Japanese Culture

Join us for an exciting language exchange meetup where you can practice both Japanese and English in a friendly and supportive environment. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced speaker, this event is perfect for honing your language skills while making new friends who share a passion for Japanese culture. Immerse yourself in conversations, games, and activities that will not only help you improve your language proficiency but also deepen your understanding of Japanese culture. Bring your enthusiasm and curiosity, and get ready to expand your language skills while connecting with like-minded individuals. Don't miss this opportunity to enhance your language abilities and cultural awareness in a fun and interactive setting! Let's learn Japanese. にほんごをまなびましょう！ 日本語を学びましょう。

**For ages 16 and above.** Indulge in the harmonious fusion of Okinawan Karate and Kobudo. Master the art of weapon techniques while acquiring invaluable defense strategies. These disciplines are inherently intertwined. Explore this synergy with our Free Trial offer. ### **Address** 342D King George's Ave, Singapore 208575 ### **Schedule** Saturdays 345PM - 515PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

As we gear up for our Mount Fuji expedition, this guided conditioning hike at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is your chance to train with intention — strengthening both body and mind for the climb ahead. This is not a leisure walk. It’s a focused training session built to help you: • Boost cardiovascular endurance • Build leg strength for long, sustained ascents • Gain confidence on stairs and uneven terrain • Develop the mental resilience needed for higher peaks Whether you’re preparing for Mount Fuji or simply aiming to elevate your outdoor fitness, this guided session offers structure, support, and a motivating group atmosphere to challenge yourself safely. Surrounded by lush forest trails and steady climbs, you’ll finish the session feeling stronger, recharged, and one step closer to your mountain goals. 🥾 Event Details 📍 Location: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve 📅 Date: Saturday, 30 May 2026 ⏰ Meeting Time: 2:45 PM (sharp departure) 🚇 Meeting Point: Beauty World MRT – Passenger Service Counter ⏱️ Walk Duration: 3:00 PM – 5:30 PM 🗺️ Route Plan 🚶 Start: Bukit Timah Nature Park ⬆️ Climb: Bukit Timah Summit – Loop 1 🌿 Continue: Wallace Trail 🏕️ Proceed: Dairy Farm Hut 🧍 End: Bukit Timah Nature Park Expect stairs, inclines, and natural forest terrain — perfect for building hiking-specific endurance in a safe, local environment. ⚠️ Important Notes • Punctuality is required — we depart strictly at 2:45 PM • Wear proper hiking or sports shoes • Bring sufficient drinking water • Be prepared for sustained inclines and stair climbs • Optional: light snacks, sunblock, insect repellent 📝 Disclaimer Participation is voluntary and undertaken at your own risk. All participants are responsible for their personal safety throughout the session. Please remain attentive, follow guidance, and notify the organizer immediately if you feel unwell. Outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including slips, falls, and physical fatigue. The organizer will not be liable for any injury, loss, or incident arising from participation. ✨ Start the Year Strong Train with purpose. Build resilience. Take a decisive step toward your mountain ambitions. 📝 Secure your spot today — limited availability. 🌍 Upcoming International Expeditions 🏞️ Mount Sumbing, Indonesia ✅ 1st Quarter 2026 🏞️ Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia ✅ 2nd Quarter 🏔️ Mount Fuji, Japan - Coming mid of July ⛰️ Yushan (Mount Jade), Taiwan - Upcoming 🏞️ Mount Rinjani, Indonesia - Upcoming Train local. Prepare smart. Conquer global peaks.

**For ages 12 and above.** Aikido provides the Practitioners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to defend themselves against an opponent of superior size and strength through the use of smooth, fluid and circular movements. It emphasises blending with an opponent’s force rather than meeting it head on. Through the practice of Aikido, individuals can develop character qualities and values such as self-confidence, discipline, respect, and a sense of care and concern for one another. The class also aims to help Practitioners to better manage stress, violence or even work-related issues with a calm, peaceful and a more harmonious approach/mind-set. Thus, the benefits of Aikido go beyond merely physical fitness and can contribute towards the overall development of an individual. ### **Address** 9 Sin Ming Rd, B1-02 Thomson V One, Singapore 575630 ### **Schedule** Saturdays 215PM - 315PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

**For ages 13 and above.** These classes will cover: * Kihon (Basics) * Kata (Form) * Kumite (Sparring) **Kihon** is essential to all advanced training. It includes the practice of correct body form and breathing; while practising basics such as stances, punches, kicks, blocks, and thrusts at the same time. **Kata** is a form of ritualized self-training in which patterned or memorized movements are done in order to practice a form of combat maneuvering. **Kumite**, or sparring,is an important part of kyokushin training. High emphasis is placed on full contact sparring which is mostly done without any gloves or protective equipment, especially for senior level trainings. Also called kumite in Japanese, the kumite sessions provide opportunities for the students to practice various techniques learnt. ### **Address** Blk 235 Bishan St 22, Unit B1-144 Singapore 570235 ### **Schedule** Saturdays 3PM - 5PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

**For ages 13 to 16.** * Collaborative practice * Focus on understanding principles * Application on different partners These classes emphasise working on techniques together, taking care of each other while pushing for more power and control. The instructors will focus on deepening the student's understanding of Aikido principles, ensuring they grasp the underlying concepts behind the techniques. Students apply these principles in practice with various partners, adapting their skills to different styles and responses, which broadens their experience and effectiveness in Aikido. ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class ### **Cancellation Policy** Credits will be considered used if class is cancelled within 24 hours before the start of the lesson ###

**For ages 10 to 12.** * Basic range of techniques * Focus on smooth coordination * Leading warmups and moves These classes will familiarise your child with a basic range of Aikido techniques, helping him or her build their skill set. Emphasis is placed on achieving smooth coordination between movements, which enhances both technique execution and overall flow. Additionally, your child will take on leadership roles by leading warm-ups and demonstrating moves, fostering their confidence and responsibility. ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class ### **Cancellation Policy** Credits will be considered used if class is cancelled within 24 hours before the start of the lesson ###

Welcome to the Party of Fives Meetups! If you are a gamer who wants to go beyond the usual PARTY gaming fare at boardgame meetups and cafes, this is it! We don't usually play Cards against Humanity, Exploding Kittens and Unstable Unicorns. That's just us. Make us play if you can. We will be playing an assortment of board games ranging from light strategic kinds to heavy thematic ones. Games we usually play range from light ones like Azul, Splendor, Jamaica to medium ones like Yokohama, Endeavor and Nippon and of course heavy ones like Twilight Imperium, Gloomhaven, Tainted Grail and Kingdom Death Monster! Do not be surprised if you see us painting miniatures or are engaged in some sort of insanely time-consuming enhancements towards our game elements in our games. Everyone get their kick in different ways. :) Painting groups are also in their groups of fives ... For the game designers out there, just tell us that you are a creator when you see us and we will have our own private creative sessions mapped out in a feasible way. Most others don't care so we should not disturb the force unnecessarily. We will contact you when you sign up and place you into appropriate messaging groups with different needs to facilitate further communication. Total noobs are totally welcome! While we don't serve food ourselves, we are smack right in the middle of the legendary Golden Mile premises with an huge range of eateries from super curry puffs, loud Japanese izakaya food, heavenly chicken rice with steamboat, hellish black burgers and authentic Thai food that is just sick. All within a pebble's throw away. Tea and dinner sessions (at our own expenses) usually follow the gaming sessions according to our designated groups. Due to the current Covid-19 and social distancing restrictions, you are not allowed to join us for these food consuming sessions only. For your understanding, please If you have something specific in mind, do a shout out below and we see if we can help within reasonable grounds. There will be a charge of SGD $15 (ARENA: $15), (HEAVY/CAMPAIGN GAMES: $25) collected at the door (in cash) to help with the running of the event. How to sign up for our sessions: • Join the Singapore Manga Anime Games & Cosplay Assembly as a member. • RSVP below and retain a screenshot of your RSVP as proof. • Note that without proof of RSVP you will not be allowed into the premises. • Note that those who sign up but do not show up will not be allowed to sign up for future Party of Five sessions. • Note that RSVP closes 6 hours before the event takes place. For those who will like to form groups to play other games, feel free to shout out your intentions at the comments section below: Note that there won’t be any game masters around to help you with your games on site. The meetup will run from the time stated to the time ended. By signing up for this meetup, you agree to the terms and conditions set above.

Join us in an experiential healing Kintsugi workshop in a calm serene setting acccompanied by soothing meditative music and scents. Kintsugi is Japanese ancient art of mending broken pottery. It essentially teaches us to appreciate and celebrate the broken pottery’s flaws and cracks. During the 2 hour session, you will learn all about the origins and history of Kintsugi, types of Kintsugi, how Kintsugi teaches us sustainability and very importantly how Kintsugi is a healing art. Please bring along any broken ceramics if you hv. If you do not have any, it’s alright as we have plenty of ceramics to choose from in the studio. Free flow of Japanese Green Tea is also provided during the session.

**For ages 13 and above.** Aikido is a martial art which originated in Japan with its founder, Morihei Ueshiba, in the early twentieth century and has since grown to become one of the world’s most popular martial arts. At its most basic level, Aikido is an empty-handed system of throwing, joint-locking, striking and pinning techniques, coupled with training in the varying use of sword (bokken), staff (jo) and knife (tanto) techniques. The core principle of Aikido is not to resist the laws of nature but to harmonize without the undue application of aggressive strength. In practice, aikido techniques are applied by efficient redirection of the attacker’s power against him/her using minimal force and without being overly injurious. The word “aikido” is formed of three kanji, namely 合 (ai) meaning joining or unifying, 気 (ki) which means spirit or energy, and 道 (dō) which is loosely interpreted as “the path” or “the way”. ### **Address** 346D King George's Avenue, 5th Floor, Singapore, Singapore ### **Schedule** Sundays 230PM - 330PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

**For ages 12 and above.** Aikido provides the Practitioners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to defend themselves against an opponent of superior size and strength through the use of smooth, fluid and circular movements. It emphasises blending with an opponent’s force rather than meeting it head on. Through the practice of Aikido, individuals can develop character qualities and values such as self-confidence, discipline, respect, and a sense of care and concern for one another. The class also aims to help Practitioners to better manage stress, violence or even work-related issues with a calm, peaceful and a more harmonious approach/mind-set. Thus, the benefits of Aikido go beyond merely physical fitness and can contribute towards the overall development of an individual. ### **Address** 9 Sin Ming Rd, B1-02 Thomson V One, Singapore 575630 ### **Schedule** Sundays 215PM - 315PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

Makoto Aikido is a place where people can come together with a positive mind, body and spirit to practise Aikido in harmony. ​We seek to continue to learn from senior Aikido Shihan to develop proficiency that conforms to Japan Hombu Dojo standards. **Our Mission** * To promote Aikido with a high standard of instruction.​ * ​Conduct self-defence training to all gender and ages * To emphasise the importance of harmony * To emphasise the importance of basic Aikido techniques as a foundation for progress. * To emphasise on discipline, self-control and to install confidence. * To ensure a proper upgrading syllabus, benchmarking with that of Japan Hombu Dojo. ### **Address** 1 Guillemard Cres, Singapore 399913 ### **Schedule** Fridays 2PM - 315PM ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class.

**For ages 5 to 12.** Aikido for kids is a great learning for self-confidence, defense and fun! During the classes, your child will practice a fair bit of rolls, aikido hand techniques, samurai sword (bokken) and staff (jo). Aikido develops coordination, sense of balance, mutual respect, communication skills and tolerance. Your child will practice both attacker and defendant roles that builds respect, understanding and develops collaboration. Your child and others help each other to figure out complicated moves, since Aikido is one of the most intelligent martial arts and requires a lot of focus. ### **Booking Information** * Please contact **98225900** to find out how to book this class. * The instructor will reach out to you once you've booked the class ### **Cancellation Policy** Credits will be considered used if class is cancelled within 24 hours before the start of the lesson

June meetup at the Library. We’ll play games and have casual conversation in Japanese and in English. All levels of Japanese ability, from non-speaker to native, are welcome. After the meetup we will go out to eat at a local restaurant.

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 enjoy talking to people from other countries, and those who would like to discuss international travel and culture, and who enjoy getting together for good conversations."

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.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

**💗 Tampa Virtual Speed Dating — Hosted on Zoom** Meet Tampa singles from home in short, hosted one-on-one rounds on Zoom. We match by age and personality. **Pick your age group and register:** - **Ages 18-32** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=18-32&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 30-46** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=30-46&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 40-58** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=40-58&face_v=2.0) - **Ages 55+** → [REGISTER HERE](https://tempodating.com/product?productId=531.0&productType=onlineSpeedDating&city=Tampa&groupurlname=find-authentic-connections-through-group-outings&ar=55+&face_v=2.0) **⚠️ Important: RSVP ≠ registration.** To join, pick your age group below and complete the quiz. Capacity is limited. --- **How It Works** 1. **Register** – Pick your age group above and sign up. 2. **Take the quiz** – Short personality quiz so we can match you well. 3. **Join on Zoom** – Your host will guide you through every round. 4. **Get matches** – Mutual matches sent after the event. --- ✨ Sign up, take the quiz, and meet Tampa singles tonight. 💕 ✨

Let's stroll the artists' booths and enjoy some of the festival's opening day! The Columbus Art Festival features a wide and vibrant range of visual art from local and national exhibitors, plus, live music, and all kinds of food and refreshments, along the waterfront downtown. (The featured painting is by Columbus Arts Festival exhibitor, Joe Engel - joe-engelart.com)