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NEWSLETTER | JULY 2017 (VOLUME 2)

Centre for Japanese Studies

NewsletterCentre for Japanese StudiesJuly 2017 (Volume 2)


Greetings! With the winter in South Africa and the summer rainy season in Japan the Centre for Japanese Studies (CJS) welcomes you to the second edition of the CJS newsletter. Since our last newsletter we have had more to celebrate in terms of academic activities and exciting events that were undertaken by the CJS staff with students and the academic, business and social community. We are proud of the achievements of students in our Japanese language course but also especially proud of the achievements of the students who successfully completed their master’s degrees with the Africa Business Education for Youth (ABE) Project at various Japanese universities. The staff of CJS are increasingly raising the bar on a number fronts with JICA, JETRO, the Japanese embassy and universities to drive the academic vision and goals of the University of Pretoria. CJS’s major academic event for this winter season is the coordination of the re-launch of the South African-Japanese Universities Forum to be held in Tokyo, Japan on 15 and 16 July 2017. There is clear evidence that CJS is promoting essential values in our students and the public through our seminars and cultural events with our Japanese counterparts.

I invite you to read more about the above and other exciting news about CJS and University of Pretoria in this edition, and to learn more about interesting events taking place during this semester. Wishing you a happy season!

Prof Cycil G. HartellDirector, Centre for Japanese Studies

Message from the Director


It is with honour that I introduce myself as the new Chief Representative of the South African branch office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). This is indeed a journey that I am looking forward to and a role that I plan to fully apply myself to. Prior to being assigned to this position, I was working at the JICA Headquarters in Tokyo as Senior Advisor to the Director General.

I am quite familiar with this beautiful country as I served as Senior Representative in this very same office from 2010 to 2013. I am very fond of South Africa, especially its diverse nature and warm and welcoming people.

The Centre for Japanese Studies was established during my previous assignment, and I recall its launching at the Gordon Institute of Business Sciences (GIBS). In 2015, the Centre took an important decision to change its strategic direction and relocated to the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield Campus. JICA fully supported this decision and dispatched a Japanese Expert to support the Centre’s development.

I believe that cooperation between South Africa and Japan will help realise the full potential of the nation, and I trust that the Centre will be an intellectual home for a wider community of academics, students and business leaders of both countries to promote mutual understanding and cooperation between South Africa and Japan.

I look forward to working with you all.

Tomohiro SekiChief Representative, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) South Africa

Message from JICA Chief Representative


Wednesday 12 April 2017

Interviews for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative

On 12 April, Prof CycilHartell, Director of the Centre for Japanese Studies, took part in interviews for the Ashinaga Africa Initiative, as an interviewer. The Ashinaga Africa Initiative is an international NGO founded in Japan, and provides financial and emotional support to young people around the world who have lost one or both of their parents. With a history spanning over 50 years, they have supported more than 100,000 orphaned students to finish higher education. In April, interviews

Past Events(April - June)

Saturday 22 April 2017

Japanese Movie Screening: Children Who Chase After Lost Voices

The Centre for Japanese Studies in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan and the TUKS Anime and Gaming Society, hosted a film screening of “Children Who Chase After Lost Voices”.

The film was a coming-of-age story involving young love and a mysterious music coming from a crystal radio left as a memento by an absent father, that leads a young heroine deep into a hidden world.

The 2011 film, directed by Makoto Shinkai, the famed director of recent film “Your Name”, featured vibrant colours and striking animation, and attracted about 100 people who attended the event.

Saturday 20 May 2017

Open Day

The Centre for Japanese Studies participated in UP Open Day. Open Day is an annual event hosted at the University of Pretoria, where high school students and their parents, as well as university students, are invited to visit the University in order to explore academic and social options available. CJS staff members engaged with numerous interested students, and showcased scholarship and exchange programme opportunities, as well as the Japanese language course.

were conducted in South Africa aimed at South African applicants of this programme.

Applications will open again on the 1st of October, 2017, and those interested can apply at: ashinaga100-yearvision.org/en/. Queries can be directed to our office as well, as the Centre for Japanese Studies will assist in the recruitment process.


Tuesday 23 May 2017

Living and studying in Japan: ABE Initiative Scholarship recipients share their experiences

The Centre for Japanese Studies in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), hosted an event entitled ‘Living and studying in Japan: by recipients of the African Business Education for Youth (ABE) Initiative Scholarship’. The event was well-attended by representatives of the Japanese business sector, students, academics and others.

The ABE Initiative is a programme that has been offered by the Government of Japan since 2013. It provides opportunities for young African men and women to study at a master’s level at Japanese universities as international students and to experience internships at Japanese enterprises. Recipients have the chance to develop effective skills and knowledge in various fields, enabling them to better contribute to the development of industries in Africa.

For further information on this event, please visit http://www.up.ac.za/en/centre-for-japanese-studies/news/post_2491432-living-and-studying-in-japan-abe-initiative-scholarship-recipients-share-their-experiences

Information on the ABE Initiative can be found at: https://www.jica.go.jp/southafrica/english/office/others/abe.html

Wednesday 14 – Saturday 17 June 2017

Prof CycilHartell and Prof Miemsie Steyn attended the General Assembly of the Africa-Asia Dialogue for Educational Development at the University of Hiroshima 14-17 June 2017. They received a grant of R150 000 from the Toshiba International Foundation to conduct related joint research and to host a seminar and workshop at the Faculty of Education, University of Pretoria in March 2018. Two African countries and five Asian countries are involved in this project.

The title of their research project is: A comparative analysis of teacher professional development and identity across Asia and Africa.

For more information on this project please access the following link: http://www.up.ac.za/en/centre-for-japanese-studies/news/post_2504784--a-comparative-analysis-of-teacher-professional-development-and-identity-across-asia-and-africa


Shifting knowledge to insight

From the delicacies of eating sushi and drinking tea, to the legends of brave samurais and beautiful geishas – whether you are looking to learn Japanese for the purpose of business, travel or personal use – the Japanese Language Course will provide you with the practical knowledge and skills you need to communicate efficiently in this exotic language. Presented throughout structured modules, you can either gain a basic understanding of the language or continue to broaden your understanding of the language and culture with more advanced training.

With the focus on the practical use of the language and cultural awareness, you will learn the Japanese characters – the hiragana and katakana – for writing and reading, with the addition of approximately 30 Chinese characters (kanjis). You will also go on to develop basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and writing in Japanese through various material and activities such as origami and wearing yukata that will expose you to both traditional and contemporary Japanese cultures and societies.

Course content

Topics• Greetings and introductions• Asking and giving personal information• The time• Shopping (basic concepts)• Ordering at a restaurant• Describing daily routines• Making plans for the weekend• Inviting somebody to do something

Grammar• Introduction to the Japanese writing system• Hiragana/katakana• 30 kanjis• Japanese pronunciation• Word order• Ko/so/a/do system• Time expressions• Particle ni/de/to• Verbs with particle o/ni

Culture• Understanding some practical culture differences• Introducing traditional and contemporary cultures

Learning outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to• execute hiragana and katakana in reading and writing• demonstrate the use of approximately 30 kanji-characters• develop basic communication skills in listening, speaking, reading and

writing in Japanese, and

• get to know both traditional and contemporary Japanese cultures and societies through various materials (videos, quizzes, etc.) and activities (origami, wearing yukata, etc.).

This course requires disciplined study habits and compulsory class participation.

Who should enrol?

This course is ideal for you if you are keen to learn Japanese as a foreign language whether you are a participant in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme, have prospective business dealings with Japanese companies/organisations or if you are a student participating or interested in an exchange programme to Japan.

Course fees

Student fee: R2 500.00 (VAT incl.) (Proof of 2017 registration required.)Professional/public fee: R6 000.00 (VAT incl.)Course fees include all course material for use during contact sessions.

Course fees must be paid in full 14 days prior to course start dates. Proof of payment can be submitted to [email protected].

Admission requirements

Prospective delegates should at least have a National Senior Certificate (Grade 12) and/or relevant work experience. Delegates who do not adhere to the minimum requirements will be considered upon submission of a motivation for enrolment.

Accreditation and certification

Enterprises University of Pretoria (Pty) Ltd is wholly owned by the University of Pretoria. The University is registered as a multipurpose, public training provider in the higher education and training band. Delegates who successfully complete a course and comply with the related assessment criteria are awarded certificates by the University in recognition of their professional skills development.

Registration and enrolments

Course coordinatorSamedah DavisTel: +27 (0)12 434 2562Cell: +27 (0)83 302 4278Email: [email protected]

Course leaderProf Cycil Hartell, Director: Centre for Japanese Studies

www.enterprises.up.ac.za

For quotations on in-house training, email [email protected]

+27 (0)12 434 2500 +27 (0)12 434 2505 [email protected] Private Bag X41, Hatfield, 0028

Japanese Language CoursePresented by the Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Pretoria

The course is presented by Hiromi Spinola, Japanese Language Instructor since 1999 in Japan and Taiwan, and from 2005 in South Africa. Ms Spinola holds a Bachelor of Arts from Meikai University, Chiba, Japan.

Part 1 of this course will commence again on 1 August 2017. To register, please contact [email protected]


Human Rights and Atomic Bomb ExhibitionJohannesburg ExhibitionDate: 10 – 31 August 2017

Venue: Johannesburg Genocide & Holocaust Centre

Cape Town ExhibitionDate: 15 August – 15 September 2017Venue: Cape Town Holocaust Centre

Human Rights and Atomic Bomb Exhibition Opening CeremonyDate: Thursday 10 August 2017

Time: 18.00 – 20.35Venue: Johannesburg Genocide & Holocaust Centre

Open Lecture & Panel Discussion – “Atomic Bomb and Human Rights”Date: Thursday 17 August 2017

Time: 17.00 – 20.00Venue: Plant Sciences Auditorium, Hatfield Main Campus, University of Pretoria

Japanese Movie Screening (Film title TBC)Date: Saturday 16 September

Time:13.00Venue: To be confirmed

Special lecture by guest speaker from JapanDate: 4 October 2017

Time: 17.00 (TBC)Venue: Plant Sciences Auditorium, Hatfield Main Campus, University of Pretoria

Save the Date (Upcoming Events)All details will be confirmed on the website, and via an email to the CJS mailing list.

For Enquiries regarding any of the events, please contact Ms Sonja Yonehara at [email protected].


The Centre for Japanese Studies, in collaboration with Universities South Africa (USAf) and the South African Technology Network (SATN), is proud to be the principal South African coordinator for the upcoming South Africa-Japan University (SAJU) Forum, which will take place in Tokyo, Japan, on 15 and 16 July. The main coordinator in Japan is Tsukuba University.

The SAJU Forum aims at providing a structured framework for collaboration between the higher education institutions of the two countries. Its goals are to increase the mobility of researchers and students, increase joint research and development collaboration, establish exchange programmes among universities and institutionalise cooperation among universities in the two countries.

Two meetings were held in 2007 and 2008, in Hiroshima and Cape Town respectively, where the participants shared information about each university and discussed perspectives of collaboration, especially in the following strategic areas: health, environment, mathematics and science education, and materials science.

The third SAJU Forum meeting assumes ‘Cooperation between South African and Japanese universities toward achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)’ as its main theme. Representatives of participating universities, such as presidents, vice-chancellors and researchers, will discuss opportunities and possible academic cooperation between the two countries with the aim of solving local and global issues for a sustainable society.

CJS to be principal SA coordinator for upcoming SAJU Forum

Contribution of SAJU Forum to SDGs: In order to achieve the SDGs, we must solve many issues in our environment and society. The academic sector, including higher education, is expected to contribute to developing and implementing sustainable solutions through scientific research and innovation, human resource development, and cooperation with other stakeholders including the private and public sectors

Several plenary keynote lectures will be delivered at the Forum. Speakers will share current outlines and prospects of cooperation between Japan and Africa to achieve the SDGs, opportunities for the creation of new value in the universities of both countries through mutual collaboration, and the possibility of collaboration with the business sector. Parallel thematic sessions will also be held to discuss the prospects of academic cooperation in the following four strategic areas related to the 16 SDGs: Agriculture & Food, Health, Environment & Energy, and Humanity, Education & Society.

Following a wrap-up of the parallel sessions and a plenary discussion, outcomes will be identified in a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed by representatives of both countries.


The Japanese Rainy Season & Ajisai

In early summer (late May to early June) in Japan, the rainy season known as “Tsuyu” starts in most parts of the country. “Tsuyu” literally means “Plum Rain”, since it coincides with the season of plums ripening. The rainy season usually lasts about 1 month, depending on which part of Japan is being affected.

During the rainy season, many people hang traditional handmade dolls called “Teru Teru Bozu” - literally meaning “Shine Shine Monk”, or “Shine Shine Boy” - by their windows, hoping for better weather. These dolls are supposed to bring good, sunny weather, or prevent bad weather, according to tradition.

Did you know?Japan has had the longest average life expectancy in the world for more than 20 years, at 83.7 years, followed by Switzerland, Singapore and Australia. Women in Japan generally live longer than men, at 86.8 years, while men’s average life expectancy is 80.5 years. The global average is 69.1 years for men and 73.8 years for women.

However, the “healthy life expectancy” which indicates the number of years people live in full health, is 74.9 years for Japanese people. This means that on average, Japanese spend the last 8 years or so in ill health.

The rainy season is also known as the season where “ajisai” or hydrangea flowers are in full bloom. There are several superstitions surrounding these flowers, both good and bad. For example, hydrangeas are known to change colour (pink, purple, etc.) according to how much acidity is present in the soil. Thus, this flower came to symbolise being whimsical, frivolous or flirtatious. For a long time it was taboo to gift these flowers at weddings and other celebratory occasions. On the other hand, due to how the flowers are shaped - many small petals tightly knit together – the flower also signifies ‘unity’, specifically of the family. This meaning has come to be used more widely in recent years.


The Centre for Japanese Studies is inviting those interested to apply to have your article put in the new Centre for Japanese Studies Journal. The journal is devoted to publishing papers in various aspects, fields and scopes related to Japanese studies including studies about Japan or Japan and South Africa that focus on health, environment and energy, agriculture and food, education, humanities and society and culture. Please refer to the below attachment for more details.

The deadline for submission for the 1st volume of the CJS Journal is Thursday 13 July 2017. Details for submission can be found on our website: http://www.up.ac.za/en/centre-for-japanese-studies/article/2490802/cjs-journal

For any queries please contact the Centre for Japanese Studies at:

CJS Editorial Officec/o Centre for Japanese Studies, University of Pretoria

Rm 2-73, Graduate Centre, University of Pretoria, Private Bag X20, Hatfield 0028 South Africa

Tel: +27 (0)12 420 6488 E-mail: [email protected]

Centre for Japanese Studies Journal


Exchange programmes:

Currently there are two exchange programmes offered through the Centre, for University of Pretoria students, at Hokkaido University and the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies.

For further information, please visit our website at: http://www.up.ac.za/en/centre-for-japanese-studies/article/2444156/exchange-programmes

Scholarships & bursaries:

Scholarship and bursary opportunities are regularly updated on the CJS website. Visit our scholarships and bursaries page periodically to find out what opportunities are available for you!

http://www.up.ac.za/en/centre-for-japanese-studies/article/2445048/scholarships-bursaries

Opportunities on Offer through CJS


If you would like to be added to the CJS mailing list, please email our Administrator Mrs Anita Devchand at

[email protected] with your:

Full name Email address

Contact number Organisation

Position

Through the mailing list you will receive our event notifications, newsletters and any other information related to CJS!

Alternatively, if you would like to share any of your suggestions, comments or ideas with us, you can again email Mrs Anita Devchand.

We look forward to your email!

Get in touch!

Centre for Japanese StudiesRoom 2-73/4, Graduate Centre

Hatfield (Main) CampusUniversity of Pretoria

Lynnwood RoadHatfield, Pretoria

0002South Africa

Tel: 012 420 6488Email: [email protected]

Website: www.up.ac.za/centre-for-japanese-studies

Compiled and Edited by Sonja Yonehara

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