What's On

Date: Friday 21 February, 2025

Venue: The University of Edinburgh

If you are Ph.D. student whose research focuses on Japan, why not attend the Japan Foundation/British Association for Japanese Studies Ph.D. Workshop 2025!

This year, our workshop will be held at The University of Edinburgh, with the theme 'Career Development in Japanese Studies'.

Student attendees will be divided into groups and will spend their morning sharing their research with one another in short presentations, before receiving specialist feedback from peers and the experienced academics assigned to the group!

This is an opportunity to gain experience in presenting your work, no matter what stage of your research you are in. Whether you want to develop your ideas at the start of your research project, or if you want to practice presenting your completed findings, the morning session will be of huge benefit! It is also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about your peers' research, and current developments in postgraduate research in the field.

During the afternoon session, funding organisations will present on their programmes and opportunities to help postgraduate speeches.

Then, there will be a keynote speech on the theme of career development, delivered by an established academic. The day will end with a chance to grill the assembled panel of academics on their wide-ranging experiences and expertise, followed by a drinks reception!

As ever, the workshop will also include breaks to allow attendees to network with one another and the lecturers in between sessions.

It is always an inspiring and enlightening event, and we look forward to seeing many of you there!

Student Submissions:

As an essential part of the workshop, attendees will be asked to present their research in small groups. Further information about this will be provided after the registration deadline. However, if you have any questions about this, please email Mara Patessio at BAJS, mp78@soas.ac.uk.

Financial Support: 

Travel Grant: JF will offer a partial travel grant for student participants. Once an initial 30 GBP is covered, JF will provide up to 110 GBP maximum for public transportation to the event. For any questions, please contact Iona Vos LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp.

Hotel Grant: As many attendees will be travelling to Edinburgh from further away locations, BAJS has generously decided to offer a two-night hotel grant, of maximum 90 GBP a night per attendee. This maximum amount is based on absolute necessity. BAJS would be very grateful if students could still cooperate, by seeking budget/cheaper accommodation, or organising shared accommodation with other attendees, to try and avoid reaching the maximum amount. For any questions about the hotel grant, please contact Mara Patessio mp78@soas.ac.uk.

Please note:

Attendance to this event is limited to 40 students, on a first come, first served basis. As the number of participants is limited, please only register if you know you can attend, and email Iona Vos at LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp if you have registered but need to cancel your place.

Ph.D. students will be prioritised. MA students will join a waitlist, with MA places being confirmed after the deadline has passed.

Deadline for registration for this event has now passed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Iona Vos at LO_JapaneseStudies@jpf.go.jp.

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 July JLPT will take place on Sunday, 6^th July 2025. Registration will start at each test centre from early/ mid-March. 

Please check this page for any updates on UK test centres for the July 2025 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

- University of Leicester

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. 

- Let’s Try Sample Questions!

The Japan Foundation is proud to partner with London Metropolitan University's Centre for Creative Arts, Cultures & Engagement (CREATURE) as they present this insightful roundtable discussion exploring the intersection of film and fabric within a Japanese context.

Moderated by Professor Wessie Ling, Rachal Bradley, Dr Nicolas Cambridge, Dr Nathalie Khan, and Professor NARUMI Hiroshi will examine the connections and exchanges between the textile history of northwest England and the Japanese avant-garde fashion of Yohji YAMAMOTO, KAWAKUBO Rei, and Issey MIYAKE, seeking to understand fashion on film as a broader register of cultural exchange and to investigate how subcultures emerge.

The discussion is centred around the ongoing work of Rachal Bradley's feature-length non-fiction film, FOLD襞, which is scheduled for national and international distribution in late 2025. The film takes an anthropological look at these iconic Japanese avant-garde fashion designers, and explores how their work resonates beyond Japan, particularly in the northwest of England.

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

The Japan Foundation is proud to partner with theatre company Vanishing Point as their production of Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey, based on the surreal stories by MURAKAMI Haruki and co-produced by Kanagawa Arts Theatre, tours Scotland.

Mizuki is a young woman whose life, job, and husband all seem ordinary, until one day she forgets her name. Disturbed by deepening consequences, she seeks solace in makeshift counsellor Mrs SAKAKI, who leads the two on a journey of discovery through both the tunnels of Tokyo and the annals of SAKAKI's subconscious.
Bathing amidst the mountains of Japan, a traveller is shocked to discover a talking monkey tending the hot spring. Conversation ensues, and the monkey tells of how he learned ‘human language’, came to appreciate the music of Bruckner and Richard Strauss, and now teeters on the edge of a profound, alarming confession.

Featuring performers from Scotland and Japan, human and puppet monkeys, lurking shadows, stunning sound, and a distinctive visual language, Confessions of a Shinagawa Monkey will draw you into the inimitable, dream-like domain of one of the world’s best-loved living authors.

Performed in English and Japanese, with full dialogue captioning built into the stage design.

Click here to book your tickets for performances at Tramway in Glasgow.

Click here to book your tickets for performances at Dundee Rep in Dundee.

Japan has fabricated a unique and distinctive fashion culture. In recent years, subcultures like Gothic Lolita ("Goth-loli") and avant-garde fashion designs, such as those by Comme des Garçons, have had a significant impact on global fashion. Why has Japan developed such a unique fashion culture? How is contemporary Japanese fashion connected to Japan's past?

In this talk, Professor NARUMI Hiroshi will explore the evolution of fashion in Japan during the country's 20th-century modernisation. Through key trends such as the Taisho-era Meisen kimono, the rise of the Modern Girl, the westernisation of Japanese clothing, and post-war youth fashion, he will discuss how Japanese fashion reflects the nation’s changing identity, offering a fresh perspective on the complex relationship between clothing and culture.

This event is now fully booked; tickets are returns only.
Click here to join the waitlist on the Japan Society website.

Five Japan Foundation offices in Europe are co-hosting an online seminar.

The keyword for this seminar is: ‘Engagement’!

Professor Suzuki Akiyoshi from Nagasaki University Graduate School will give a presentation entitled ‘“Numaru” Foreign Language Lessons – Design, Tips and Tricks’.

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Theme: “Numaru” Foreign Language Lessons – Design, Tips and Tricks

Date and Time: Friday 21st February 2025, 10am – 12pm CET (Spanish Time)

Lecturer: Professor Suzuki Akiyoshi, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Global Humanities and Social Sciences

Co-organisers: Japan Foundation Europe offices (Japan Foundation London, Japan Foundation Cologne, Japan Foundation Paris, Japan Foundation Budapest)

Format: Online (ZOOM)

The seminar is intended for Japanese teachers residing in Europe, although those from other regions are welcome!

Download the event flyer

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Message from the lecturer:

Instead of telling yourself “Just do it!” for motivation, finding meaning and immersing yourself through ‘engagement’ is gaining traction. What are the essentials when stimulating engagement and ensuring long-term and short-term engagement?

Let’s reflect together about the key points of engagement and classroom strategies, and how to implement them in foreign language lessons.

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Application: Register here! (Deadline: Sunday 9th February 2025)

Enquiries: The Japan Foundation, Madrid: nihongo.kyoshi@jpf.go.jp

We look forward to receiving everyone’s applications!

Date:	21 February 2025 from 10.00am to 12.00pm
Venue:	Online Event
Download 16回オンライン研修_フライヤ

Calling all secondary school and language school teachers of Japanese! We will be holding a seventh 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 resources or exams, and more.

The theme this time is:

Cultivating Speaking Skills: Effective Teaching Methods to Improve Students’ Speech - Discussing GCSE Speaking and Sample Videos -

Foreign language learners must interact with people for various purposes and in various circumstances, and so it is necessary that they have effective communication skills. But how do we increase the speaking skills of learners? How can we teach to improve their speech?

During this Konshinkai, we will discuss GCSE speaking exams by watching sample videos. We will also talk together about how to improve learners’ speech skills, in order to deepen our understanding of “cultivating speaking skills”, while discussing effective teaching methods and actual practice. We will also try to conduct a roleplay of speaking exams.

About the speakers

Mrs Ikuyo Miyamura

Ikuyo currently teaches Japanese at Wycombe Abbey and In Toto Ed, with 20 years of experience in language instruction for both young and adult learners in Japan and the UK. Her expertise also includes roles as an educational coordinator, research associate, and director and examiner for language certification exams. Her mission is to create spaces where individuals can build confidence and joy through learning. 

Ms Rihae Yuh

Rihae has been teaching in Bristol since 1997 in a variety of settings, teaching at the University of Bristol, the University of the West of England, the City of Bristol College and Clifton College before founding YU Japanese Language School, offering evening course to adult learners, and organised with Ms Yuko Hasegawa. Currently, Rihae is teaching Japanese children at the Japanese School in Wales, based in Cardiff, while also giving language instruction to pupils at GCSE and A-Level at Badminton School.

Mr Alan Greaves

Alan Greaves spoke no Japanese when he arrived on Iki island on the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme in 1992. He loved Nagasaki prefecture and stayed for 5 years. After working for Honda using his new-found Japanese language skills, he returned to teaching in U.K. schools from 2008 and has been at Charters Comprehensive in Ascot since 2020. He has inspired a love of Japanese culture and language through extra-curricular clubs and courses, days out to Japanese events such as Club Taishikan & Japan Matsuri, and most recently helped organise a school trip to Japan in 2024.

Date:

• 21st February 2025 (Friday), 15:30 - 17:30 (GMT), 17:30 - 18:00*
• *17:30 - 18:00 (Participants are welcome to stay beyond the end of the seminar to ask questions, exchange exam information, network and so on.)

To apply, please click here:

https://forms.office.com/r/sagpY94waz

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

Registration Deadline: 16th February

Languages used: English/Japanese (PowerPoint slides and resources will be shown in English.)

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!

The Japan Foundation Touring Film Programme is back for 2025!

From 7 February to 31 March, discover 26 diverse Japanese films at 33 cinemas in 32 cities, spotlighting cinematic ideas of justice, justification, and judgement against today's backdrop of ever-changing values and perspectives.
From cult classics to cutting-edge independent cinema and drama to comedy, there's something for everyone!

Find out what films are showing, and where, on our official website:

https://www.jpf-film.org.uk/

#JFTFP25

We are delighted to announce that the Finals Day of the 20^th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students will take place on Saturday 1^st March 2025 at Great Hall, King's College London. This contest has been held annually since 2006, and this year is the contest’s 20th anniversary.

On the Finals Day, 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.

Join us and listen to what university students studying Japanese in the UK and Ireland have to say. Everyone is welcome!

Finalists will speak on a wide variety of topics, including but not limited to: the challenges and future of teaching English as a common language used by diverse speakers, Japan's new graduate recruitment system, and Japanese whaling.

This event is free to attend but prior booking via Eventbrite is required.

Title: The 20^th Japanese Speech Contest for University Students, Finals Day

Date & Time: Saturday, 1^st March 2025   1pm – 6pm (TBC)

Venue: Great Hall, King’s College London (Strand Campus, Strand, London WC2R 2LS)

Maximum capacity: 150 people (spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended)

Fee: Free to attend but prior booking is required. 

Language: Speeches and presentations will be given in Japanese. Speech summaries and abstracts of presentations will be made available in English.

Deadline for Registration: Tuesday, 25^th February 2025 at 1pm (GMT)

Book here

Feel free to download the event poster. You can share it with people who may be interested. 

Enquiries: speechcontest@jpf.go.jp

Organisers: The British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language (BATJ) and The Japan Foundation, London

This event is supported by (in alphabetical order): British Association for Japanese Studies (BAJS), Central Japan Railway Company, Clearspring, Connect Job, Eikoku News Digest Ltd, E’quipe Japan, Ltd., Globe-Trotter, The Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Japan Airlines, Japan Association in the UK, Japan Centre, JP BOOKS, Nikkei Europe Limited, Ningyocho IMAHAN, Regions, Ricoh UK Limited, Uniqlo Europe Ltd.

Date:	1 March 2025
Download 20th Speech Contest Finals Day Poster

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

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.

This Seminar will be organised by the British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language and the Japan Foundation, London. Each year, we use these seminars as an opportunity to explore universal themes. We invite educators at the forefront of their fields to provide a novel and exciting learning opportunity. This time, we have invited Professor IBA Takashi, professor at the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University. As times change, both education and teachers' roles must evolve. How should teachers grow and adapt whilst leveraging their existing experience? Professor Iba will share key concepts and practical insights crucial for education in this emerging present.

Event Outline

• Date/Time: 2nd February 2025 (Sunday), 10:00 to 13:00 GMT
• Theme: Education for the Emerging Present and New Roles for Teachers: Creative Society, Generators, Pattern Languages, and Creative Use of   Generative AI
• Speaker: Professor IBA Takashi (Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University) 
• Target audience: Japanese language educators and post-graduate university students specialising in Japanese language education, who are based in the United Kingdom and Europe. (Applications from those in other regions will also be accepted if places are available.)
• Maximum number of participants: 80
• Location: Online seminar using Zoom software
• Spoken language: Japanese
• Cost of seminar/applications: We will inform you later via the BATJ website or e-mail.
• Application deadline: 29th January 2025 (Wednesday), 12:00 GMT
• *Once the maximum number of places has been filled, applications will close.
• Organisers: The British Association for Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language and the Japan Foundation, London.

Summary of the Seminar, from the Speaker:

As times change, both education and teachers' roles must evolve—and Japanese language education is no exception. In this era, where active learning is emphasised and we are already transitioning into a more creative age, how should teachers grow and adapt whilst leveraging their existing experience? This talk will share key concepts and practical insights crucial for education in this emerging present.

This seminar provides an opportunity to experience a dialogue workshop using Pattern Language ("Active Learning Patterns for Teachers" and "Generator Patterns"), which captures the essence of new educational practices. Pattern Language articulates the essence (rules of thumb) of "good practices" in education and other fields. It is gaining attention not only as a method to support practices but also as a means for practitioners to learn from each other (peer learning).

This is an excellent opportunity to learn about the concepts of "Creative Society," "Generators," and "Pattern Language" whilst experiencing Pattern Language firsthand. Additionally, I will discuss the creative use of generative AI as an example of my own generator practice. I believe all these topics will be insightful and interesting for everyone. I am looking forward to seeing you!

Speaker Profile:

Professor IBA Takashi

Professor at the Faculty of Policy Management, Keio University. Ph.D. in Media and Governance. His research focuses on Studies on Creation and Practices (Pattern Language), Philosophy of Creation (Natural Deep Creation), and Future Sociology (Studies on Creative Society).

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Register Your Attendance Here

Download event flyer (Japanese)

Download event flyer (English)

Date:	2 February 2025 from 10.00am to 1.00pm
Venue:	Online event
Download 2025_BATJ-JF共催セミナー_Flyer JP
Download 2025_BATJ-JF共催セミナー_Flyer ENG

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 Japan Foundation, London is working with The National Modern Languages SCITT to help aspiring Japanese teachers obtain the skills and qualifications needed to teach Japanese in England.

School-Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT) is a school-based teacher training course where trainees work in placement schools whole pursuing a teaching qualification.

The NML SCITT has introduced a new pathway for training Japanese language teachers as part of its programme, and The Japan Foundation, London is offering financial support to assist trainees. Please note that there are entry/eligibility requirements. Find out more on NML's website.

The National Modern Languages SCITT (The NML SCITT) is unique, being the only national single-subject provider to specialise solely in the teaching of modern languages. The NML SCITT programme is a great opportunity for those who are looking to gain QTS together with the recognised standard qualification of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). Subject to financial, degree classification and residential qualification, participants accepted on the programme may receive a substantial bursary while training.

Please note that trainees are required to have some knowledge of French, German or Spanish as a foreign language they can potentially teach, with Japanese as an additional language. This means that trainees will be able to teach two languages. NML can provide opportunities to develop this second modern foreign language, so please contact them if you have any questions.

• Length of course: 1 year
• Course start date: August
• Qualifications awarded: PGCE (Post Graduate Certificate in Education), Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), 60 credits towards a Master’s degree.
• Training locations: NML North East London, Oundle and South East London hubs.
• Fees: please see the NML SCITT website
• Bursary if eligible

Find out more, including how to apply, on the NML SCITT website.

If you have any specific questions about the course, please contact NML SCITT directly.