Many students enrolled in Japanese language modules share a strong interest in Japanese pop culture, such as music. Daisuke Yamaguchi, a member of the Japanese Language Division, uses his expertise to nurture this passion. Yamaguchi is not only a dedicated language lecturer but also a musician and band member who uniquely blends language education with musical engagement. Yamaguchi has hosted several Japanese music concerts where students learn to sing Japanese songs with him and enjoy his band’s live performances.
Yamaguchi also launched the J-ON Band Club, a student band that recruits members who are passionate about Japanese music and live performance. Under his guidance, members practise weekly to master instruments and stagecraft, culminating in a successful live music festival.
Special guest talk: documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi
In the 2023-24 academic year, the Japanese Language Division hosted acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, one of the most influential Japanese figures in China today. The event attracted nearly 200 students from diverse academic backgrounds and academic staff from multiple departments.
Takeuchi shared his experiences as a Japanese expatriate navigating life in China, insights into cultural parallels and distinctions between China and Japan, and behind-the-scenes stories from his then-upcoming documentary project.
The session included an interactive question-and-answer period. Participants said engaging directly with Takeuchi was inspiring and deepened their understanding of Japanese culture. Takeuchi said he was deeply impressed by students’ insightful questions about cultural adaptation and documentary filmmaking.
Documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi speaking at XJTLU
Japan Day: Flower of Culture event
The Japanese Language Division and XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) jointly organised Japan Day: Flower of Culture event in the 2024-25 academic year. The day was a vi brant and enriching celebration of Japanese heritage and culture, attracting numerous enthusiastic students and staff members. Many attendees wore traditional attire, including beautiful yukata and happi, which added to the festive atmosphere. Two professional dancers from Japan gave short traditional Japanese dance performances, showcasing the elegance and artistry of Japanese dance.
This immersive experience not only fostered a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural tapestry but also strengthened community bonds among students.
Professional dancers from Japan: Mutsunoya Kimie and Mutsunoya Reika
Master of Ceremony at the Dance performance: Dr Linke Chen, Lecturer in the Japanese Language Division
J-ON concerts
Many students enrolled in Japanese language modules share a strong interest in Japanese pop culture, such as music. Daisuke Yamaguchi, a member of the Japanese Language Division, uses his expertise to nurture this passion. Yamaguchi is not only a dedicated language lecturer but also a musician and band member who uniquely blends language education with musical engagement. Yamaguchi has hosted several Japanese music concerts where students learn to sing Japanese songs with him and enjoy his band’s live performances.
Yamaguchi also launched the J-ON Band Club, a student band that recruits members who are passionate about Japanese music and live performance. Under his guidance, members practise weekly to master instruments and stagecraft, culminating in a successful live music festival.
Special guest talk: documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi
In the 2023-24 academic year, the Japanese Language Division hosted acclaimed documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, one of the most influential Japanese figures in China today. The event attracted nearly 200 students from diverse academic backgrounds and academic staff from multiple departments.
Takeuchi shared his experiences as a Japanese expatriate navigating life in China, insights into cultural parallels and distinctions between China and Japan, and behind-the-scenes stories from his then-upcoming documentary project.
The session included an interactive question-and-answer period. Participants said engaging directly with Takeuchi was inspiring and deepened their understanding of Japanese culture. Takeuchi said he was deeply impressed by students’ insightful questions about cultural adaptation and documentary filmmaking.
Documentary filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi speaking at XJTLU
Japan Day: Flower of Culture event
The Japanese Language Division and XJTLU’s International Business School Suzhou (IBSS) jointly organised Japan Day: Flower of Culture event in the 2024-25 academic year. The day was a vi brant and enriching celebration of Japanese heritage and culture, attracting numerous enthusiastic students and staff members. Many attendees wore traditional attire, including beautiful yukata and happi, which added to the festive atmosphere. Two professional dancers from Japan gave short traditional Japanese dance performances, showcasing the elegance and artistry of Japanese dance.
This immersive experience not only fostered a deeper appreciation for Japan’s rich cultural tapestry but also strengthened community bonds among students.
Professional dancers from Japan: Mutsunoya Kimie and Mutsunoya Reika
Master of Ceremony at the Dance performance: Dr Linke Chen, Lecturer in the Japanese Language Division