Club TCJ: Where Language Learning Meets Community and Culture
Club TCJ is a place for interaction where students of TCJ Japanese language school can participate. At Club TCJ, not only can you learn Japanese, but you also have opportunities to make friends and engage in cultural exchanges through additional learning support and Japanese cultural experiences!
There are events and free lectures by special instructors that you can only experience at TCJ, allowing you to enjoy learning Japanese beyond just studying. With weekly learning support and seasonal activities each month, you can interact with multinational students from different classes, providing you with opportunities to practice and enjoy the Japanese you’ve learned.
Here are some examples of the cultural exchange classes that TCJ has provided so far.
Japanese Table Manners Course
Have you ever struggled to use chopsticks or been confused with the arrangement of tableware?
In Japanese cuisine, there are traditional rules that dictate the placement of dishes and utensils.These guidelines ensure that the meal is not only visually appealing and easy to eat but also reflects the etiquette and customs of Japanese culture. A traditional Japanese meal consists of one soup (such as miso soup or clear soup) and three side dishes.
Students had the opportunity to learn this arrangement rule through a fun game using photos. Additionally, we held competitions where teams used chopsticks to pick up beans, allowing them to enjoy and engage with Japanese food culture in a fun way. You’ll be able to confidently enjoy your meal even at a high-class Japanese restaurant.
Shuji (Calligraphy) Class
A traditional New Year’s activity in Japan, Shuji (calligraphy) is also taught in schools. Students are often given shuji homework during the winter break. Shuji refers to the writing of characters in a way that is well-balanced and neatly arranged. The main purpose is to write characters that anyone would find beautiful, paying attention to stroke order and the techniques of stopping, lifting and brushing. Shuji includes various types such as brush calligraphy, as well as hard pen calligraphy using pencils and pens. For our event, TCJ had students write their favorite kanji using a brush. Many students shared that writing characters with a brush was a novel and enjoyable experience.
Origami Lesson
From a young age, Japanese children have been creating various animals, plants and other objects through origami. Origami is a traditional Japanese craft in which various shapes are created by folding paper. Without using scissors or glue, a wide range of creations, from simple forms to complex structures, can be made by repeatedly folding the paper.
Even though many of our students were new to origami, they easily mastered the craft. Our guides on folding techniques were easy to understand, and the TCJ staff was there to support the students. During the origami lesson, students made various things, such as frogs and envelopes. The paper frog can actually “jump” by pressing down and releasing the bottom of its back, causing it to “leap” forward. It is an amazing experience to see how a 15 cm square piece of paper can turn into so many different things.
Yukata Dressing Course
A yukata is a traditional Japanese garment, similar to a kimono but lighter and more casual. It is worn during the summer months, especially for events such as festivals, fireworks shows and at onsen (hot spring) resorts. Unlike the more formal kimono, the yukata is simpler in design and how it’s worn, making it more comfortable in hot weather. Its dressing process involves specific techniques for folding and tying, usually with an obi (wide belt).
The students choose their favorite yukata designs and, together with the instructor, take on the challenge of putting them on. There are many shops in Japan (for example, in Asakusa, Kyoto and Kawagoe) where you can rent a yukata, so wearing one while visiting tourist spots can help create wonderful memories.
At TCJ, you can deepen your Japanese language learning and experience authentic Japanese culture!If you’re interested in TCJ, please book a counseling session. We also regularly hold events that you can attend for free through Club TCJ. Book a counseling session here.