Act it Out!  Roudokukai（朗読会）

For Pre-Intermediate Japanese Learners

Urashima Tarou is a young fisherman who lives with his mother. One day he saves a sea turtle, which he later realizes is not your average turtle. To thank Urashima, the turtle offers to take him on a journey which will change his life forever…

Calling creative souls at the Pre-Intermediate level! Do you like reading? (Voice) acting? Speaking Japanese?

Unleash your inner artist as we all read out together and discuss 「うらしまたろう」, one of the most popular folktales in Japan, diving into the boy’s underwater adventure.

Saturday March 11 | Online |6:30 pm – 8:00 pm EST | Japanese (reading) + English (discussions, if needed)

Registration Deadline: Thursday March 2, 2023

More Details

This Roudokukai (literally “recitation meeting”) combines Japanese reading, listening, and speaking practice, all while learning about Japanese literature and the language used there.

Every participant will become an actor (if they want) as we all read out the popular Japanese fairytale「うらしまたろう」* and explore concepts in Japanese language and culture in a carefree, fun session where creativity is not only welcomed, but encouraged! The text will be divided into 3 parts, each of which will be assigned to a group of participants.

*The text we will be reading is based on various versions, including the abridged version on the Japan Foundation’s Minna no Kyozai website, with unique additions by our very own team at the Japan Foundation, Toronto.

Materials:

• • Japanese text with accompanying Furigana/Ruby: View here (final version will be sent to participants)
  • English translation for reference

Participation Requirements:

Japanese language learners from anywhere in Canada, with Late-Elementary or Pre-Intermediate Japanese language proficiency, defined as:

• • Late-Elementary (A2-2) and Pre-Intermediate (A2/B1) level for JFT students, or
  • JLPT N4~N5 level or equivalent, or
  • Level 3 on a 5-level scale

? Not sure of your level? Please review the file above with the Japanese text. Don’t hesitate to register if you

• • find that you have a general understanding of the Japanese being used, except for some phrases/grammar, and
  • believe the level is just right, and that you would be comfortable acting/reading this out loud

*Please note this event is not for Upper-Intermediate speakers and above. To ensure a comfortable experience where all participants are around the same level, this event is targeting learners at the above-mentioned levels only. We are planning on possibly having more events for different levels in the future.

*you will require a camera and microphone to participate
*preference will be given to JFT students

Quota: 12 Participants maximum

More information about the story: Another version of うらしまたろう, as well as many other Japanese folktales, can be borrowed for free on our Digital Library. Please note that the readings for this event will be shared with participants–no additional materials are required.

For inquiries: Please contact the Japanese Language Team at koza_jftoronto@jpf.go.jp.