Learning Japanese Through J-pop

The Heart of J-pop: Language, Emotion, and Connection

This workshop offers a supportive, culturally grounded introduction to language learning at the start of the academic year.
Designed as an enrichment experience, it combines Japanese popular culture, music, gentle movement, voice awareness, and creative reflection to help learners build confidence, fluency, and readiness for communication.

This workshop is great for people looking for an opportunity to practice and speak Japanese!

Notes:

• This class will be taught in English, but many of the songs will be in Japanese and so too will some of the conversations that follow. Basic understanding/speaking of Japanese is required.
• Attendees also must be able to read Hiragana/Katakana
• 2 - 3 songs will be played and discussed
• no exchanges or refunds

About your Instructor

Hi, I’m Abby. I design multilingual, culturally-rooted learning and creative experiences that help people connect through language, emotion, and story.

With a background in cross-cultural communication, Japanese language education, translation, and expressive arts facilitation, I create spaces where learners and communities can build confidence, emotional vocabulary, and a sense of belonging.

My practice integrates Japanese pop culture, music, and art-based reflection as bridges across cultures. I support individuals in developing authentic voice, personal expression, and intercultural understanding—especially across English, Japanese, and Cantonese-speaking contexts.

I believe language learning is not only skill development, but also self-discovery: a process of noticing, naming, and sharing our inner world at our own pace.

Through workshops, storytelling, and gentle facilitation, I strive to foster curiosity, empathy, and creative empowerment in diverse communities.

こんにちは。アビーと申します。私は、言語・文化・アートを統合した学習体験やコミュニティプロジェクトをデザインし、ことば・感情・物語を通して人と人がつながる場をつくっています。

日本語教育、異文化コミュニケーション、翻訳、表現アーツの経験を活かし、英語・日本語・広東語の多言語環境で、参加者が自己表現と安心できる学びの場を育む支援をしています。

J-POPやアニメなどのポップカルチャー、音楽、アートワークを橋渡しとして用い、感情語彙の習得、自己理解、異文化理解、そして個人の声の育成につなげることを目指しています。

言語学習は、スキルだけでなく自己発見のプロセスです。

自分のペースで、内側の声を確かめ、言葉にしていくための場と伴走を大切にしています。

ワークショップや対話を通じて、好奇心・共感・創造性がひらかれ、文化を越えたつながりが育つ瞬間をサポートしています。