Events & Programmes Archive

Postgraduate students in Japanese Studies, join us for the JF/BAJS PhD Workshop 2025 at The University of Edinburgh!

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.

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

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).  More information coming soon - watch this page!

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. 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.

We are proud to announce that the Japan Foundation London will be welcoming Prof. Simon Kaner from the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures (SISJAC) to deliver a special talk on 'How Japanese Arts and Cultures Can Make Us Happier'. SISJAC were a recipient of the Japan Foundation Awards 2024 for their work in helping to promote Japanese Studies and Japanese arts and cultures. Talk Description: Artistic and cultural activity is intrinsic to being human. Engaging with such activity, whether visiting a museum, gallery or heritage site, attending or taking part in a performance, or creating one’s own works, improves our well-being. Taking examples from a range of recent projects undertaken by the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures at venues including Stonehenge, the British Museum and an old shoe factory in Norwich, this talk will explore how engaging with Japanese arts and cultures makes us happier. It will also consider how we can best exploit the Digital Revolution to bring what the Chief Executive of Arts Council England, Darren Henley, describes as the ‘Arts Dividend’ to new global audiences. About the Speaker: Professor Simon Kaner, MA (Cantab.) PhD, FSA, is Executive Director of the Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, where he is also the Head of the Centre for Archaeology and Heritage. He is Founding Director of the Centre for Japanese Studies at the University of East Anglia. He has curated a number of exhibitions, including at the British Museum, the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge and the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich. His current research projects include Global Perspectives on British Archaeology and The Shinano-Chikuma River Project: investigating the historic environments of Japanese longest river drainage. In 2011 he was awarded the 10th Miyasaki Eiichi Togariishi Jomon Prize.   This event is free to attend, but booking is essential. Click here to register to attend in person. If you are unable to attend in person, this talk will also be livestreamed. To register for the livestream, click here.    

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, 1st 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 University of Edinburgh 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. Ø  Let’s Try Sample Questions! Ø  Download a Guide to the 2024 Japanese-Language Proficiency Test.

As part of the Kotatsu Japanese Animation Festival 2024, with which the Japan Foundation is proud to partner, animation director OGAWA Iku is joining us for a very special talk revealing the behind-the-scenes of stop-motion film-making. Giving exclusive insights into the direction and character creation processes of the animated works he has been involved in, such as HIDARI (screened at the 2024 Kotatsu Festival) and Netflix's Pokémon Concierge, OGAWA will discuss what it is like to work in the Japanese animation industry - don't miss this rare opportunity to discover its fascinating inner workings!

As part of our on-going partnership with The University of Edinburgh, we are proud to support the next talk in their Asian Studies Seminar Series, "Theory and Film in the Political Reconstruction of Post-War Japan" with Dr Ferran de Vargas.  This talk will first present three left-wing ideological spheres that arose in post-war Japan, to address the question of what could be done to prevent authoritarian powers from leading people into another disastrous conflict. Then, it will explore how these ideas were conveyed, via cinema, to the general public. This event is free to attend and no booking is required. Just turn up! For more information, click here. Date: Wednesday 27 November, 16.00 - 18.00 Venue: Room LG.08, 40 George Square, The University of Edinburgh

We've added an extra screening to our bumper day in Cambridge this November, and this time, it's accompanied by a director Q&A session! Join us, together with director YAKUWA Shinnosuke, for a very special screening of Totto-chan the Movie: The Little Girl at the Window (2023). Totto-chan (ONO Liliana) is an energetic young girl, filled with enthusiasm for the world around her. However, her overwhelming vitality is viewed negatively by her school, which expels her, and Totto-chan is instead enrolled at Tomoe School, an institution founded by headmaster KOBAYASHI Sosaku (YAKUSHO Koji). KOBAYASHI's values differ strongly from those of Totto-chan's previous school: he is a firm believer in the importance of children's independence, and in their freedom to act as they wish and express themselves in their own ways. It is at his school that Totto-chan truly begins to flourish, but in the background, the shadow of impending hardship looms: war is on the horizon.

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).

  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. - 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)! - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 are here Apply using this link: Coming soon!   - 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. 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. - Related Links  (Coming Soon!) 2021 Kobanashi event videos Kobanashi website – Professor Hatasa Kobanashi Website – Kokusai Kobanashi Good Happyoukai (KKGH)