The Japanese Language Festival (JLF) is supported by community organizations that wish to create a fun and inspiring environment to study the Japanese Language and celebrate Japanese culture.

The Japanese Language Festival started in 2020 in celebration of the Society’s 25^th year anniversary of its Japan In the Schools (JIS) program. Originally planned as an in-person festival, it quickly transitioned into a virtual event that year due to the pandemic. Since then, JLF has been an online event to celebrate Japanese language learning and education in Washington State. In 2024, however, we decided to transition to in-person programming to better cater to in-state students and to better bring attention and focus to providing students with a space to continue their language learning into higher education and beyond.

The goals were for students to (1) discover cultural aspects of Japan and (2) give them an intimate opportunity to practice Japanese in real-world settings. The programming was inspired partially by Japanese immersion camps held in the past and by the Society’s JIS education program.

We collaborate with various organizations and individuals to showcase things such as the Annual Washington State Japanese Speech & Skit Contest, a kendama performance and workshop by the Kendama Brothers, Nick and Zach Gallagher, voice actress Run Sasaki and her career, information about the JET Program from a JET Alumni, information about the Japanese Language Schools at the Japanese Cultural Community Center of Washington State, and more!

Be sure to join us for our next festivities!

Japanese Language Festival 2024 (March 16th, 2024)

Posts about the Japanese Language Festival