About us
My name is Masaru, but you can call me Josh if you like. I took over as the organiser of this group in January 2026. I'm currently running weekly meetings for the group.
I hadn't attended this group before, and so it's basically an all new group now. I am a native Japanese speaker and enjoy meeting new people and helping them learn Japanese.
Everyone is welcome in this group, from complete beginners to advanced learners. Beginners are especially encouraged to join — no experience needed. Also, feel free to bring your friends.
I prepare learning materials for both beginners and advanced learners, covering a range of skills such as conversations, reading, and writing as well as some cultural aspects. I'm also happy to adjust what we do based on people's interests and requests.
I aim to keep a balance between a relaxed atmosphere and meaningful learning.
Upcoming events
1
Leeds Japanese Language Study Group 2026
Parkside Tavern, Merrion Street, LS2 8JE, Leeds, GBHi. My name is Masaru, but you can call me Josh if it's easier. I'm a native Japanese speaker (Kansai-ben to be specific =). I've been enjoying meeting people and helping them learn Japanese. I'm running weekly meetings for this group as much as possible.
Can you believe it's already July! That means we have had weekly meetings for 6 months now!!! Thank you all for your support!
Everyone is welcome, from complete beginners to advanced learners, and even native Japanese speakers!
Fist timers: Depending on your skills you will be sitting with beginners, intermediates or advanced members. Study materials for your level will be provided. Please just bring a pen -- we are low tech soldiers!
Beginners: We will practice how to introduce yourselves, how to ask and answer questions and how to read and write Hiraganas and Katakanas.
Intermediates: We will do a bit more advanced activities than beginners including practicing Kanjis and use a bit easier materials than advanced.
Advanced learners: We will be doing activities that involve speaking, listening, reading and writing in Japanese. If you've done any further work from previous meetings at home, bring it and I will check it for you if you'd like.
Native Japanese speakers: You will be helping people learning Japanese. In return, you can practice English, socialise or just find an 居場所 here if you like.
All levels: Please bring the materials from the past 1 or 2 meetings. Please also bring earphones for occasional listening practices.
If you have anything you want to do, please send me a message.
I'm asking an optional donation of £2 per meeting to help cover my subscription (which is pretty expensive...). If you don’t carry cash, you can just buy me a pint and that covers three meetings. Bank transfer and Paypal are also possible. Please ask me the details.
We will meet at Parkside Tavern on Merrion Street (LS2 8JE, https://www.parksidetavern.co.uk/) every Wednesday unless we say otherwise. We'll start at 18:00 and plan for 90 minutes. We will be seated UPSTAIRS or OUTSIDE depending on the weather and availability. If you can't find us ***PLEASE ASK AT THE BAR!!!***. They are very likely to know where we are.
Please try to come on time, but if you have to be late you are still encouraged to join. We tend to extend the meeting these days so you may have more time than you think.
Please try to register for the individual events so I have an idea how many copies of materials I should prepare. You can cancel the registration afterwards if it turns out that you can't make it.
If you have any questions or suggestions, please drop a message.
See you all on Wednesday!
Josh
7 attendees
Past events
38
