Japan Society: Events Director

I am half Japanese and I can fluently speak both japanese and english. Having lived in Tokyo for 13 years, I return to Japan during the holidays, spending quality time with my mother and grandparents, primarily speaking Japanese. My grandparents were actively involved in the local community, and through them, I attended and helped organize numerous local events, including Natsumatsuri and Setsubun at a local shrine. Helping out with events taught me how to speak Japanese in a more formal and polite way, and I was able to learn how motivation plays a significant role in making sure everyone involved in the event is having a great time. The experience has also made me realise that I like talking to new people, especially in Japanese. Moreover, because I wanted to work on my hospitality, I have worked at a local Yakiniku restaurant and also had work experience at Samoa Embassy in Japan. Working at the Yakiniku restaurant and experience at the Embassy enhanced my proficiency in Keigo (formal Japanese) and helped me deal with problematic situations more calmly. In high school, I was a leader in the Japanese Book Society, where we organized events such as book exchanges, which taught me leadership skills, teamwork and communication skills. If given the opportunity to become an event organizer, I would continue successful events such as the boat party, Natsumatsuri, and Undoukai, while also introducing new events, like Hina-matsuri, to further enrich the community experience.

In my very first year living in London, JSOC has gifted me the warmest welcome and friendships that last a lifetime. That would be impossible without this year's officers designing and realising the many engaging events throughout the year; rarely have other cultural societies been as encompassing in their endeavours as we do. As I run for the next events officer, I also intend to carry on that same passion. But a new year also means change, and I believe there are places where I could bring innovation to. 

Attending the Japan-UK symposium in Cambridge has inspired me to host events tailored towards specific academic interests. I believe JSOC members of different universities studying the same courses should have opportunities to meet with one another as a platform for networking that could benefit us beyond graduation. I also wish to expand our partnership with various UK-Japan relations organisations, such as the Daiwa Anglo Foundation and THE Japan Society, exploring the possibility of more joint cultural, educational and networking events. My veteran experience in chairing numerous MUN conferences guarantees that I have the communications skills necessary for these jobs. As we welcome spring, JSOC should also seize the chance to have more outdoor events such as a sakura viewing picnic. There are many other events I have in mind of achieving with confidence as the next events officer, so I sincerely invite you to join me in making that happen. Thank you! ありがとう ございます!

Hi everyone! I am Joshua Wong, a first-year student studying theoretical physics from Hong Kong.

My deep interest in Japanese culture drove me into joining the Japan Society. After attending several events, such as language social, and noh workshop, I not only gained a stronger understanding of Japanese culture but also felt motivated to share this passion with my friends and others at the university. This inspired me to run for Events Director of the Japan Society next year.

I have participated in various events and built friendships with both Japanese and non-Japanese members within the society. This experience has given me insight into the kinds of activities that are appealing to everyone, and allow me to plan events that are inclusive to every single member. Moreover, attending the events weekly has shown me which of them were particularly popular and should be organized again next year.

If I get elected as Events Director, I will not only re-organize the most popular events held this year, such as pub socials, sushi-making workshop, and tea ceremony, but also introduce new and exciting activities. First, I would like to hold origami workshop, to transform a piece of paper into various figures or even toys. Second, I hope to hold a sakura appreciation tour around London in late spring, as sakura is the national flower of Japan. Lastly, I would love to hold a glowstick dance night that embodies a Japanese-style idolisation culture.

Hope you’ll vote for me!