President: Mary Burrows
Membership: £5/ year
Membership discounts: 10-20 percent off at Occasions fancy dress shop; free miso soup when you buy sushi at Sesame in the Union; discounted drinks and tickets to society events
Regular meetings: Thursdays 1-3pm; fortnightly karaoke and pub socials (alternating weeks) on Mondays and Wednesdays
Contact: leedsunijapanese@gmail.com
Halloween plans: JapSoc and EARS Halloween party at Fab Cafe from 9pm on 29 Oct. Tickets on sale 26 Oct, 12-3pm in East Asian Studies common room (Michael Sadler fourth floor)
Although mainly accommodating native Japanese students and those on Japanese language degrees, Japanese Society attracts students of several nationalities and degree disciplines. That is what makes this a friendly society perfect for everyone. Currently numbering about 150 members, the society is proud to offer everyone the opportunity to learn more about Japanese culture and to help Japanese students in adjusting to life in the UK. Regular meetings are held on Thursdays for ‘Kukki and Koucha’, which, for those with no knowledge of the Japanese language, simply means ‘Tea and Cookies’. JapSoc extend an open invitation to come along and meet everyone in the East Asian Studies Common Room. It’s a good way to make new friends, have a little chat about what your favourite anime or Japanese food is, and maybe even find a nice language partner.
For those with a keen interest in Japanese traditions, I have good news: Laurence, the treasurer of the society, has organised a tea ceremony class every fortnight. Although the groups are filled up already for this semester, spaces are available again for semester two.
The society alternates its pub socials with fortnightly Karaoke trips downtown. Although it is not quite the same as going to a Karaoke place in Japan, it is just as much fun in Leeds. So far the Karaoke place only provides English songs but the society is trying to get Japanese songs on board.
Additionally, if you struggle with any aspect of your Japanese homework or similar, you are welcome to visit the Common Room in the Michael Sadler Building Monday to Fridays from 11am-4pm and ask some of the older Japanese language students for help.
Words: Michelle Heinrich
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