The Japan Youth Collective Orientation - Photos

On Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 August 2023, the members of the Japan Youth Collective (all aged 16-19) gathered at Japan House London for their first meetings, and we’re pleased to share that it was a huge success!

To celebrate the start of this new initiative, the group took part in a two-day orientation, packed with events and activities to foster a growing passion for Japanese culture.

Upon arrival at Japan House on Wednesday the group was welcomed by the Japan Society Education Team; Sam Thorne, Director General & CEO of Japan House London; and Jenny White, Chief Executive of the Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, before participating in icebreaker games and learning how to write their names in Japanese. The Collective then took a short walk to Holland Park where they enjoyed a bento picnic and a stroll through the Kyoto Garden. After returning to Japan House, staff provided special tours of the current WAVE exhibition, and gave the Collective a chance to reflect on their favourite pieces in the exhibition.

On Thursday, the group took part in a sushi class with Sozai Cooking School, where they made their own sushi for lunch! The afternoon session was led by performance artist and musician, Kazuko Hohki, who introduced personal objects representing her connections with both Japan and the UK. She then briefly explained Shinto ideas that all objects have spirits and offered the group advice on how to create a “Collective Exhibition”, in which they assigned spirits to their own objects which best represented each member’s connection to Japan.

From September the Japan Youth Collective will meet bimonthly, coming together to explore other areas of Japanese culture which will eventually culminate in a participant-led event in March 2024. Watch this space!