Events & Programmes Archive

Join award-winning author YUZUKI Asako, known for her tantalising thriller Butter, for a series of enlightening talks on the book and its background. YUZUKI will visit 6 cities, including Cheltenham for The Times and Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival and Manchester for the Manchester Literature Festival. About YUZUKI Asako Born in Tokyo in 1981. Won the All Yomimono Award for New Writers in 2008 for “Forget Me, Not Blue,” which was included in her debut work Shuten no ano ko in 2010. Won the Yamamoto Shugoro Prize in 2015 for Nile Perch no joshikai (Nile Perch Women's Club). Among her many other hit works, BUTTER was published in 2017. Don’t forget to grab your copy of Butter before the event!

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!

We are proud to be partnering with The University of Edinburgh this year, for their 2024-25 Asian Studies Seminar Series!

 You can find information on the programme as well as links to download an application form by clicking here Are you considering applying for funding but aren’t sure about how to go about it? Do you have a project in mind but aren’t sure if it’s eligible? We would strongly recommend that you sign up to take part in our Online Seminar and Q&A session. During this half-hour session, a member of our staff will talk participants through the application process, and then open the floor to questions and answers. We want to make sure the application process is as easy-to-understand as possible. This session will be held twice on 18th September 2024 (Wednesday) 1. First Session: 13:00 to 13:30 2. Second Session: 18:00 to 18:30 We will be using Zoom software. Once you have applied we will send you information on how to join the session. Attendance is free but booking is essential. If you would like to take part, please sign up 17th September 2024 (Tue). This seminar will be held in English but the presenter is a bilingual Japanese-English speaker. Please use Japanese at in this application form and at the Q&A if you would prefer. Fill out the application form here    

Join us in Cambridge for a special FREE screening of Mori, The Artist's Habitat (2017, dir. OKITA Shuichi), in collaboration with Panorama: The Journal of Travel, Place, and Nature and Jesus College, University of Cambridge. 94-year-old painter KUMAGAI Morikazu (YAMAZAKI Tsutomu), also known as Mori, has hardly left his property for the last 30 years. Most of his day is spent tirelessly observing his garden and all the living things in it, which he renders into paintings every evening in a studio he calls the "school." While he goes about his business, his wife Hideko (KIKI Kirin) attends to a stream of visitors.Mori and Hideko live peacefully, surrounded by the things they love, until one day, a group of developers decide to build a condominium next door, putting their small paradise under threat. If the condominium is built, it will block the sun, and the garden will become uninhabitable, so Mori and Hideko decide to take action to protect the garden they cherish... Mori, The Artist's Habitat is a humorous depiction of a summer day in the life of an old couple who've been together 52 years, set in the more affable social atmosphere of the 1970s.

Noh theatre is a major traditional Japanese performing art, recognised as an Important Intangible Cultural Property by the Japanese government and as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Though characterised by the stylised movements and singing of its actors, it would not be complete without the unique, carefully-carved masks they wear as they perform. These allow Noh actors to control their character’s expression by making minute changes to the angle from which the audience sees their mask. In this special one-off event, organised in celebration of the series of activities Tradition to Modernity: Understanding Noh Theatre from its Establishment 650 Years Ago to Contemporary Times taking place in August and September, KITAZAWA Hideta, master craftsperson and second-generation Noh mask-maker, will introduce the fascinating world of Noh masks, demonstrating the techniques used to make them while offering a rare chance to take a closer look at these wooden works of art. He will also present some of his more recent creations inspired by contemporary characters. KITAZAWA Hideta KITAZAWA Hideta is a wood sculptor and Noh mask maker based in Tokyo. He learned traditional wood carving of Buddhist and Shinto statuary from his father, KITAZAWA Ikkyo, and later studied Noh mask carving. He currently produces classical Noh and Kyogen masks and has been designated a master craftsman by the Tokyo Metropolitan government. KITAZAWA has also created numerous shinsaku - “new” - masks for foreign-language Noh productions, notably those of Theatre Nohgaku, as well as for other Noh-influenced plays. He has given workshops and demonstrations in Japan and internationally, and a book on his work entitled Noh and Kyogen Masks will be published by Prestel in September 2024.

  The Japanese Taster for Schools (JTS) Programme exists to create links between schools and Japanese-speaking volunteers. JTS volunteers carry out school visits across the UK to introduce students at any level to the Japanese language by carrying out fun and informative taster sessions. The JTS programme is a fantastic…

  The Japanese Taster for Schools (JTS) Programme exists to create links between schools and Japanese-speaking volunteers. JTS volunteers carry out school visits across the UK to introduce students at any level to the Japanese language by carrying out fun and informative taster sessions. The JTS programme is a fantastic opportunity to use your Japanese to gain practical experience volunteering in your local community. To empower and encourage volunteers, we will be holding an online training session on 9th September 2024. We will provide information about the JTS programme and there will be a talk given by an experienced teacher of Japanese, Ms Clare Kuroishi. There will also be a chance to ask us questions, speak to other volunteers, and a fun quiz that will test your Japanese language volunteer knowledge! This event is open to everyone – including those who are not yet registered as volunteers. We hope that existing volunteers can use this event as a chance to hone their skills and to be inspired, and that new members can get an idea about the programme. Find out more about the JTS Programme here  General Information Date/Time: 9th September 2024 (Monday), 17:30-18:30 (BST) Venue: Online (Zoom software) Cost: Free (booking essential) Maximum number of participants: 20 Spoken language: English You can take part whether you are already registered as a volunteer or are interesting in registering as a volunteer. JTS volunteers can have any level of Japanese, from beginner to fluency. Experienced teachers of Japanese are very welcome to attend, but will be treated as lower priority applicants if the event reaches maximum capacity. Event Schedule 17:30 – 17:35: Intro / Explanation of the JTS programme 17:35 – 17:50: Guest speaker talk – Ms Clare Kuroishi (Tips for teaching Japanese numbers as part of a one-off taster session) 17:50 – 18:10: Group activity (quiz) 18:10 – 18:25: Q&A, networking and discussion 18:25 – 18:30: Close - Speaker: Ms Clare Kuroishi (Teacher of Japanese) Topic: Tips for teaching Japanese numbers to beginners Biography: “I first went to Japan 34 years ago and have been teaching Japanese on and off for the past 26 years. Originally, I taught adults, then moved into GCSE, IB & A Level at grammar and independent schools. However, I have spent the last 10 years teaching in a Primary school & marking the Edexcel GCSE. I prefer to teach through experiences where possible as I believe it helps form the connections that aid retention.” Click here to fill out an application form to attend NB: There is NO application deadline but applications will close if the maximum number of participants is exceeded.

Autumn 2024 Applications Now OPEN Institutions can apply for up to £3000 for non-profit-making projects or activities which promote Japanese language education in the UK. Please see the attached documents at the bottom of this page for more detailed information. We prioritise projects that fit into one of the four following categories: Category 1 - Newly Introducing Japanese into the curriculum Up to £3,000 for projects that promote the introduction of Japanese into the curriculum (or onto the main school timetable) at primary and secondary schools. This grant covers staff costs and the cost of Japanese language books. Projects may take place online or offline. Category 2 - Supporting GCSE or A-level courses Up to £3,000 for projects that support GCSE or A-level courses. Particularly, if schools/organisations require support to ensure a large number of candidates are able to take formal qualifications in Japanese, they will be able to maintain their project by re-applying the following year. This means organisations will be able to apply for up to a total of £6,000 over two years. (Please note that we do not supplement the salary of teacher(s) already hired by the applying organisation.) Covers staff costs and costs of Japanese language books. Projects may take place online or offline. Category 3 – New Japanese clubs Up to £2,000 for organisations that newly introduce Japanese as an extracurricular activity or enrichment subject. In the case of schools, this is even if this is not within the school timetable. Covers staff cost, Japanese language book cost, some costs for items contributing to Japanese language learning, such as origami and calligraphy materials. Clubs may take place online or offline. Category 4 - Projects that enable links between primary/secondary institutions and institutions of higher education Up to £3,000 for projects that strengthen connections between secondary institutions and institutions of higher education and create and/or strengthen networks among pupils, students, and teachers for the purpose of helping to promote Japanese language education in the UK. These projects can be aimed at both potential learners of Japanese and people who already are learning Japanese. This is a recently added category, so please contact us if you have any questions or would like to apply but are unsure as to whether your project is suitable. These projects may take place online or offline. Application deadline: 2nd October 2024, 23:59 (Wednesday)   General Information document LPSP 2024-2025 Grant Flowchart Grant Application Form (September 2024) We would be grateful if you could read the General Information document and the Grant Flowchart document before submitting an application.   If you have any questions, please contact info.language@jpf.go.jp Please also refer to the “General Information” document above for detailed answers to many frequently asked questions.   Related Event!   Click here to find out about our seminar for potential applications for the Local Project Support Programme!

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 9th 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, FAQ, and application guidelines for each category. URL for online application form can be found in the Application Guidelines for each category. Contest Poster Frequently Asked Questions Speech Category Application Guidelines Individual Presentation Category Application Guidelines Group Presentation Category Application Guidelines   See videos from previous University Speech Contest Finals Day here.   Please email speechcontest@jpf.go.jp if you have any questions.

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, 4th February 2025 at 15:00 Application deadline for Video Category: Tuesday, 4th 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, 10th 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

Godzilla is an enormous fictional monster created in Japan but hugely popular worldwide. Originating from a scenario by KAYAMA Shigeru (who would later pen a pair of novelisations reinforcing his original vision), the creature evolved as it took cinematic form, reflecting the socio-political fragility and fear of scientific and technological progress of its time. With this year marking the 70th anniversary of the first Godzilla film’s release in 1954, and the Barbican Centre's All Kaiju Attack! film season taking place throughout August, this spectacular series of film productions is once again the centre of attention. In this special talk, experts from the worlds of both film and literature will look back on the works that make up the Godzilla series as they explore the creature’s significance and the ways in which the fantasies and messages within the franchise are relevant to real life.