ADVOCACY

This page provides a collection of videos and website links related to advocacy. Feel free to explore these resources and use them as a reference to deepen your understanding or support your initiatives. I hope you find them helpful!

WHY LEARN JAPANESE?

Over the last 100 years, Australia has developed a deep and lasting relationship with Japan, not only politically and through trade, but on a grassroots, person–to-person level. Japan’s rich culture, both ancient and modern, holds a fascination for us and our students, and we are drawn to the ‘soft power’ of Japanese culture in the form of manga, anime, art, music, fashion and food. For many students, meeting Japanese people or staying in Japan has been a memorable and life-changing experience. Australians work closely with Japanese companies, organisations and individuals in various areas, and there are many opportunities for work related connections in the future.

WHY STUDY JAPANESE AT UNIversity?

The following two videos are published by Japanese Studies Association of Australia to promote Japanese language education at university.

The ULPA (University Languages Portal Australia) featured in the video provides useful information on language programs at universities across Australia.
Please visit the website. https://ulpa.edu.au/

Where do Japanese Language Learners End Up?

The following two videos are published by Monash Japanese Language Education Centre. Go to “Learn Japanese and a New World Opens Project”  日本を知る、世界が広がる。for more information and videos.

Advocacy kit

  • Advocacy kit, The Japan Foundation Sydney
    The Japan Foundation, Sydney has created a kit for teachers to use for promoting their Japanese language programs. It contains advocacy brochures, an advocacy PowerPoint presentation, and advocacy flyer. These colourful brochures contain a variety of information about Japanese traditional and modern culture and aim to inspire students to study Japanese.

Other Resources for Advocacy

  • Senseis’ Voices, The Japan Foundation, Sydney
    These articles are contributed by teachers and educators on events and programs advocating Japanese language learning to the school community and beyond. Please share your experiences and any ideas! Here are some example articles below. For more articles please visit Senseis’ Voices!
Senseis' Voices
Senseis' Voices
Senseis' Voices
Senseis' Voices

Program Resources and Support

  • Embassy of Japan in Australia, Canberra
    Embassy and school visits – staff introduce aspects of Japanese culture and society through DVDs, plastic food displays, traditional toys and clothing. Embassy visits include a tour of a Japanese garden. DVDs and cultural items are also available for loan.
  • Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney
    School visit program – includes a calligraphy workshop and general presentation – introduction to Japan.
  • Consulate-General of Japan in Brisbane
    School visit program – topics include Japanese food, children’s games and toys, traditional arts and crafts, traditional clothing and contemporary fashion, school life, and careers using Japanese language. DVDs and cultural items are also available for loan.
  • Consulate-General of Japan in Melbourne
    Cultural seminars – topics include visual and performing arts, pop culture, school, leisure, food, customs, and tourist destinations. DVDs and cultural items are also available for loan.
  • Consulate-General of Japan in Perth
    Organisers of events can apply for nominal support.
  • The Japan Foundation, Sydney
    Centre Visit Program
    Japanese Classroom Resources
    Information for teachers of Japanese
  • The Japan Foundation, London
    Teaching and Learning Resources
  • The Japan Foundation, Los Angeles
    Information for teachers
  • Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Australia
    Brochures and maps of Japan

School Partnerships, Trips and Exchanges

  • Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) Sydney
    Information on International Exchange
  • Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Australia
    Information on school trips to Japan
  • AFS Australia
    Offers 1-2 month, 1-semester, and 1-year student exchange programs.
  • Southern Cross Cultural Exchange (SCCE)
    Offers 2-month, 3-month, 1-semester, and 1-year student exchange programs. Students must have been studying Japanese for at least two years to be considered for the program.

Japanese at Tertiary Level

To find tertiary institutions offering Japanese language studies, please use the Japan Foundation’s search engine for institutions offering Japanese-language education. *This data is based on the JF Survey Report conducted every three years.

Future Learning Opportunities and Careers

  • Australian Embassy, Tokyo, Japan: Studying in Japan
    Information about opportunities to study or research in Japan.
  • MEXT Scholarship
    Various scholarships offered to Australian university students and school teachers to study in Japan.
  • JET Programme
    An exchange program where participants work in local government or private schools in Japan as Assistant Language Teachers (ALT), Sports Exchange Advisors (SEA), or Coordinators for International Relations (CIR).
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan: Working Holiday Programmes in Japan
    A program that provides opportunities for young people to engage in employment while on holiday in Japan.
  • JETRO Australia: business information
    A Japanese government organisation that provides free business support services to companies expanding to Japan.

The Japan Foundation, Sydney (March 2026)

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