4th Japanese Language Learners Gathering in The Hague | SJW
Learning Japanese is much more enjoyable when you have opportunities to actually use it.
After three previous gatherings, we are happy to announce the 4th SJW Gathering Event for Japanese Language Learners, taking place on Sunday, 27 September from 16:00, at Townhouse Hotel Den Haag.
Whether you have just started learning Japanese or have been studying for several years, this gathering is an opportunity to meet other learners, practice Japanese in a relaxed environment, and simply enjoy spending time with people who share an interest in Japan and the Japanese language.
What Is the SJW Gathering Event?
The SJW Gathering is not a formal Japanese lesson.
It is a casual social event where Japanese learners can meet, talk, exchange experiences, and put the Japanese they have learned into practice.
Many people study Japanese through lessons, textbooks, apps, or online courses, but finding opportunities to actually speak Japanese outside the classroom can be difficult.
This gathering is designed to create exactly that opportunity.
You do not need to speak perfect Japanese. Making mistakes is part of learning, and everyone is welcome to participate at their own level.
Meet Other Japanese Learners
One of the best things about learning a language is meeting people who are on the same journey.
At the gathering, you can meet learners with different backgrounds and levels of experience. Some may have recently started learning hiragana, while others may already be preparing for the JLPT, working with Japanese companies, or using Japanese regularly.
You can exchange ideas about:
How you study Japanese
Useful textbooks, apps, and learning resources
Experiences travelling or living in Japan
Japanese culture, food, anime, music, and everyday life
Challenges you have faced while learning the language
Sometimes, simply hearing how another learner approaches Japanese can give you new motivation and ideas for your own studies.
Practice Japanese in a Relaxed Environment
Knowing vocabulary and grammar is one thing.
Using them naturally in conversation is another.
The gathering gives you the opportunity to practice speaking and listening without the pressure of a classroom or examination.
You can try introducing yourself in Japanese, ask simple questions, join conversations, or challenge yourself to use expressions you have recently learned.
Beginners are absolutely welcome.
Even a few simple phrases such as:
はじめまして。
日本語を勉強しています。
日本に行ったことがありますか？
can be the beginning of a great conversation.
And if you need to switch to English from time to time, that is completely fine too.
Why Join the Gathering?
For many learners, one of the biggest challenges is maintaining motivation.
You may attend a Japanese class once a week, study vocabulary at home, or practice with an app — but without opportunities to communicate with other people, learning can sometimes feel isolated.
The SJW Gathering gives you a place to:
Use Japanese outside the classroom
Meet other people interested in Japan
Build confidence in speaking
Exchange learning tips and experiences
Find new study friends or language partners
Stay motivated to continue learning
Most importantly, it is a chance to enjoy Japanese rather than simply “study” Japanese.
Who Can Join?
Everyone with an interest in Japanese language and culture is welcome.
You might be:
A complete beginner
Currently taking Japanese lessons
Preparing for the JLPT
Planning a trip to Japan
Working with Japanese colleagues or companies
Interested in Japanese culture, food, anime, manga, music, or travel
Looking for opportunities to meet other Japanese learners
There is no required Japanese level.
You also do not need to be an SJW student to participate.
First Time Joining? No Problem.
If you have never attended one of our gatherings before, please feel free to join.
The purpose of the event is not to test your Japanese ability. It is simply to create a friendly place where people interested in Japanese can meet and communicate.
Coming alone is also completely fine — many participants meet each other for the first time at the gathering.
Join Our 4th Gathering
Our previous gatherings have shown us how valuable it is to create opportunities for Japanese learners to meet beyond the classroom.
So for our 4th Gathering Event, we would once again like to bring together people who enjoy learning Japanese and create an afternoon of conversation, connection, and Japanese language practice.
Date: Sunday, 27 September 2026
Time: 16:00-17:30
Venue: Townhouse Hotel Den Haag
Come and meet other Japanese learners, practice what you have learned, and enjoy Japanese together.
We look forward to seeing you at the 4th SJW Gathering Event!
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