Events & Programmes Archive

Term 3 of our popular Japanese language & culture course is now open for enrolment!

  An exclusive opportunity to take part in the launch of a new A2 Elementary-level Japanese language and culture course at a special discount course rate... The Japan Foundation Japanese Language and Culture Course (A2 Elementary Level) is a new kind of course for post-beginners (JF Standard for Japanese Language Education A2) of Japanese. It is based on the JF Standard for Japanese Language Education, rather than traditional methods of language education that focus on grammar and sentence structure. The aim of the course will be to use Japanese language skills to get to know people, visit restaurants and take part in other Japan-related events. At the end of every lesson, participants will be able to perform specific, practical tasks in Japanese. The course will not focus on language alone; learning Japanese culture will also be an important element in the lessons. You will also have access to the supplementary MARUGOTO+ Japanese Learning website, www.MarugotoWeb.jp, as well as the chance to use your Japanese skills outside the classroom in the final lesson. This course is being held as part of a research programme for UK-based Japanese language teachers, which means that on certain sessions external teachers will be invited to observe and video the lesson. Because the course will not cover all content included in the textbook, the fee charged is intended only to cover expenses and materials.  An exclusive opportunity to take part in the launch of a new A2 Elementary-level Japanese language and culture course at a special discount course rate... The Japan Foundation Japanese Language and Culture Course (A2 Elementary Level) is a new kind of course for post-beginners (JF Standard for Japanese Language Education A2) of Japanese. It is based on the JF Standard for Japanese Language Education, rather than traditional methods of language education that focus on grammar and sentence structure. The aim of the course will be to use Japanese language skills to get to know people, visit restaurants and take part in other Japan-related events. At the end of every lesson, participants will be able to perform specific, practical tasks in Japanese. The course will not focus on language alone; learning Japanese culture will also be an important element in the lessons. You will also have access to the supplementary MARUGOTO+ Japanese Learning website, www.MarugotoWeb.jp, as well as the chance to use your Japanese skills outside the classroom in the final lesson. Fee: £50 for ten sessions, including course textbook and materials. This course is being held as part of a research programme for UK-based Japanese language teachers, which means that on certain sessions external teachers will be invited to observe and video the lesson. Because the course will not cover all content included in the textbook, the fee charged is intended only to cover expenses and materials.  Click here to book your place For more information and course timetable, please see the attached flier below. A maximum of 15 people will be accepted on this course – first come, first served.    Please note that participants on this course must have Starter (A1) level Japanese, including the ability to read and write hiragana and katakana and preferably some basic kanji. There will be a placement test before the course starts to determine your suitability. Please note that participants on this course must have Starter (A1) level Japanese, including the ability to read and write hiragana and katakana and preferably some basic kanji. There will be a placement test before the course starts to determine your suitability.

A Japanese Studies workshop with Professor Koichi Iwabuchi at Newcastle University

Public seminar featuring leading cultural and media studies scholar Professor Koichi Iwabuchi...

This exhibition will trace the history and future of East Asian craft and design and its global influence in this exhibition inspired by objects from Manchester Art Gallery’s collection. The show features over 1,500 years of the rich craft heritage of Japan, China and Korea: ceramics, metalwork, furniture, lacquer, textiles and sculpture, with exhibits ranging from magnificent court treasures, to masterpieces by contemporary makers. There will be opportunities to see historic works from Manchester’s collection which have not been exhibited for over 30 years, including an exquisite early nineteenth century Japanese lacquer norimono (travelling carriage) and hand-chiselled Japanese tsuba (sword guards), which are being conserved especially for this show. Contemporary work includes Fumio Enomoto’s ‘Weave Stool’, commissioned specially from the award-winning designer, plus elegant ceramics by Yasuko Sakurai. Image: Yasuko Sakurai, Orb 2012

Learn to express your love of music and talk about your favourite songs in Japanese!In this two-day Japanese Plus course, you will learn how to confidently chat with friends about what makes a song special to you, and what meanings music has in your life. You will learn the Japanese vocabulary and expressions commonly used to talk about music and even have the opportunity to put your Japanese to real-life use by interacting with Japanese online music communities! When: You can choose either the Wednesday Course (1st and 8th April) or the  Thursday Course (2nd and 9th April), 18:30 – 20:30. Course content is the same each day. Where: Bloomsbury International, 8 Southampton Place, Holborn, London. WC1A 2DB When: You can choose either the Wednesday Course (1st and 8th April) or the Thursday Course (2nd and 9th April), 18:30 – 20:30. Course content is the same each day.Where: Bloomsbury International (NOT Japan Foundation's office)Participation fee:  £10.00 (includes all course handouts)Course Level:  This course will be held in Japanese.  It is for non-native Japanese language learners with an advanced level of Japanese (JLPT N2/level 2 and upwards).    About Japanese Plus Japanese Plus is designed for adult learners of Japanese interested in updating and refreshing their knowledge about Japan whilst practising their Japanese language skills in a series of evening classes at the Japan Foundation London. The course is aimed at non-native Japanese language learners with a Japanese level of approx.  JLPT Level 2/N2 and above. For more information and to read about past Japanese Plus courses, please click here. About Japanese PlusJapanese Plus is designed for adult learners of Japanese interested in updating and refreshing their knowledge about Japan whilst practising their Japanese language skills in a series of evening classes at the Japan Foundation London. The course is aimed at non-native Japanese language learners with a Japanese level of approx.  JLPT Level 2/N2 and above. For more information and to read about past Japanese Plus courses, please click here.

The University of Edinburgh is holding a training day for those interested at teaching Japanese at schools on a voluntary basis. The training will be led by the Japan Foundation’s Chief Japanese Language Advisor Makoto Netsu. If you are interested in attending, please contact Dr Yoko Matsumoto-Sturt of the University…

Come and see the work of the winners of the Japan Foundation’s Japan Webpage Contest for Schools!

Why not learn a little Japanese together while learning all about Japanese stamps and having a go at making your own!

This seminar will explore the development of department stores in Japan in the 20th century, their effect on popular culture and lifestyle, and the changing economic context within which they evolved...

Nihongo Cup, the Japanese Speech Contest for Secondary School students, is accepting applications across three categories: Key Stage 3, Pre-GCSE Key Stage 4/5, and Post GCSE Key Stage 4 and 5. Please see the attached documents below for full details. Deadline to enter:  10th April 2015 (please note that this is an extended deadline; the former deadline included in the application documents can be ignored) Nihongo Cup is organised by the Association for Language Learning (ALL) with support from the Japan Foundation London.

The annual Japan Foundation / BAJS Post-Graduate Workshop will be held on Wednesday 11th March, 2015.