The theme for November's JYC sessions was Music.
In the first Japan Lab of the month, the Members returned to Japan House London, where they were given an exclusive tour of the Pictograms exhibition by a member of the Events and Visitors Experience Team, before a short Q&A in which they got to learn more about what it was like to work at Japan House London and some of the typical tasks someone in the team might do as a part of their role.
After this, the members got to watch a shamisen performance...
To round off the session, the members participated in speed-conversation style activities and team-building challenges.
On 14 November, the members met up again for their regular Catch-Up session. During this session, the Collective gathered together to discuss more ideas and considering a more concrete plan, as in the New Year, they would start preparations for their final event! Also within this month's Catch-Up, the members practiced and developed their communication skills through some public-speaking and conversation focused activities.
Finally, at the end of the month, the Collective met for their final Japan Lab of the year. This time, the Members participated in a range of team-building activities and games which really challenged their communication skills and encouraged them to be able to work cooperatively and effectively as a team. One activity involved building towers with just cards and paper, working together to plan and create a structure that would be able to bear the weight of three books!
Lawrence Green joined us from the University of Arts London to give a fascinating deep-dive lecture all about Anisongs (anime songs) - the Collective members particularly enjoyed this lecture! Within the lecture, the Members were able to listen to some iconic anime songs throughout history and learn about the evolution and popularisation of this genre of music in recent times.
Rebecca from The Japan Society then spoke about third-culture kids as well as her own experiences living abroad, which led to some thoughtful disccusion from some of the members and their experiences. After a busy session full of discussion and teamwork, it was time to wind down with some meditation exercises. With final A Level exams and mock exams coming up in the new year for the many of the members, it was a perfect opportunity to learn the significance of meditation and how powerful it can be in eliminating stress. Finally, the members sat together, wrote down, and shared with one another their list of grateful things, to emphasise the importance of gratitude, especially in difficult times.
As always, otsukare sama deshita to our Japan Youth Collective members!
JYC Members' Voices
