The Japan Youth Collective - FAQs

1. What is the Japan Youth Collective?  

It’s a unique space with an 8-month programme designed for 16-19 year-olds to explore and deepen their passion for Japan through a variety of exciting activities. As a Collective member, you’ll meet new people, collaborate with Japan-related experts, and take part in hands-on cultural experiences—all while developing valuable skills for the future.

Run by The Japan Society and cohosted at Japan House London, this is your chance to immerse yourself in Japan’s culture in a dynamic and supportive environment.

2. Who is the Japan Youth Collective for? 

The Collective is designed for young people passionate about Japan who may not have had the chance to explore it in depth. We want to create a space for those eager to learn and engage in a supportive, exciting environment. We’re looking for members from diverse backgrounds, experiences, and interests.

One of the Collective's key goals is to make Japan-related activities accessible to a wider group of young people, especially those without other opportunities to explore Japan (such as through school lessons, private classes, or family connections). We particularly encourage applications from those who are underrepresented in Japanese studies and related fields, and we will give special consideration to applicants from these groups.

If you’re passionate about Japan and eager to learn more but aren’t sure if this is for you, get in touch—we’d love to hear from you!

3. Who can apply? 

The Collective is open to young people who:

• Are 16-19 years old
• Live in London or near the Greater London area 
  
• Have a passion for Japan and a strong curiosity to explore more
• Have had limited access to Japan-related learning experiences (e.g., no school lessons, private classes, or family connections)

4. Why should I apply? 

There are many reasons why you should consider applying to the Japan Youth Collective, including.

• Meet new people and make friends – Connect with others who share your love for Japan
• Develop skills for your future – Gain valuable experiences in a fun and inspiring environment
• Learn from experts – Get insights from professionals in Japan-related fields 
• Take part in a one-of-a-kind experience – No Japanese skills required!

Check out what some of our 2023-2024 Japan Youth Collective members have to say about their experiences as part of the Collective here! 

5.What will I get from being a Member of the Collective? 

• Meet New People and Make Friends – You’ll connect with others who share your passion for Japan, offering plenty of opportunities for meaningful conversations and lasting friendships.

• Discover More About Japan – Together with the group, you'll have the chance to decide which aspects of Japan to explore further, with guidance from experts and resources to deepen your knowledge.

• Work with Experts and Professionals – You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate with a range of experts in Japan-related fields, gaining valuable insights and hands-on experience from those in the know.

• Develop Skills and Experience – Over the 8 months, you’ll work on various tasks that help you develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, confidence, and other practical abilities—tailored to the Collective's interests.

• Have Your Say and Make an Impact – This is your chance to influence the focus of the programme’s final project. The Collective will decide what they want to achieve, and work together to make it happen!

• Exclusive Invitations and Special Events – As a member, you'll be invited to attend exclusive events organized by The Japan Society and other partners. While attending these events is optional, they offer unique opportunities to expand your network and deepen your experience.

6. Do I need to know Japanese/have studied about Japan before in order to take part? ? 

No prior experience studying Japan or the Japanese language is required—just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn!

One of the Collective’s key aims is to reach young people who may not otherwise have access to Japan-related learning (for example, those who can’t study Japanese at school or take private lessons). If you're curious about Japan but haven’t had many opportunities to explore it, this programme is for you!

7. What’s Involved? 

Collective members will work together with the Japan Society and professionals and cultural experts in Japan-related fields over a period of 8 months and end with a final event or showcase decided by the Collective!  

The 2025-2026 programme begins with a 3-day, 2-night residential orientation from Tuesday 5 to Thursday 7 August 2025. After, the collective will meet up regularly twice a month after that. See the tentative schedule below for an overview of the programme.

Tentative Programme Schedule*: 

The Collective will meet twice a month:

• Japan Lab (Saturday afternoons, 1 PM – 5 PM)*
• Collective Catch-up (Weekday evenings, 5 PM – 7 PM)*

*Dates and times are provisional and may be subject to change.

• 3-Day, 2-Night Residential Orientation (Tuesday 5 - Thursday 7 August 2025)
  All the members of the collective will take part in a fun residential orientation programme just outside of London. During this time, members will get to know each other and get an introduction to the project and some cultural activities and topics.

• Collective Catch-ups (Once a month) 
  A regular meeting once a month, the Collective Catch-Up will take place on a weekday evening from 5 -7pm (may be subject to slight change).Collective Catch-ups are a space for meetings, brainstorming and planning, and short skills-based sessions. 

• Japan Labs (Once a month)  
  Japan Labs take place once a month on a Saturday afternoon from 1- 5 pm(may be subject to slight change). It’s a practical chance to explore aspects of Japanese culture that the Collective is interested in.  

• Tasks
  Throughout the programme, Collective members will complete tasks to document their experience and practise their new skills. These include: producing content to share their experience on the Japan Society website; co-leading short activities in a pair or small group; giving feedback at key points during the programme.

• Programme Finale (Date TBD) 
  The Collective will be working towards a final event or showcase to share what they've been doing and inspire others. 

You can check out what some of our previous JYC members got up to during their time as part of the collective to get a better idea of some of the activities you might be able to participate in here! 

8. Where will the meet-ups and sessions take place? 

Regular sessions will take place in central London at The Japan Society and Japan House London. Occasionally, there may be visits to other venues across London for special activities, such as private viewings, exclusive workshops, and more.

9. Will any of my costs for taking part be covered? 

Yes! All transport costs to and from in-person meetings and activities will be covered for participants.

• Meals & Snack - Meals will be provided during the 3-day, 2-night residential orientation, and snacks will be available during evening and weekend meetings.

• Materials & Equipment - Everything needed for workshops and activities will be provided free-of-charge

Participants will be reimbursed after attending, so you’ll need to cover upfront costs. If this is a concern or you’re unable to pay in advance, please contact us at education@japansociety.org.uk, we'll be happy to discuss alternative arrangements.

10. Do I have to attend all of the meet-ups? 

Yes—if you are selected, we expect you to attend all sessions. This programme is fully funded, with all costs covered, so it’s important that places go to those who are committed to making the most of this opportunity.

That said, we understand that emergencies or unavoidable commitments may come up. If you know in advance that you will need to miss a session, you must inform us as soon as possible.

Mandatory Attendance:

• You must attend the 3-day, 2-night residential orientation at the start of the programmer love for Japan.
• You must be able to attend the majority of the meetings and activities throughout the 8 months.

Sessions take a lot of planning, and spaces are limited. If you’re unsure whether you can fully commit, please consider whether this is the right time for you to apply.

11. How do I apply?

To apply, complete the online application form on Google Forms by 11:59pm on Friday 23 May 2025.

Before applying:

• Download and read our Application Guide for tips on how to make your application stand out.
• The form cannot be saved and returned to later, so we recommend preparing your answers separately before submitting.
• You will be asked to provide details for a reference (e.g., a teacher, mentor, or community leader)—make sure to have their name and contact information ready.

Application Guide - 881KB

Important for Under 18s:

• You must email a signed parental consent form toeducation@japansociety.org.uk before the deadline.
  
  Parent Consent Form - 469KB
  

Application Deadline: Sunday, 25 May 2025

12. References

You will need to provide 2 references as part of your application. If you are shortlisted, we will contact your referees to gather more information about your suitability for the programme.

Please inform your referees before submitting your application.

Your referees should be a current or former teacher, employer, youth worker, mentor, club leader, or someone in a similar position who can speak to your character and suitability. Ideally, they should be someone who has known you for close to one yearat least. Please note, we cannot accept references from relatives or friends.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us at education@japansociety.org.uk. 

13. When will I hear back?

After the application deadline on 23 May 2025, we will begin reviewing all applications and shortlisting candidates in early June. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a short, informal interview via Zoom or telephone. These interviews will take place at the end of June and the beginning of July, giving us a chance to get to know you a little better, and for you to ask any questions you might have.

We aim to inform applicants whether they have been shortlisted for an interview by the end of June 2025. If your application is shortlisted, we will also contact your reference to confirm your suitability for the programme.

If you have any other questions, please feel free to email us at education@japansociety.org.uk. 

About

The Japan Youth Collective is run by the Japan Society and hosted at Japan House London. Japan Society is the leading independent body in the United Kingdom which works to enhance the British-Japanese relationship with a history dating back to 1891. It works with young people through its education and school programmes. 

The Japan Society is committed to promoting the welfare of all children and young people it works with; see our safeguarding policy. 

Supported by:

Japan House London Trust