Welcome to Japan workshops at Durham University – Japanese language and culture sessions (Y5-6): 10am-12pm and 1-3pm on 11th March 2026
Join staff and students from the Japanese section of the Centre for Foreign Language Study, Teikyo University of Japan in Durham and Durham University’s Oriental Museum for a full day session for North East pupils in Y5 and Y6.
The event aims to stimulate interest and understanding of Japanese language culture and help children and young people embrace cultural diversity. It will offer pupils the chance to learn more about Japan, its culture and language.
Registration is required and places allocated on a first come first served basis, with up to 25 pupils per school and a maximum of 50 for each session.
Who is it for?
- Up to 25 pupils per school in Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at primary schools in the North East of England (Newcastle, Northumberland, North Tyneside, South Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland and Durham)
- No previous knowledge of the language is necessary to take part in the session
When will it happen?
- There will be 2-hour sessions taking place at 10am-12pm and 1-3pm on Wednesday 11th March 2026. The sessions are repeated with the same content.
- 10am-12pm 11th March – One school place available
- 1-3pm 11th March – Fully booked
What is the activity?
This is a Japanese language and cultural day for pupils in Y5 and Y6. It will offer pupils the chance to learn more about Japan, its culture and language.
The event will run in a carousel format with children swapping between activities..
In the 2-hour session, pupils will be given a Japanese language taster session by university staff and students before then trying some traditional Japanese cultural activities.
How do I get involved?
There is one school place available for the 10-12 session
Schools and community schools can request up to 25 free pupil places at the event, Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis and there will be a waiting list, in case places become free after the event is fully booked.
To register your school’s interest in attending this activity, email info@expressyourselfne.com providing the following information:
- the name of the activity (Welcome to Japan Day)
- the name and address of your school
- the lead contact person for the visit and their email
- the number of children and young people you would like to participate.
You will be sent a confirmation email that your request has been received and whether or not you have places at the event.
Schools who do secure a place at the event will be sent the venue details. The events will be held at Durham University.
Further information and links
- Click on the link to find out more about Teikyo University of Japan at Durham University
- Durham School of Modern Languages and Cultures supports learning in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and the Centre for Foreign Language Study. The School also hosts the BA in Visual Arts and Film. Our community of academics, teachers and support staff aim to foster a world-class student experience in all our disciplines.
- The Centre for Foreign Language Study offers learners not taking a specialist degree in Modern Languages, including students, staff and members of the public, the opportunity to learn a range of languages from beginners to more advanced levels.
- Click here to see other Festival events and activities relating to Japan and Japanese, plus links and resources from The Japan Society and The Japan Foundation.
Who is organising this?
- This activity has been organised by staff and students from the Japanese section of the Centre for Foreign Language Study, Teikyo University of Japan at Durham University, Durham University Oriental Museum.
- Contact: Kaoru Umezawa kaoru.umezawa@durham.ac.uk
