What is your Japan?

We have received some excellent videos from students who have visited our office during the past month and want to share them with you below. If you would like to share your Japan with us, please follow the directions below:

How to share your Japan

• Take a one minute video with your phone/video camera.

• Show something that is a symbol of your Japan, or of your memory related to your story.

• Within one minute, tell your story in English.

• Conclude the video saying “This is My Japan”.

• Send your video to us!

• Take a video with your friends and say “This is My Japan!” all together at the end.

• See the example, below.

Shared Videos (New)

The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will post your video on our Facebook and Instagram.

Thank you very much for your cooperation!

Contact us: [email protected]

See All Videos

This exhibition approaches the Hokusai Manga from the perspective of contemporary Japanese comics, focusing on genre, pictorial storytelling and participatory culture rather than the integration of word and image or the role of popular characters. And instead of aiming at a historiographic verification of influences, the exhibition invites viewers to ponder their own notions about manga by comparing works from different periods while exploring the diversity therein .

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The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles proudly presents three authentic geisha performers from Kyoto, Japan, along with geisha expert Peter MacIntosh for a series of extraordinary cultural events during their inaugural U.S. West Coast tour. Through dance, music, lectures and film, they will be introducing the beauty and mystery of Kyoto's "flower and willow world." This will be a rare opportunity to meet with real geisha and learn the history and continuing traditions of ancient Japan.

Wellness Wednesdays: We offer Wellness programs on Wednesday at lunchtime!

August 7 is Yoga day! In this program, no need to change clothes or use a yoga mat; you will be seated in a chair receiving relaxing instruction from a bilingual (English and Japanese) instructor. Learn simple Japanese phrases during the instruction and stretch your mind as well as your body.

There will be two free sessions beginning at 12:30pm and 1:00pm. No reservation necessary, all are welcome.

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*We will be accepting donation for Kyoto Animation during these screenings.

Kyoto Animation, which has been produced animated works that inspired and influenced many anime fans around the world. They were viciously and senselessly attacked and many of their staff lost their lives or deeply injured. People around the world has sent their hearts and prayers to them. The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles will have 3 days of film screening showing their recent works to cheer and pray for them.

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"Möwe (Mehve)" is an imaginary aircraft which appears in Japanese comic/animated film  "Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind"  created by Hayao Miyazaki. Miyazaki drafted the Mehve as a "non-flying airplane." In 2003, artist Kazuhiko Hachiya, due to his continuous obsession with Mehve, began creating a real airplane that utilizes micro-jet engine. After years of trial and error, his airplane finally had a successful maiden flight in 2013.

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*Seating is limited and on a first come first serve basis. Please arrive early for best seating.

This film is an adaptation of popular manga series of the same name, created by Yasuhisa Hara. The film portrays the life of Li Xin, a former general of Qin, from his childhood as an orphan through his military career during the Warring States period of ancient China.

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We are having our ever popular “Tea Time” event at UCLA for the first time! Please enjoy and explore the beautiful campus as well as getting to meet new people! Have some coffee while practicing Japanese with native Japanese speakers. All levels are welcome! Japanese language is not necessary; this event is open to everyone, ages 18 and up.

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Mid-week fatigue is a familiar foe to many of us. Why not maximize your relaxation and join us for a Sound Bath at Lunchtime!



The singing bowl used for this program harmoniously combines the healing qualities of the Tibetan singing bowl and its Japanese traditional singing bowl. Relax and feel your stress dissipate into thin air as the sounds of the singing bowl lead you into a meditative state.

There is no charge and no reservation required. All are welcome to come, sit, listen, and refresh!

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Do you have plans to go to Japan in the near future? If so, we will get you prepared! You will learn helpful travel tips from a tourism specialist from a JNTO (Japan National Tourism Organization) tourism specialist, and essential Japanese phrases from our Japanese language course instructor. We will demonstrate Japanese social etiquette, too, so you won't be just a "stranger" in Japan. This workshop is suitable for beginners and those with no experience at all.

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Study Japanese this fall! Our JF Nihongo Fall 2019 term will start on September 7.

People interested in learning Japanese at JFLA will have three beginner-level Japanese-language courses. In each class, students will learn concepts and communication skills which are essential to having a well-rounded understanding of everyday Japanese. The online registration will start on August 1. Don't miss the early bird discount!

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Application for Performing Arts Japan (PAJ) touring and collaboratrion grants for the 2020 – 2021 fiscal year is now  open .Application deadline is 5:00 p.m. EST, October 31, 2019 .

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Hakuho Foundation is now accepting applications for the 15th Hakuho Japanese Research Fellowship.

The Fellowship invites leading international researchers of the Japanese language, Japanese language education, Japanese literature and Japanese culture to Japan to conduct residential research.

In providing residential research opportunities, the Fellowship aims to further strengthen the base of international research into Japan and to deepen the understanding of Japan.

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The following grants are still available:

1. Japanese Language Learners Event Grant

Deadlines:  9/1/2019

2. Japanese Teaching Material Purchase Grant

Deadlines:  9/15/2019



3. Japanese Language Education Project Grant

Deadline:  Two months prior to the project start date

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From April 13th through April 20th, 20 students from Chicago participated in the GEN-J Invitational Tour for High School Students. The schools included Amundsen High School, and Whitney Young High School and they visited the cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto during their week long tour of Japan during spring break. Below is a compilation of their experiences during the trip.

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In July, JFLA Deputy Director Shimpei Ishii and JFLA Grants Specialist Mike Penny had a chance to visit Mori no Ike, a summer Japanese language & culture immersion camp located in beautiful Northwestern Minnesota. The wide spectrum of experiences, skills, and knowledge that Mori no Ike provides makes it a summer camp like no other.

Campers are immersed in Japanese language and culture from morning to night through a mixture of Japanese language lessons and cultural activities. Mori no Ike teachers speak exclusively in Japanese, and campers are encouraged to do the same.

One impressive aspect of the camp was how many daily activities were bookended with songs that everyone sings together (in Japanese, of course). Short songs were sung before eating meals, when it was time to clean up, when meals were over, etc. Singing was used not only to focus everyone’s attention and keep on schedule, but also to teach useful Japanese phrases and vocabulary words such as “gochisou-sama deshita” (an expression to give thanks for a meal), “tabeyou” (“let’s eat”), “katazuke” (“clean-up”), etc.

The Dean and On-Site Director of Mori no Ike is Hanna Brandt-sensei, who is also a full-time Japanese teacher at Harding Senior High School (Harding, MN). She is also a Lead Teacher (LT) in the J-LEAP program , a team-teaching grant program provided by The Laurasian Institution and the Japan Foundation. This year she reached out not only to her Assistant Teacher (AT) Ryo Nakayama, but to other J-LEAP ATs and LTs around the country to come teach at Mori no Ike during the summer. The enthusiasm and commitment of everyone at the camp was truly inspiring, and we wish Mori no Ike continued success in its mission of expanding its young campers’ cultural understanding of Japan.

My name is Lena Kelly and I am newly appointed as the advocacy and survey coordinator for JFLA. It’s an honor to take upon this important role to connect and work with teachers but to also gather information on how Japanese language is being maintained all over the United States. As someone who was born in Tokyo, Japan but grew up in New Mexico and California, I realize the importance of community and environment to not only maintain language skills but also be empathetic to different cultures. I had the privilege of learning Japanese through my mother who taught Japanese at international schools in Tokyo but also Saturday and adult schools in Los Angeles. She educated me on the importance of maintaining both languages but also, identifying and respecting both Japanese and American cultures. I believe Japanese language education is very important as it not only teaches additional tools for us to communicate but to also, allowing us to grow as individuals and bring positive changes in the world. I hope to contribute towards Japanese language education via proactively being a part of JFLA and doing my duties as an advocacy coordinator!

When I think of what is my Japan? The word ‘furusato’ (which means hometown in Japanese) comes up. No matter how long I have been in the states, Japanese brings me emotional relief and comfort. The feeling of ‘home’ and bringing together people from different parts of the world. Japanese has opened many doors for opportunities and relationships that I would have not gained otherwise. So I hope more and more students have a chance to advance their Japanese and make their own ‘furusato’ from their own individual experiences.

Although it is summer break, if teachers have any questions or requests in regards to advocacy goods or resources, please feel to send us an email at [email protected] ! Our emails are always open for teachers and others who need assistance in Japanese language education. We are also updating our blog for Japanese teachers and educators at http://speakjapanjfla.blogspot.com/ so please check it out!