Fall 2023 Open House & Travel Meetup
- This event has passed.
Fall 2023 Open House & Travel Meetup
August 10 @ 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Are you interested in going to Japan, but still haven’t taken the plunge to learn Japanese yet? Join our Fall 2023 open house and Japan travel meetup to discover some hidden gems of Japanese travel, make friends with other fans of Japan, and learn the latest travel hot spots for your next trip. Whether you’re interested in learning Japanese, are curious to hear more about people’s experiences in Japan, or want to be ready for an upcoming adventure, this program will have something for you!
Not sure about your Japanese Level? We are offering level checks! Drop by and talk to one of our amazing instructors – we will place you into the right class.
Judy Mai, a Bay Area food influencer, will share the unique experiences she had during her latest trip to Japan. Michi Kaifu will peel back the curtain on the fascinating world of Kabuki in Japan. And Patrick Lu will explain all about Osaka’s hidden charms and the wonders of shochu alcohol.
If you would like to share your own Japanese travel experiences, contact Japan Society at jsnc@usajapan.org.
Date & Time:
Thursday, August 10th from 6:00 to 7:30 PM
Location:
Werqwise | 149 New Montgomery Street, 4th Floor, San Francisco, CA 94105
Agenda:
5:30 Registration Opens
6:00 Event Begins
6:00-6:05 Welcome by Kendra De Nike, Office Administrator & Introduction to the Language Class by Yu Higashisawa, Language Coordinator
6:05-6:15 Talk by Judy Mai on the Japanese food scene
6:15-6:25 Talk by Michi Kaifu: Kabuki mania
6:25-6:35 Talk by Autumn Smith on the SF Nihongo meetup group and her experiences in Japan
6:35-6:45 Talk by Patrick Lu on the world of shochu in Osaka, and on his experiences taking JSNC’s Japanese Language Classes
6:45-7:00 Audience Q&A
7:00-7:30 Networking Reception
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Japanese level checks are first come, first served, so sign up early!
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OUR AMAZING SPEAKERS
Judy Mai | SF Bay Area Foodie
Check out her delicious Instagram!
As a food guru, she will be telling us all about Japan’s latest food scene.
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Michi Kaifu | Enotech & Kabuki Mania
Michi is a Kabuki fan, IT consultant, and member of the Board of Japan Society of Northern California. At Enotech, she provides advice on IT business strategies, investments and partnerships between Silicon Valley and Japan, market research, trend analysis, and other strategic consulting.
She will be sharing the amazing world of Kabuki in Japan with us.
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Autumn Smith | SF Japanese Meetup organizer
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Autumn has studied Japanese since middle school. After studying abroad at Nanzan University, Autumn returned to Tokyo for the JET program and stayed to work for two years at a Japanese company in Tokyo. Based in San Francisco, she now works for Meta as a Localization Program Manager facilitating global launches as well as part-time at Umami Mart, a Japanese specialty goods/barware shop in Oakland. In her spare time she runs the SF Nihongo Meetup group, paints watercolor, studies sake, and plays with her cats.
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Patrick Lu | Software Engineer, San Francisco & Japanese Language Student
Likes: Tennis, cameras, totes, karaoke, shochu, and Street Fighter
He will teach us all about shochu and the deep side of Osaka.
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OUR AWESOME SENSEI (Level Check)
Sunny Otsuka | Language Instructor
Otsuka-sensei came to the Japan Society in 2001 with 15 years of experience teaching Japanese in both the United States and Japan. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Rakuno University and certificates in ESL, Travel & Tourism, and Landscape Design from North American universities. He is also involved in chanoyu (tea ceremonies).
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Find information about our language programs here.
Language Programs Overview:
We offer Japanese language classes at various levels throughout the Bay Area. At a glance:
- Locations in San Francisco, San Mateo, and online
- Levels from total beginner to advanced
- Experienced, native Japanese-speaking instructors
- Group Lessons: Three terms per year – Spring (January-April), Summer (May-July) and Fall (September-December) | 12-week sessions of 2-hour classes, once per week | Classes of 5 – 12 students
- Private Tutoring: At your schedule. 1 on 1 lessons.
- Tailored on-site corporate classes available
For more information about this event or our language programs, contact Yu at language@usajapan.org.
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