in 2024 at Tokyo Woman’s Christian University.

* Hanagata: flower; Engei: a Japanese traditional performing art; Taisho: award.

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   Kazumi Hatasa – Professor at the School of Languages and Culture, Purdue University

Kazumi Hatasa is a professor at the School of Languages and Cultures. He was Director of the School of Japanese at Middlebury College from 2004 to 2018. He has received the Foreign Minister’s Commendation in 2020. He has been working with professional performers to

incorporate Rakugo and Kobanashi into Japanese Language education.

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Related Links  (Coming Soon!)

• 2021 Kobanashi event videos
• Kobanashi website – Professor Hatasa
• Kobanashi Website – Kokusai Kobanashi Good Happyoukai (KKGH)

Date:	8 November 2024 - 10 November 2024
Download Rakugo Kobanashi 2024 Event Flyer Small

If you love learning Japanese, funny stories and performing, then we have an exciting opportunity for you! We are looking for performers for the Kobanashi Happyoukai 2024!

Kobanashi is a style of Japanese sitting comedy, performed as a prelude to Rakugo (traditional Japanese one-man storytelling). Kobanashi performers tell short (often under a minute) humorous stories all while sitting “seiza” Japanese style.

We will be putting on Rakugo events in Oxford on Friday 8^th and Saturday 9^th November and in London on Sunday 10^th November, with a master performer travelling from Japan. As part of the Rakugo events, we will also have Kobanashi performance events. This is an amazing chance to perform in front of an audience and also get advice from a Japanese Rakugo master during the event rehearsal .

There is no age limit and you are not required to be a fluent Japanese speaker to take part! Kobanashi is a great way to learn Japanese so we encourage any and all Japanese learners to take part in this event! If you are a teacher, you can help guide your students through the world of Kobanashi using some useful websites, which we have linked below.

To find out more details, including eligibility, what sort of performances we are looking for, and information on travel expenses, check out our detailed guidelines:

Kobanashi Happyokai 2024 - Guidelines

Click here to fill out the application form – OXFORD 9^th November

Click here to fill out the application form – LONDON 10^th November

Application deadline: 24 October 2024 at 15:00 (BST/UTC+1)

Check out some useful websites with Kobanashi performances videos:

1. Kokusai Kobanashi Godo Happyoukai (KKGH)

2. Minna no Kobanashi Project

3. Kobanashi Performance Event in September 2021  (organised by JF London)

            *All websites are in Japanese except for Link 3.

We will also soon hold a casual meet-up event (date TBC) for teachers. We hope it will help teachers who want to encourage their students to try Kobanashi and take part in the upcoming Kobanashi performance event.

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Event Dates/Times/Venues (save the date!)

* A Rakugo event without Kobanashi performances will be held in the evening of Friday 8th November in Oxford as well.

*We will open applications for event spectators soon.

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We can’t wait to receive your Kobanashi performance applications!

If you have any enquiries, contact us (in English or Japanese) at events.japanese@jpf.go.jp

Date:	24 October 2024
Download Application Guidelines_Kobanashi Performance Event

We are proud to collaborate with the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation as they present Life on Planet Earth, photographer NOGUCHI Rika’s first UK solo exhibition since 2004.

Featuring both photographic and video works, the exhibition conveys a sense of wonder at being in the world from various perspectives: though NOGUCHI became known for the human figures her earlier works took up as their subjects, she has since broadened her practice to also explore the ways in which other creatures – birds, mammals, fish, and insects – experience our world. Humanity is not unaccounted for, however, with video works such as The Lucent Sea (2021/2023, commissioned by the Japan Foundation) and To the Night Planet (2015) investigating alienness and alienation among human beings.

Applications are now open for JaLaChamp 2025!

JaLaChamp, or Japanese Language Championship for Young Learners UK, is a contest for primary and secondary school students studying Japanese. There are two categories - the speech category, where students give a speech on a theme of their choice, and the video category where students are asked to create an original video either by individual or part of a group.

The world is changing very quickly. Technology is advancing, and nowadays if we have a computer or a smartphone we can send a message to anyone in the world. In a time like this, we should always consider the following questions: “What message do I want to convey and how?” Using the voice, the written word, visuals, design and more – there are many ways to express ourselves. It is important to be able to combine these different choices of expression to create a way of expressing ourselves that others can understand, empathise with or be persuaded by.

We want to encourage students to share with us their thoughts and viewpoints, as well as show us their creativity in full and have fun challenging themselves by entering this contest and using their Japanese!

Students can choose the category/division they apply for according to their age and level of Japanese.

Application deadline for Speech Category: Tuesday, 4^th February 2025 at 15:00

Application deadline for Video Category: Tuesday, 4^th March 2025 at 15:00

JaLaChamp 2025’s video category themes are:

Primary School: わたし（たち）の好(す)きな場所(ばしょ) “My/Our Favourite Place”

Secondary School 1: 私(わたし)（たち）がやってみたいこと “Something I/We Want to Try”

Secondary School 2: 私(わたし)（たち）が過去(かこ)から学(まな)べること “What I/We Can Learn from the Past”

The Finals Day is scheduled to be held on Saturday, 10^th May 2025, in London.

For more information about each category and about eligibility, please see the application guidelines below:

Download English Guidelines/ Japanese Guidelines

Please click here for the Speech Category Application Form.

Please click here for the Video Category Application Form.

Download the JaLaChamp 2025 poster

Videos from JaLaChamp 2024 Finals Day

Date:	2 September 2024 - 4 March 2025
Download JaLaChamp2025_Application Guideline_EN
Download JaLaChamp2025_Application Guideline_JP
Download JaLaChamp 2025 Poster
Download JaLaChamp2025_Consent Form Video Category

We are delighted to announce that the 20th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students is open for applications!

This contest gives students the chance to demonstrate their Japanese speaking skills, and to make their voices heard in Japanese. Finalists will be invited to give their speeches and presentations at the speech contest finals which will be held at King’s College London on Saturday 1st March 2025.

There will be fantastic prizes to finalists.

:: 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*:

*Please be advised that contestants are expected to choose appropriate topics according to the category to which they are applying. Please read the aims of each category carefully as they have been modified since 2023.

1. Speech Category

Aim:

To discuss and/or argue a topic of your choice and offer opinions, suggestions and/or solutions.

Eligibility:

·        Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard C1 or C2* at a university in the UK or Ireland including, as an elective, optional or other university-based language course.

·        Those who have less than a total of three years’ residence in Japan since the age of six.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 4th November 2024  (15:00 GMT)

2. Individual Presentation Category

Aim:

To explain your chosen topic and to convey your opinion or message using PowerPoint slides.

Eligibility:

·        Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard B1 or B2* at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·        Those who have spent not more than 12 months in total in Japan.

*      Five finalists will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 2nd December 2024 (15:00 GMT)

3. Group Presentation Category

Aim:

to introduce a topic related to the U.K. or another country outside of Japan.

Eligibility:

·        Undergraduate students who are studying a Japanese course aiming for the equivalent of JF standard A1 or A2* at a university in the UK or Ireland.

·        Groups of two to four students.

·        Postgraduate students alongside undergraduate student(s).

*      Five finalist groups will be selected.

Application Deadline: Monday 9^th December 2024 (15:00 GMT)

*Details of JF Standard can be found here: https://www.jfstandard.jpf.go.jp/pdf/web_whole_en.pdf  

Please see the files below for the contest poster, application guidelines for each category, and FAQ. URL for online application form can be found in the Application Guidelines for each category.

Contest Poster

Speech Category Application Guidelines

Individual Presentation Category Application Guidelines

Group Presentation Category Application Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

See videos from previous University Speech Contest Finals Day here.

Please email speechcontest@jpf.go.jp if you have any questions.

Date:	2 September 2024 - 9 December 2024
Download 20th Speech Contest Application Poster
Download SpC20 Speech Category guidelines
Download SpC20 Indivi Presen Category guidelines
Download SpC20 Group Presen Category guidelines
Download SpC20 FAQ

The Japan Foundation (JF) conducts its “Survey on Japanese Language Education” every three years in order to confirm the current state of Japanese language education in countries and regions around the world.

The information collected is very important as the results are widely used as basic data to understand the situation of Japanese language education all around the world.

The results will be compiled into a report containing the latest information concerning the current state of Japanese language education. They will also be utilised in our "search engine for institutions offering Japanese-language education".

The 2024 survey will be conducted from September 2024, but we wish to tell you basic information about the survey below. Additionally, your cooperation would be appreciated at this stage with item “5.” (“Request for information about institutions offering Japanese education”).

1.     Survey coverage

2.     Survey items

3.     Survey method

4.     Reward for responding to survey

5.     Request for information about institutions offering Japanese education.

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1. Survey coverage:

All organisations that potentially offer Japanese language education outside Japan.

The following organisations are NOT covered by the survey:

• Groups and activities that are not associated with an actual organisation
• Overseas educational institutions that offer only ‘kokugo’ (Japanese national language) education　

*However, overseas educational institutions offering courses that are not ‘kokugo’ education (Japanese as a heritage language / foreign language) will be covered at the departmental/course level.

• Broadcasters or website operators providing Japanese-language education for an unspecified number of people
• Short-term Japanese language experience activities

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2. Survey items:

(11 questions in total. The survey takes approximately 15 minutes to complete).

Basic information on your organisation (organisation name, name of Japanese-language education department , address / URL, contact information, institution type, educational stage (level) (in formal education terms, primary / secondary (lower/upper) / higher, other education), positioning of Japanese-language learning

Number of teachers (by education stage (level), breakdown of full-time/part-time, number of teachers who are native Japanese language speakers)

Number of Japanese language learners (breakdown by education stage (level))*

Whether degree awarding, Japanese language teacher training courses, and online classes are offered

Purposes and reasons for learners’ Japanese language learning, the state of Japanese language development at your organisation

*In the case of primary and secondary education, there is a question about the number of learners studying the Japanese language as a formal subject or as an extracurricular activity. In the case of universities, there is a question about the number of learners studying the Japanese language as a major, as a non-major, or as an extracurricular activity. Preparing these figures beforehand and having them at hand will help you in completing the survey smoothly.

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3. Survey method:

A questionnaire format to be answered online. The URL of the form will be sent to you via email.

*In some cases, we may seek your cooperation via a different method, such as over the telephone.

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4. Reward for responding to survey:

After you have submitted your response, you will be able to download supplementary Japanese language teaching materials created by the Japan Foundation. Please use them in your lessons.

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5. Request for information about institutions offering Japanese education.

Prior to the survey, we are seeking information on organisations that may teach Japanese in the UK. It does not have to be the organisation where you work . Ambiguous information is also welcome. If you know information on any organisations that may teach Japanese language, please provide information by the following ways. We appreciate your cooperation.

1.     Fill in the form.

2.     Send an email to LO_survey@jpf.go.jp

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For your information, the institute that can be searched from the website below are responded that they offer Japanese language education in the previous survey in 2021.

Search criteria | Survey Report on Japanese-Language Education Abroad 2021 (jpf.go.jp)

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If your organisation does not receive a request despite offering Japanese-language education, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us via the email above. 

We are hoping that a large number of organisations will cooperate with the survey and would like to ask for your help in this survey as without your answers your Japanese language education activities will not be reflected in the data and we will not have fully accurate figures, which would negatively affect the value of the survey.

Thank you for your support.

Step into the world of Kabuki with six stunning kimonos worn by the legendary actor BANDO Tamasaburo V, known for his renowned onnagata roles (male actor who performs female roles). Experience the intricate artistry of these garments, highlighting a diverse range of complex textile techniques, encompassing weaving, dyeing, embroidery, and hand-painting. We are delighted to collaborate with the Ashmolean Museum.

Date: 21 November 2023 - 8 December 2024

Venue: The Ashmolean Museum

Click here for details

We’re delighted to support Arnolfini in Bristol as it presents esteemed Japanese photographer KAWAUCHI Rinko’s first major UK exhibition since 2006.

Rinko Kawauchi: At the edge of the everyday world features photography spanning across KAWAUCHI’s twenty-year-plus career, utilising even the smallest aspects of everyday life as a vessel by which to capture poetic reflections on themes of care, identity, sustainability, humanity, and nature.

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 1.48 million people worldwide having registered for the JLPT in 2023.

The next December JLPT will take place on Sunday, 1^st December 2024. Registration will start at each test centre from early/ mid-August.  

Please check this page for any updates on UK test centres for the December 2024 JLPT. For application opening dates and registration details, please refer to each university’s website using the links below:

Japan Research Centre, SOAS University of London Applications CLOSED

University of Edinburgh Applications CLOSED

University of Leicester CLOSED

Please note that the 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 JLPT website.

Ø  Let’s Try Sample Questions!

Ø  Download a Guide to the 2024 Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

Date:	1 December 2024
Download guide_2024B