Japan Society: Events Director

As a fully Japanese person born and raised in London, I understand what it is like wanting to engage in Japanese culture and experience an authentic lifestyle of my home country, but not being able to. I understand what it is like to feel like missing out on the fun cultural activities and events that can be commonly experienced in Japan. I believe it is important for those who are also feeling this way, as well as for those who are feeling homesick, and of course those who are just interested in Japanese culture, to be given opportunities to experience this while still in London. Our Japan society community here at UCL is large, and I want to cater for all the different members of our society by providing many types of events that offer a slice of Japanese culture and entertainment to everyone, whether it be traditional activities, fun games, parties, karaoke, or eating. It is not just about culture, but also building a community for the Japanese students at UCL. Going to a primary and secondary school with no Japanese people, I know that isolated feeling when you are the only one wearing a Kimono on culture day, and seeing others grouped up in their cultural outfits and bonding over it. However, I have also attended London Japanese school on Saturdays and am aware of how wonderful it is to be surrounded by so many people who I can relate and bond with. Therefore I believe I can create these opportunities through Japan society with my visions for unforgettable experiences.

Hi, I’m Rino :) 

I’m standing for Events Director because:

• It’s an opportunity for me to give back to members of the Japan Society - it was lovely meeting you all in my first year at UCL! 
• I have previous experience in event organisation and leadership, having captained my school’s debate club and chaired my school trip committee

Thank you for reading this, would be so grateful if you could vote for me <3

Hello everyone! I am Teru, a first-year student studying Mathematics with Economics.

I am running for Event Officer because I believe events are one of the best ways to bring people together and create friendships. My goal is to organise events where people feel comfortable joining and meeting new people. This is also why I would love to become an Event Officer.

I grew up in Japan but moved abroad on my own in middle school to study in an international environment. Living overseas allowed me to meet people from many different backgrounds and also made me realise how much I value Japanese culture and the connections I share with other Japanese people and those interested in Japan. Because of this, I believe communities like the Japan Society are very important. They provide a place where Japanese students can stay connected to their culture while also building friendships with people who share an interest in Japan.

Alongside continuing popular social and cultural events, I would also like to introduce opportunities such as:

• Collaborations with Japanese professionals and organisations in London
• Events where members can gain meaningful experiences and make new connections
• More interaction between undergraduate and postgraduate students

My plans for the next year are not limited to these, and I am open to any suggestions from members.

Thank you for your support and Please vote for me! I hope to make the Japan Society an even more welcoming community. 

みんなで楽しいコミュニティーを作って行きましょう！！よろしく！

I am running for event director as I believe that Japanese culture should be celebrated by all. The JSoc thrives under unity and the events are precisely what enables this as well as having Japan as all of our common ground. Growing up in Japan as a foreigner, I have witnessed and experienced firsthand Japanese culture and I want to bring what I experienced during childhood all the way here. 

I have previous experiences in organising charity events where I honed communication skills with a third-party and organised volunteers. Having taught JSoc language lessons, I also understand the diversity this society brings and understand that trying to participate in activities is difficult because some of us haven’t experienced it before. Like the language lessons, I want to encourage people to participate, however this time, in large-scale events and I am confident in my ability to organise events to make it a memorable time for both Japanese and Non-Japanese people. 

As Events Director, I will: 

• Create creative and fresh event ideas shaped by member feedback

• Further engage with other UCL societies and JSocs across the UK and collaborate

• Create Undergraduate and Postgraduate separate events where people feel comfortable meeting new friends

• Maintain clear communication within the committee and with partners

I hope to provide JSoc with events where lifelong friends are made and the community strengthened by every event. I would be honoured to serve as your Events Director.

Hello everyone! I am Kana, a first-year Comparative Literature student.

Through the Japan Society, I found a sense of home, and meeting with people who share the passion for Japanese culture has been stimulating. As an Events Director, I will offer enriching events that are engaging and fun for all members of society.

What will I offer?

• Continue traditional events, such as boat party, Undokai, pub socials, and collaborations with other societies.
• Introduce new cultural events that engage members more deeply with Japanese culture. My ideas include an aizome workshop, mochi-tsuki (mochi-pounding), a wider variety of food events (e.g., takoyaki party), and a koto workshop.
• Increase opportunities to attend Japan-related shows and events.

Why me?

• Time management and Organisational skills: I always plan ahead of time, both in my daily life and in my studies. As an Events Director, I will ensure that events are organised in advance to allow sufficient time for preparation, and that schedules are released early to members.
• Through my part-time work experience in Japan and London, I have developed teamwork and communication skills, as well as the ability to respond to others’ needs.
• I have a strong passion for Japanese culture (e.g., I trained in Japanese calligraphy for nearly 10 years, winning multiple awards for excellence)

I will organise events that bring the community together, and make the Japan Society even more exciting, inviting, and welcoming!

Thank you!