The Japan Youth Collective - FAQs

1. What is the Japan Youth Collective?  

The Collective is a space for young people to get together and explore their interest in Japan! 

It's an opportunity to meet new people and make friends, work with Japan-related professionals and experts in a variety of fields and develop useful skills for the future. Working with the team, the Collective will shape the agenda and focus of the sessions.

It's run by the Japan Society and hosted at Japan House London. 

2. Who is the Japan Youth Collective for? 

We’re looking for members with a range of different backgrounds, experience, and interests to join. 

The Collective is for young people who: 

• Are 16-19 years old and live in London or the Greater London area 
  
• Are interested in Japan and keen to learn more 
  
• Have limited opportunities to learn about Japan on their own 

One of the Collective's core aims is to open up Japan-related activities to a wider audience, so we particularly encourage applications from those who don't have alternative opportunities to learn about Japan (for example, through lessons at school, privately funded classes or from family members). We will prioritise applicants from groups which are under-represented in Japanese studies at university level.  

If you’re passionate about Japan and want to learn more but aren’t sure this is for people like you, we strongly encourage you to apply! This opportunity is specifically for those who are under-represented in this field and we want you to put yourself forward. 

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

• Meet New People and Make Friends: You’ll get to meet people you might not normally - everyone will have a common interest in Japan, so there’ll be lots to talk about. 
  
  
• Discover more about Japan: You and the other members will have the chance to decide what aspects of Japan you would like to investigate, and be introduced to experts and sources to help you.
  
  
• Work with Experts and Professionals: The Collective will work with a range of people who are experts in their field and who will be sharing their knowledge and skills!  
  
  
• Skills and Experience: You’ll work on a variety of tasks throughout the 8 months and be able to develop skills such as teamwork, leadership, or confidence building and other practical skills – these will depend on the Collective’s interests.  
  
  
• Have your Say and Make an Impact: It’s chance to tell us what Japan-related opportunities for young people you want to see; the Collective will decide the focus of the final outcome and work together to make it happen!  
  
  
• Invitations to special events: The organisers have wide networks and run many events during the year. As a member of the Collective, you will have opportunities to attend some of these. (Participation in these events is not a compulsory part of the programme.)

4. 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!  

There will be a 2-day orientation on Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 August (11am - 5pm) and the collective will meet up regularly twice a month from September. See the schedule and more details about sessions below:

Youth Collective Timetable*: 

*Please note that dates and times are provisional and may be subject to change 

• 2-Day Summer Orientation (Wednesday 30 and Thursday 31 August 2023)

All the members of the collective will take part in a fun 2-day orientation programme (non-residential) in central London. During this time, members will get to know each other and get an introduction to the project. 

• Collective Catch-ups (Once a month) 

A regular meeting once a month, the Collective Catch-Up will take place on a weekday evening (5 – 7pm). 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 (1-5pm). It’s a practical chance to explore aspects of Japanese culture that the Collective is interested in.  

• Tasks

Collective members 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. 

5. I don’t think I can attend all the programme dates – can I still apply? 

If you are selected as a member of the Collective, we expect you to attend all the regular meetings, but we understand that you may already have commitments on a particular date, such as a medical appointment.  

You can still apply if there is a date you cannot attend, however, you must be able to attend the orientation programme at the beginning of the project and the majority of meetings. 
 

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

Transport costs to and from the in-person meetings and any other in-person activities for all participants will be covered. Participants will be reimbursed after attending, so must be able to cover upfront costs.  

Lunch will be provided during the 2-day orientation programme and snacks will be provided for weeknight and weekend afternoon meetings.  

All equipment to take part in the workshops and activities will be provided.  

If you are concerned about the costs of taking part, please contact us for more information at education@japansociety.org.uk. 

7. How do I apply?

You can apply by completing the online form (available from 30 May 2023) before the deadline of Friday 30 June 2023. 

Under 18s must also email a signed Parental Consent Form to education@japansociety.org.uk before the deadline.

On the application form, there is space for you to tell us about yourself and why you are applying. There are two ways to do this so you can pick which suits you best: 

1. Submit your written answers on the application form OR 
   
2. Upload a video recording or audio file of your answers with your application 

Whichever option you choose you will need to answer the following questions: 

• Tell us who you are and a bit about yourself
• What do you like about Japan? 
• What are your motivations for joining the Japan Society’s Youth Collective? Why do you want to be a member? 
• What are you hoping to gain from being a member and what do you think you could bring to the group? 
• Anything else you want us to know about your background or lived experience that you think would help us evaluate your application.  

If you’re passionate about Japan and want to learn more but aren’t sure this is for people like you, we strongly encourage you to apply! This opportunity is specifically for those who are under-represented in this field and we want you to put yourself forward. 

8. What happens next? 

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend a short informal interview on zoom or telephone before the final members are chosen. If your application is shortlisted, we will also contact your reference to confirm your suitability for the programme. We aim to inform applicants whether they have been shortlisted for a zoom interview before Monday 17 July 2023.

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

and