At Nihongo no Niwa, we know that learning Japanese is more than just a classroom experience—it’s about exploring culture, building friendships, and creating lasting memories. That's why we love our mid-year class outings, which provide students with a chance to bond, practice their language skills, and throw themselves into the traditions and flavours of Japan.
While some students couldn’t make it due to scheduling conflicts or because they live abroad, we’re proud of the moments we shared this year. For those who joined, the memories will stay with us—and for those who couldn’t, we look forward to next time! Here’s a look back at the highlights of our 2024 mid-year adventures:
A Ghibli Experience: Opening Weekend Screening of 'The Boy and the Heron'
To kick off the year in style, Nihongo no Niwa students gathered for a magical day at the cinema for the opening weekend screening of The Boy and the Heron (君たちはどう生きるか, lit. How Do You Live?), the latest masterpiece from Miyazaki Hayao. It was the first event of the year, and spirits were high as everyone settled in to experience the breathtaking animation and heart-stirring storytelling that Studio Ghibli is famous for.
The film’s deep themes of life, nature, and reflection sparked lively conversation afterward, and some of the group shared how they spotted and interpreted familiar Japanese expressions and phrases in the dialogue, which made the viewing all the more immersive. It was a brilliant start to our year of cultural exploration, setting the tone for many more exciting activities to come.
Izakaya Matsuri: A Warm Welcome
We started our class outings of 2024 at Izakaya Matsuri, where Class Takakeishо̄ came together to enjoy an authentic izakaya dining experience—an great reflection of Japanese social culture. The evening was full of laughter, great food and a little extra excitement, as Josh-san traveled all the way from the UK to join us! Although we missed Luke-san, who was feeling under the weather, the rest of the group made the most of the evening, digging into delicious food and catching up in true izakaya style with great conversation and tales of Japan.
Clay Café: Art and Conversation
Next, Class Ura—with friends from Class Wakatakakage and Takakeishо̄—enjoyed a creative day at The Clay Café in Hout Bay. This was more than just a typical outing; it was a chance for this chatty 会話 (kaiwa, conversation) class to express their creative sides through art. Each student painted their own unique clay pieces, ranging from Godzilla figures to delicate abstracts, bold chrysanthemums to whimsical landscape designs. There was a serene atmosphere as students worked, and the group, known for their lively conversations, found moments of peaceful silence as they let their imaginations take over. It was a rare treat to see this chatty bunch fully absorbed in their art—although there was still plenty of banter between brushstrokes!
Nigiro Tea House: A Taste of Tradition
Next up, Classes Tobizaru and Kinbо̄zan took a more serene route, spending the afternoon together at Nigiro Tea House for an elegant tea-tasting experience. Students explored the nuances of various Japanese teas, with Genmaicha and Gunpowder Temple of Heaven being standout favorites, paired with some delicious Asian treats.
As we sipped on tea, conversations flowed from tea production methods to Japanese bonsai, cultural traditions, travel, and beyond. The event offered a great chance to deepen our appreciation for the nuances of life in Japan through the amazing knowledge of our students, all while enjoying each other's company.
A Day at the Docks: Touring Japanese Warships
In another unforgettable outing, students from Class Wakatakakage embarked on a cultural outing to the Cape Town docks to visit the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) ships, JS Kashima and JS Shimakaze. This marked the first Historic Arrival of the JMSDF in South Africa since WWII, creating an exciting opportunity for our students to connect with Japan’s modern history. The tour was a great experience where students explored the naval destroyers and spoke with crew members, learning about life at sea and the ships' missions.
There were also thrilling demonstrations of traditional Japanese martial arts, including Aikidō (martial art-form), Kyūdō (archery), and Kendō (swordsmanship), which added an extra layer of cultural depth. Musical performances from the JMSDF & South African naval band rounded out the day, making it an event that celebrated both the strength and cultural heritage of Japan, as well as its connection to South Africa. This unique outing left a lasting impression on everyone and offered an unforgettable chance to practice Japanese in an authentic setting.
Nihongo no Niwa Board Game Day: A Day of Fun and Strategy
In addition to our mid-year outings, one of the most memorable gatherings this year was our Board Game Day at Sword & Board. Students from various classes came together for a day filled with exciting games, camaraderie, and laughter. We had a range of themed games like Ramen Fury and Samurai Sword, along with traditional Japanese games like 街コロ and いろはくるた. But the game that truly stole the spotlight was Shogi—Japan’s beloved strategy game—which Hige-sensei taught to many a student with great excitement. Students eagerly took turns honing their skills in this classic game, with many appreciating the mix of strategy and mental challenge.
One of our more inventive students, Hein-san, even shared a card game he designed himself, which helped everyone practice kanji and kana recognition through fun Japanese onomatopoeia. It was a fantastic way to blend learning and play, leaving everyone eager for the next round of competition, and Luke-san even went on to code a digital version of the game!
How’s Your Oni: Culture and Camaraderie
We wrapped up our mid-year outings with a gathering at How’s Your Oni, where Classes Ryūden and Hakuо̄hо̄ came together for an afternoon of good food and lively conversation. Specializing in onigiri (Japanese rice balls), the restaurant set the stage for students to share their stories about their love of Japan—whether it was discussing modern anime and gaming, recounting wild travels across Japan, or making plans for future studies in the country. It was a relaxed, fun-filled day that brought great food and conversation to our students, showcasing not just their passion for Japanese culture, but the warmth and camaraderie that Nihongo no Niwa hopes for.
While some students couldn’t join us for the mid-year outings, there’s much more to look forward to in the coming months. Our next class get-together will be in Johannesburg this December, where students traveling to write their JLPT's get to meet students from Johannesburg and Pretoria for an exciting evening filled with culture, conversation, and some tasty food. We’ll also be closing out 2024 with our annual school event in November—a Japanese BBQ this time around—where we can celebrate everything our students have achieved together this year.
Whether you’re attending in person or with us in spirit, we’re excited to continue building connections, sharing stories, and diving into the beauty of the Japanese language and culture. The best is yet to come, and we can’t wait to create more unforgettable moments with you all. Until next time...
じゃあまた！
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