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Japanese Culture

Meet other local people interested in Japanese Culture: share experiences, inspire and encourage each other! Join a Japanese Culture group.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! Check out japanese culture events happening today here. These are in-person gatherings where you can meet fellow enthusiasts and participate in activities right now.

Discover all the japanese culture events taking place this week here. Plan ahead and join exciting meetups throughout the week.

Absolutely! Find japanese culture events near your location here. Connect with your local community and discover events within your area.

Japanese Culture Events Today

Join in-person Japanese Culture events happening right now

(For non-Japanese participants)
🇨🇦Toronto Language Exchange English×Japanese
(For non-Japanese participants) 🇨🇦Toronto Language Exchange English×Japanese
Hi everyone! We host a Language Exchange (Japanese × English) every Saturday from 2–4pm. The participation fee is $5, which helps cover event expenses. Come improve your English, meet new people, and enjoy great conversations! We look forward to seeing you! Practice Japanese with native speakers! Friendly & relaxed atmosphere. All levels welcome! ○Time: Every Saturday 2:00–4:00 PM ○Location: The food court in front of the Hockey Hall of Fame on the basement level (30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8) It’s a 3-minute walk from King Station ○Fee : $5 per person(Cash only) ○Ages: 19- years old and over ○About: 30 min English → 30 min Japanese X2 switch seats ○How to join: Please RSVP on Meetup ○Instagram : @LANGUAGE_EXCHANGE510 Feel free to ask if you have any questions! The participation fee will be used to cover the event’s operating costs. Please refrain from canceling on the day of your appointment. If you are running late, please contact us via Instagram DM. ※This event is not for dating or pick-up purposes.
日本人の方専用フォーム(Form for Japanese Participants Only)
🇨🇦トロント 日本語×英語
日本人の方専用フォーム(Form for Japanese Participants Only) 🇨🇦トロント 日本語×英語
こんにちは! 毎週土曜日の土曜日14時から16時までLanguage Exchange Japanese×Englishのイベントを行っております! 参加費は5ドルとなっております。 こちらは運営費に使わせていただきます。英語力向上や友達づくりにぜひお越しください。 皆さんのご参加を心よりお待ちしております! 英語初心者の方も大歓迎です。 ぜひ気軽にお越しください。 ○日時 : 毎週土曜日 2:00–4:00 PM ○場所 : ホッケーの殿堂地下一階、前のフードコート (30 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M5E 1X8) King駅から徒歩3分 ○料金 : 一人5ドル(現金のみ) ○年齢 : 19 歳~ ○概要 : 30 分英語→ 30 分日本語 X2 途中席替え1回 ○参加方法 : Meetup での予約 ○Instagram : @LANGUAGE_EXCHANGE510 ご質問があれば遠慮なくお聞きください! 参加費用はイベントの運営費に使わせていただきます。 当日のキャンセルはご遠慮ください。 遅刻の際はInstagramのDMからご連絡ください。 ※ナンパ目的でのご参加はご遠慮ください。
(For Japanese speaker)
日本人用Toronto🇯🇵&🇨🇦
Language exchange
(For Japanese speaker) 日本人用Toronto🇯🇵&🇨🇦 Language exchange
トロントで日本語と英語の言語交換会を行います! 参加費は5ドルです! 申し込みから2日以内に、 e-Transfer $5 shungo.n0405@gmail.com に送金してください。 e-Transterが使えない場合は、現金での対応も可能ですので、必ずメッセージでお知らせください。 日本語と英語に興味のある人たちを集め、言語交換や新しいコミュニティ作りを行うことを目的としています!英語を学びたい方はぜひご参加ください! ★こんな方におすすめです! ・英語を話す練習がしたい方 ・トロントに来たばかりで情報を求めている方 ・友人を作りたい方 イベントの雰囲気は、こちらのInstagramでご確認いただけます https://www.instagram.com/toronto_language?
[CAS] Korean & English Language Exchange
[CAS] Korean & English Language Exchange
한국어는 아래를 참조하세요! A warm welcome to CanAsian Station’s In-Person English x Korean Meetup! A weekly event where we invite you to enjoy sharing language and culture with each other. *Beginners are welcome, what’s important is you’re willing to learn! - Short on ideas? Fear not! We provide new topics each week ,also doubling as study material! Our participation fee is **$5 per event**. All fees are to be E-transferred to canasianstation@gmail.com We also accept payment in cash, but please be advised that E-Transfers are preferred. Looking very forward to meeting and sharing with you all! 😊 📍Location: Go to the food court downstairs. ⚠️ [Notice] Booking & Tardiness Policy We do not accept walk-ins. Please ensure you sign up in advance. We do not accept members who are more than 30 minutes late. Please be on time. No refunds will be provided for tardiness or no-shows. CanAsian Station의 대면 영어 x 한국어 만남에 오신 것을 환영합니다! 매주 열리는 행사로, 여러분이 서로의 언어와 문화를 나누며 즐길 수 있는 자리를 마련합니다. 초보자도 환영합니다! 중요한 것은 배우고자 하는 마음입니다. 아이디어가 부족하다면 걱정 마세요! 매주 새로운 주제를 제공하며, 그 주제들은 학습 자료로도 활용됩니다! 참가비는 **행사당 5달러**입니다. 모든 요금은 canasianstation@gmail.com으로 E-Transfer를 통해 송금해주세요. 현금 결제도 가능합니다만, E-Transfer를 선호합니다. 여러분과 만나고, 함께 나누게 될 것을 기대하고 환영합니다!😊 📍장소: 지하에 있는 푸드 코트로 와주시길 바랍니다 ⚠️ [필독] 예약 및 지각 관련 규정 안내 현장 접수 불가 (No Walk-ins) 사전 예약 없이 방문하실 경우 참여가 불가능합니다. 반드시 미리 신청해 주세요. 30분 이상 지각 시 입장 제한 (30-Minute Late Limit) 모임 시작 후 30분 넘게 늦으시는 분은 참여하실 수 없습니다. 시간을 엄수해 주세요. 지각이나 당일 불참(노쇼)으로 인한 환불은 불가합니다.
SPECIAL ANIME THEME NIGHT ⛩️🌸🍥🍜🍵: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTY BY TILE
SPECIAL ANIME THEME NIGHT ⛩️🌸🍥🍜🍵: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE PARTY BY TILE
**JAPANESE SPRING EVENT/ANIME NIGHT THEME** LANGUAGE EXCHANGE NIGHT ON **APRIL 18th 2026 @The MADiSON AVENUE PUB.** Come watch a special performance by Japanese Singer KARIN with guitarist TALO * **Dress code Optional but come in Cosplay or Anime-themed clothes or outfits!** * **Join [TILE.] at the most popular Saturday Language Learning Social Event & Party in Toronto! 🍁** **[TILE.] = Toronto International Language Exchange [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/tilelearning/)** \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- **[TILE.]** now has a **2-for-1 special event,** which includes: **1.** From **[6:30 - 7:15 PM](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher):** An optional new $5 small group 45-minute **[English language class](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)**[ ](https://www.meetup.com/english-class-with-certified-award-winning-teacher)led by a certified language teacher **2.** From **[7:15 - 11 PM](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto):** Our usual huge group **[BIGGEST LANGUAGE EXCHANGE SOCIAL EVENT AND PARTY IN TORONTO](https://www.meetup.com/biggest-language-party-event-social-in-toronto)** (Cost: *$5, unless you already paid for the same day 6:30 English class right before, in which which case the 7:15 social is FREE)* Both events happen Saturday on the 2nd floor of the Madison Pub (14 Madison Avenue). ***Attend either or both events for $5!*** Meet Toronto locals and international friends. Talk to language teachers and speakers to learn English, French, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, and much more! Join us for board games, conversation, dancing, singing, and more! Make sure to get a nametag from one of our helpers. *You **must** read the full event description below before attending. By attending, you agree to all the terms listed.* **[TILE.] Toronto International Language Exchange** event details: * We are on the 2nd floor of the Madison pub on the patio with all the international flags! *The dance floor opens around 10 PM, and the live piano bar singer start around 10:30 on the 1st floor.* * The cost for the first event (the 6:30 - 7:15 PM English Language class) is $5. **PAY** **$5** right at the event by **CASH, CREDIT, or DEBIT**, or **SEND $5 E-TRANSFERS** to: **TILETORONTO1@GMAIL.COM**. You can also support the bar by buying a drink or appetizer. \-\-\-\-\-\- **IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER – Meetup Group** By attending any TILE events, including these ones, you acknowledge and agree to the following: * *The organizers and hosts of TILE events are are not liable for any loss, injury, damage, or other unforeseen outcomes that may occur before, during, or after any event.* * *Participation in TILE events is entirely voluntary and at your own risk. You are solely responsible for your own safety, personal belongings, transportation, behavior, and well-being. It is your responsibility to assess the risks involved in any activity or location and to act accordingly.* * *TILE and its organizers do not provide insurance and cannot guarantee the safety, accuracy of information, or quality of venues, third-party services, or other attendees.* * *By attending, you release TILE, its organizers, and affiliates from any and all claims or liability, and you agree to conduct yourself respectfully and in accordance with local laws and venue rules.* * ***If you do not agree with this disclaimer, please do not attend TILE events.***
UNA CENA CON DEGLI AMICI / A DINNER WITH FRIENDS
UNA CENA CON DEGLI AMICI / A DINNER WITH FRIENDS
Anyone with a **GENUINE INTEREST** in Italian language, culture and cuisine is invited to register for our event. ☆☆☆ Siete invitati al nostro Meetup d'italiano. Portate uno o piu amici e le vostre storie da raccontare! La consumazione è "alla romana". (Cioè, 'spartire equamente fra amici una spesa comune'). You are invited to our Italian Meetup event. Bring your friends and your stories to share! The event is "Dutch treat" (I.e., 'each participant pays for their share of the expenses'). ☆☆☆ For additional information, please click on any of the following: **(1) [ABOUT THE GROUP](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000015-c988dc988e/IMG_6067.webp?ph=b7d9291998)** **(2) Q&A WITH ONE OF THE MEMBERS REGARDING:** **— (i) [Our TWO-STEP registration process.](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000022-543ec543ee/IMG_6040-0.webp?ph=b7d9291998)** **— (ii) [ITALIAN LANGUAGE](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000020-95aaa95aaf/IMG_6038.webp?ph=b7d9291998)**[ ](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000020-95aaa95aaf/IMG_6038.webp?ph=b7d9291998)**[spoken at the events.](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000020-95aaa95aaf/IMG_6038.webp?ph=b7d9291998)** **— (iii) [The RESTAURANT INDUSTRY – A note](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000023-cdd84cdd88/IMG_6027.webp?ph=b7d9291998)** **— (iv) [COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000021-b85d3b85d5/IMG_6104-5.webp?ph=b7d9291998)** **(3) [GROUP POSTER](https://b7d9291998.cbaul-cdnwnd.com/52bb3e99c6e6efb7ad44634ef7e60e61/200000026-bdb2bbdb2e/IMG_6121.jpeg?ph=b7d9291998)** ☆☆☆ We are pleased to advise that we will no longer be collecting the three dollar Meetup Organizer fee. ☆☆☆ As this is a group on the **MEETUP DOT COM** platform, it is important to note that **ALL MESSAGES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS** will flow through the Meetup website. For any members enroled in an event, please check this website from time to time for any updates. ☆☆☆ **TO REGISTER**: (1) You **MUST FIRST** join the Waitlist!! (2) **YOU WILL THEN** be contacted by the Organizer, who will clarify all details and answer any questions you may have. (3) **FINALLY**, your name will be added to the 'Attendees' list. Grazie per la comprensione, Amici. Non vediamo l’ora di vedervi alla cena. Carlo

Japanese Culture Events This Week

Discover what is happening in the next few days

📣4/19‼️FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS : TORONTO Japanese English Language Exchange
📣4/19‼️FOR ENGLISH SPEAKERS : TORONTO Japanese English Language Exchange
#### **This event page is for English speakers only.** **こちらのイベントページは英語話者の方向けです。** **日本人の方は、別のイベントページからお申し込みください!** *** We host a Japanese & English language exchange meeting every Sunday at 9:30 AM. Participants practice in pairs or small groups, with 50 minutes of Japanese practice and 50 minutes of English practice. The study materials used in our sessions are created by professional language teachers. ### **Before Signing Up, Please Read the Following** * **Please make sure to check the comments section of the event page, as all event details and materials will be shared there around Saturday.** * This meeting is intended for people who are genuinely interested in language learning. Participants joining for other purposes may be asked to leave. * We prioritize creating a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. * Disruptive behavior, solicitation, or sales activities are not allowed. Anyone who does not follow the instructions of the organizer or staff may be removed from the group. * **Participation fee : Refunds and carryovers are not available.** ### **Participation Fee & Donation** Your participation fee will be used by Emiko Tanaka, a Yosakoi Ambassador, to promote Yosakoi Naruko Dance from Kochi, Japan, to the world. For more details, please visit our website: [Yosakoi Ambassador Project](https://yosakoiambassador.com/) We look forward to seeing you at the event!
🇯🇵4/19 日本人の方専用 FOR JAPANESE : Toronto Japanese English Language Exchange
🇯🇵4/19 日本人の方専用 FOR JAPANESE : Toronto Japanese English Language Exchange
#### **This event page is for JAPANESE PEOPLE only.** **If you are not Japanese, please sign up through a different event page.** **こちらのイベントページは日本人の方向けです。** **Toronto Japanese English Language Exchangeにご興味を持っていただき、ありがとうございます!** 私たちは毎週日曜日の午前9:30から、英語と日本語の練習会を開催しています。 この会では、ペアまたは少人数のグループで、50分間の日本語練習と50分間の英語練習を行います。 使用する教材は、プロの言語教師が作成したものです。 ### **お申し込み前にご確認ください** * **イベントの詳細とミーティン中に使用する教材は、** **イベントページのコメント欄にの方のみが見れる設定で共有し、更にMeetupのメッセージ機能を通してご登録されたEmailアドレスへ土曜日ぐらいにお送りしています。** * メール受信機能がオフになっていると詳細が届きません。メール受信をオンに、そしてお知らせが届く設定にされることを推奨します。 * この会は、言語学習を目的とした方向けに開催しています。 それ以外の目的でのご参加はお断りする場合がございます。 * 安全で安心して参加できる環境を最優先に考えています。 * 迷惑行為・営業・勧誘行為があった場合、またはオーガナイザーやスタッフの指示に従わない場合は、退会していただくことがあります。 * 参加費の返金・繰越は不可です。 ### **参加費について** 参加費は以下の目的に使用されます。 ・Meetup利用料 ・当日サポートスタッフへの謝礼 ・オーガナイザーEmikoの「よさこい国際化プロジェクト」の活動費 トロントにはよさこいチームもあり、さまざまなイベントに出演しています。 ご興味のある方は、ぜひご参加ください。 ウェブサイト [https://yosakoiambassador.com/](https://yosakoiambassador.com/) パフォーマンス動画 [https://youtu.be/2z8f4p6DJkw](https://youtu.be/2z8f4p6DJkw) 皆さまのご参加をお待ちしております!
VIP Future Night Club for free
VIP Future Night Club for free
🎉 Future Saturdays \| VIP Night Out 🎉 📍 Future Nightclub 🗓 Every Saturday \| ⏰ 10:30 PM ✅ Free entry until midnight — say “Ammar Alomari” at the door 🥂 VIP booth (for ladies only) + free drinks ✨ Meet new people, dance, and enjoy the best vibes all night 📌 Find us at the main booth 🙌 19+ with valid ID — bring good energy & friends
Korean Martial Arts (Casual Classes) - FREE
Korean Martial Arts (Casual Classes) - FREE
***\*\*\*This class is open to all levels, weather permitting; in an event of poor weather conditions class will be changed to a regular class\*\*\**** **Come workout, have fun, relieve your stress, and meet your fellow neighbours!** Welcoming interested people to join our FREE classes every Tuesday evening from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and every Sunday afternoon from 2:30PM-4:30PM near Bathurst/Lake Shore area. Classes are led by our event organizer, Master **Dave Crook**, a seasoned 4th degree black belt Hapkido practitioner from a respected academy with many years of experience in this art and various others. **About this form of martial arts:** Hapkido is a hybrid Korean martial art. It is a form of self-defense that employs joint locks, grappling, throwing techniques, kicks, punches, and other striking attacks. **How to join:** Join this group/event and directly message me with your interest. **Q: Is this completely FREE?** A: Yes, classes/lessons are completely FREE **Q: Do I require a gi/uniform to participate?** A: Gi is completely optional, only required when doing groundwork grappling/throw techniques **Q: Are there grading and belt progression?** A: Yes, there are grading and belts, which will cost $30 just to cover the cost, testing will done when YOU are comfortable and ready! **Current Martial Artists Belt Status:** 1x Masters - 4th Degree Black Belt 1x Yellow Belt (former red belt) 1x Yellow Stripe Belt 134x White Belts **Belt Colours - Progression in Descending Order:** * White Belt * Yellow Stripe Belt * Yellow Belt * Orange Stripe Belt * Orange Belt * Green Stripe Belt * Green Belt * Blue Stripe Belt * Blue Belt * Red Stripe Belt * Red Belt * Black Stripe Belt * Black Belt **Curriculum of Techniques** **White Belt to Yellow Stripe:** **Strikes (all strikes from left wrist grab, striking with right)** 1\. Sword Strike to Clavicle 2\. Nunchuk Strike to Temple 3\. Companion Sword Strike with Elbow Strike to Solar Plexus 4\. Spear Hand to Femoral Artery 5\. Palm Strike to Floating Rib 6\. Spear Hand to Trachea **Breakaways (all breakaways from right wrist grab)** 1\. Latissimus Dorsi push with bucking back fist 2\. When pulled with bucking back fist 3\. When pushed with bucking back fist 4\. Downward break away with elbow strike 5\. Live\-hand tricept push up with elbow strike 6\. Assisted tricept push\-up with elbow strike **Take Downs (performed both sides)** 1\. Pivot throw Joint Locks (all joint locks from right wrist grab) 1\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 2\. 'Kul Nut Key' to elbow 45 degrees 3\. One inch bow 4\. Side wrist lock \- bend elbow 5\. Side elbow lock 6\. Elbow lock controlled **Escapes From Mounted Position (all from opponent on mount position - performed both sides)** 1\. Escape to Mount 2\. Escape to Guard 3\. As punches are received \- buck \- single arm hook \- roll 4\. As punches are received \- buck \- shoulder walk \- two arm hook \- guard 5\. Escape when head is locked 6\. Escape when head is locked with high mount **Kicks (both sides)** 1\. Side kick **To learn more about Hwa Won Yue Hapkido visit our website here:** http://www.hapkidohwawonyue.ca/toronto.html#
✨ Peace Starts With Me Afternoon - Meet New people✨
✨ Peace Starts With Me Afternoon - Meet New people✨
✨ **Peace Starts With Me Afternoon – Earth Day Edition** 🌍 Join us for a meaningful and refreshing afternoon as we celebrate Earth Day together with light snacks, heartfelt sharing, and creative activities! Earth Day is a reminder that small actions can make a big difference — for ourselves, for others, and for our planet. Every day is a new opportunity to grow and take better care of the world around us. 📅 Date: **Saturday, April 18th, 2026** 🕒 Start Time: **3:00 PM** 📍 Location: 215 Mavety St Here’s what’s in store: 🗣️**Peace Sharing** – reflect on Earth Day and share thoughts on how we can grow and live more mindfully! ☕**Coffee Air Freshener DIY**– create your own eco-friendly air freshener using coffee grounds! **To confirm your spot and help us prepare materials, please fill out this short registration form:**[https://forms.gle/m3S61jzj8KSRD9XK8](https://forms.gle/m3S61jzj8KSRD9XK8)
Meet New People in Toronto | Noodles & Conversation
Meet New People in Toronto | Noodles & Conversation
**Meet new people over great food in a relaxed, social setting.** This is a small-group social dining experience for people who enjoy good food, good conversation, and expanding their circle in a natural way. Everyone attending is there to meet others — no pressure, no awkward networking. **What to expect** * A small group (usually 4–8 people) * A friendly, low-pressure atmosphere * Easy, natural conversation **How it works** We coordinate the group and reserve the table once attendees confirm. The venue and details are shared with the group beforehand. Just show up, order what you like, and enjoy the experience. Each guest covers their own food and drinks. To keep groups balanced and confirmed, seat confirmations happen through #dine: https://www.hashtagdine.com/
High Park Actual Spring Walk
High Park Actual Spring Walk

Japanese Culture Events Near You

Connect with your local Japanese Culture community

Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Saturday Mornings @ East Market
Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."
Saturday Brunch at The Goat Gahanna
Saturday Brunch at The Goat Gahanna
Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Libera Animae - Freeing the Soul
Main Library, Meeting Room 2B Join us for a welcoming evening of reflection, gentle music, and meaningful conversation. We’ll begin with a short grounding moment, followed by a brief reading from spiritual or philosophical traditions, and an open reflection circle where participants can share (or simply listen). Libera Animae is an interfaith community focused on inner growth, creativity, and authentic connection. All backgrounds are welcome.
Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus
Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus
Walk for Children - 2026 Save Soil Walkathon in Columbus 🌍 Over 52% of the world soil is degraded and scientists warn we may have only a few decades of fertile soil left. As Sadhguru shares, soil is a living system—and when it degrades, our food, health, and future are at risk. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyT-6qiubd0 🚶‍♂️🌎This Earth Day, Join the Walk for Children-2026 SaveSoil 5K Walkathon here in Columbus and help raise awareness about soil for the future of our children! Every step you take helps: ✔️ 1. Raise awareness in your communities about protecting and restoring soil. ✔️ 2. Supports sustainable food systems. ✔️ 3. Helps secure our children’s future. 📅 Date: April 26, 2026 📍 Location: Scioto Audubon Metro Park Check-in address 400 W Whittier St, Columbus, OH 43215 ⏰ Time: 8:30 a.m. check-in event starts at 9:30 a.m. 👉 Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/walk-for-children-2026-save-soil-walkathon-in-columbus-registration-1986596534713?aff=oddtdtcreator 👉🏼Free and Open to All. Share this message and bring your neighbours, friends & family along to celebrate our planet! Let’s make it happen!
Conversacion en español (en persona)
Conversacion en español (en persona)
While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings. Find us on our [Facebook group](https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EKw86WJCp/?mibextid=wwXIfr).
Drunken
Drunken
This month's prompt concerns the idea of the “warrior philosopher” (seemed appropriate in these times)--that is someone whose understanding of violence, power, and justice is forged through direct experience of war. We are looking at Major General Smedley D. Butler, a highly decorated U.S. Marine raised in a Quaker (pacifist) tradition who later became a prominent critic of American militarism (there is a wonderful biography of Gen. Butler called "Gangsters of Capitalism") Butler's argument in *War Is a Racket* (1935): that many U.S. interventions were driven less by national defense than by corporate and financial interests, with Butler portraying himself as an enforcer for business and Wall Street. We can consider the moral ambiguity of his insider critique—whether complicity strengthens or undermines credibility and also consider some of the concrete reforms he proposed (e.g., “conscript” capital before soldiers, restrict the military to coastal defense, and have only those who fight decide on war). Butler’s life arc clearly changed from pacifist upbringing to warrior to antiwar crusader—and asks whether true understanding of peace requires firsthand knowledge of war, and what that implies about the cost of suffering. So do we need to suffer to understand suffering? Do we have to experience war to appreciate peace? As one more question: in the movie "A Few Good Men" Jack Nicholson's character says that "you have the luxury of not knowing what I know" so do most of us go through life oblivious to real violence and suffering? See you at Drunken Philosophy!