~ From JETAA South Island, NZ ~
J-Kaiwa
In 2013, JETAA SI decided that a ‘J Kaiwa’ – a casual language exchange – would be a great way to promote JET in the Christchurch community. Our main aims were as follows:
a) To allow people to meet new people in a fun, casual environment
b) To practise both Japanese and English
c) To create an environment to promote JET to future members
d) To create an environment for ex-JETs to catch up and talk about Japan and their experiences.
We thought that monthly events would be the best and to hold it on the first Tuesday of every month, at a different restaurant around Christchurch. So far we have been to Chinese, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese restaurants! Anywhere between 15 and 30 people usually turn up, which is fantastic result.
Recently our Social Events Co-ordinator has stepped up and improved the event by advertising on NZ Daisuki website (a website for Japanese living in New Zealand) which has opened up the invitation to Japanese people living in Christchurch. He has also contacted a staff member at polytech who extends the invitation to his students.
The atmosphere is really fun and there are a lot of different people attending. We have students (studying English and Japanese) from the local polytechnic, teachers, professionals, ex-JETs, people on working holiday, and people of various nationalities with an interest in Japan.
The format includes a brief opening from the JETAA committee, then we introduce ourselves so everyone feels at ease. After that we eat, chat and end up moving around the table at some point in order to chat to new people. There is no ‘entry fee’ and we order our own food.
We feel that our J Kaiwa is a great way to promote JET in the community to potential applicants as it is a fun environment for them to ask questions about the programme, but also succeeds in connecting former JETs, and other community members.
Canterbury Japan Day
Canterbury Japan Day has become a very exciting part of the Christchurch events calendar. 2014 was the second annual event presented by the Canterbury Japan Society with support from the Christchurch City Council and the Consular Office of Japan. This year the theme was ‘Japanese Summer’.
On 23 February 2014 the 20,000 strong crowd enjoyed the 54 stalls – including many types of delicious Japanese food delicacies, Japan National Tourism Organisation, Japanese people involved offering business services, cultural groups such as the Kurashiki/Christchurch Sister City Committee, University of Canterbury “J-Soc” Club. Patrons enjoyed watching the Bon-Odori dance, Taiko drum performances and participating in the popular mochi tsuki. There were many indoor attractions too, such as a traditional Haunted House and Star festival, a Kimono catwalk, tea ceremony and calligraphy demonstrations, and Japanese traditional music.
JETAA South Island had a stand combined with Consular Office of Japan (Christchurch) to promote the JET programme, JLPT tests and MEXT Scholarships. It was a very busy day with plenty of interest in the JET programme, which was very pleasing. Six JETAA SI committee members volunteered their time in sections and assisted with setting up/packing down, and speaking to lots of interested people about the JET programme and living in Japan.
Canterbury Japan Day was a great opportunity for the residents of Christchurch to experience authentic Japanese Culture presented by Japanese Kiwis in Canterbury and JETAA SI was proud to be a part of this day.
For further details of the event, please see http://japanday.jsc.org.nz/
