Events & Programmes Archive

Using J-GAP’s booklet I Can Write in Japanese, we will consider self-expression in Japanese through essay-writing.

This new exhibition looks back on this turbulent period that followed the war, exhibiting over 100 black and white photographs by 11 leading artists of postwar Japan photography.

Sadler’s Wells and the London International Mime Festival present the UK premiere of Plexus, a performance piece conceived by French theatrical director Aurélien Bory for the extraordinary Japanese dancer Kaori Ito, in which Ito performs within a forest of five thousand cords.

Dr. Seiji Fukushima, Chief Language Advisor, Japan Foundation London will talk about the possibilities of Japanese language education, which integrates cultural education, intercultural citizenship education and cross-curricular education, based on education practice at a primary school in West London. Making good use of the differences between Japan and the UK, it is possible to encourage children to keep learning and to create positive attitudes towards learning itself, which is crucial for citizens in a knowledge-based society.  Joining Fukushima in discussion will beDr. Lid King, Director, The Languages Company  This will be Dr Fukushima’s final event in the UK after his last 4 years researching and teaching in London. We hope you will join us for the reception after the event to give you the chance to say goodbye. Admission: free Date: 20th January 2015Time: 6:30- 8:00 followed by a drinks receptionVenue: 20 Bedford Way, London, WC1H 0ALApply: Click here to apply online or e-mail event.language@jpf.org.uk to reserve your place. 

Dr. Seiji Fukushima, Chief Language Advisor, Japan Foundation London will talk about the possibilities of Japanese language education, which integrates cultural education, intercultural citizenship education and cross-curricular education, based on education practice at a primary school in West London. Making good use of the differences between Japan and the UK, it is possible to encourage children to keep learning and to create positive attitudes towards learning itself, which is crucial for citizens in a knowledge-based society.  Joining Fukushima in discussion will be Dr. Lid King, Director, The Languages Company

Riusuke Fukahori is a talented Japanese artist who is renowned for developing a unique technique whereby layers of resin are successively poured and painted on to produce hyper realistic representations of goldfish swimming in water

The alternative art school Bigakko was established in 1969 in the Jimbocho district of Tokyo by the publishers Gendaishicho-sha. 

A seminar for Japanese language teachers to learn more about using JF Standard for Japanese Language Education to enhance their teaching skills Part 1 (14:00-15:00): Lecture JF Standard places emphasis on promoting competence in accomplishing tasks. But what is the best way to measure this? In this lecture, we will look at different tests for assessing competence in accomplishing tasks and examine what we should assess and by what criteria.     Part 1 of this seminar will be broadcast live on Ustream  www.ustream.tv/channel/japan-foundation-london-language Part 2 (15:20-17:00): Workshop:  Using JF standard, we will consider simple exam questions for measuring competence in accomplishing tasks and create a rubric to assess them. Participants will also have the opportunity to discuss what kinds of assessment can be used in their own classes and what form this assessment can take. Graduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012.Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation RomeGraduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012. Mayumi Mitsuya Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Rome Graduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012.Mayumi MitsuyaJapanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation RomeGraduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012.: Mayumi Mitsuya Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Rome Graduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012.Mayumi MitsuyaJapanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation RomeGraduate of the Japanese Language section of the Foreign Language Department of Nanzan University Graduate School. Lectured at University of Marburg in Germany and Western Washington University in the USA and was a Japanese Language Senior Specialist at Japanese Cultural Institute, the Japan Foundation Cologne before assuming her current role in 2012.

Ninja Shadow Warriors is a drama documentary unearthing the true history, unique military skills and ancient traditions behind the infamous Ninja, a small band of rebellious mountain villagers, who were a constant thorn in the side of the Samurai warrior clans. The film tells the intriguing story of Ninja boy Tanba who was trained by his grandfather to become one of the most feared warriors in ancient Japan. Featured experts include British and Japanese historians as well as Master Jinichi Kawakami, one of the last (if not only) surviving Ninja masters, who demonstrates the unrivalled tricks the Ninja used to fool their enemies. After the screening, the film’s Executive Producer Sebastian Peiter will be present for a Q&A with the audience. Directed by John Wate, 2012, 52min, Japanese and English, supported by the Japan Foundation

Japanese artist Aiko Miyanaga creates sculptural pieces that are associated with transformation.

Ninjas are widely-known across the world and through modern depictions from Hollywood movies to anime such as Naruto, they have become an important and iconic part of Japanese history and culture. However looking beyond these cultural representations, how much do we know about the reality of these mysterious and elusive historical figures? In this special talk, Prof Yuji Yamada, Mie University, Japan, will talk about the origin and history of the ninja, or shinobi as they are more accurately known, based on unpublished research he has conducted. Looking into the true duty of shinobi he will explain how this profession transformed according to changes in circumstances in Japan. After the presentation, Jinichi Kawakami, considered to one of the very last ninjas, will demonstrate what is needed to become a ninja, including some of the poses, moves and also the rigorous physical and mental training involved. This event will be a fun and informative session for those interested in the history of the true ninja and those who want to know more about this enigmatic profession!

Satoshi Kitamura is an award-winning children’s author and illustrator whose work includes over 20 of his own books, and many more collaborations.