April 12, 2025:
(1) Multilingual child raising: Looking into both past and future (Christie Provenzano);
(2) Navigating the Maze that is the Japanese Pension System - as a Foreigner (Chris Flynn)
18:00-20:00 (6PM-8PM)
On April 12th, held two very different presentations by two long-term Fukuoka residents on the common theme of living your life in Japan. What made this event extra special is that Christie Provenzano delivered her "farewell" presentation to Fukuoka JALT before leaving Japan.
Watch the videos:
(1) Multilingual Child Raising (Christie Provenzano)
(2) Japanese Pension System (Chris Flynn)
Watch the videos:
(1) Multilingual Child Raising (Christie Provenzano)
(2) Japanese Pension System (Chris Flynn)
Christie Provenzano
(1) Multilingual child raising: Looking into both past and future
One only needs to take a stroll through Tenjin, Ohori Park or Dazaifu to see clear evidence that much more of the world is coming to visit Japan these days. Statistics show that many are looking to stay a while, too. A report last year the local Fukuoka Now publication noted that while the total population of Fukuoka Prefecture (combining both Japanese and non-Japanese) declined slightly in 2023, the number of foreign residents rose by over 10,000. Even so, as we know, support for multilingualism in the Japanese school system and in the community is still lacking.
This means that, more than ever, families with at least one non-Japanese parent may be looking to help their children to build cultural and linguistic bridges between Japan and their non-Japanese heritage culture(s). As a non-Japanese parent who raised multilingual children in Japan, and as a former researcher in multilingual child raising, the presenter will reflect on her personal experience and outcomes. She will also touch on case studies of families with children more recently in the process. Attendees will be invited to contribute their experiences and observations in an open discussion centered on second (and third or fourth!) language education in particular, but also on making space for non-Japanese cultures in the context of this historically monocultural country.
By sharing our stories, we can learn from each other as we work to give our children greater access to the world.
Presenter Bio Data:
Christie Provenzano's interest in children's bilingual development is both personal and academic, as she has launched two Japanese/English bilingual daughters into the world and taught active university seminar classrooms full of student researchers in bilingualism over many years. She can be reached at [email protected]
One only needs to take a stroll through Tenjin, Ohori Park or Dazaifu to see clear evidence that much more of the world is coming to visit Japan these days. Statistics show that many are looking to stay a while, too. A report last year the local Fukuoka Now publication noted that while the total population of Fukuoka Prefecture (combining both Japanese and non-Japanese) declined slightly in 2023, the number of foreign residents rose by over 10,000. Even so, as we know, support for multilingualism in the Japanese school system and in the community is still lacking.
This means that, more than ever, families with at least one non-Japanese parent may be looking to help their children to build cultural and linguistic bridges between Japan and their non-Japanese heritage culture(s). As a non-Japanese parent who raised multilingual children in Japan, and as a former researcher in multilingual child raising, the presenter will reflect on her personal experience and outcomes. She will also touch on case studies of families with children more recently in the process. Attendees will be invited to contribute their experiences and observations in an open discussion centered on second (and third or fourth!) language education in particular, but also on making space for non-Japanese cultures in the context of this historically monocultural country.
By sharing our stories, we can learn from each other as we work to give our children greater access to the world.
Presenter Bio Data:
Christie Provenzano's interest in children's bilingual development is both personal and academic, as she has launched two Japanese/English bilingual daughters into the world and taught active university seminar classrooms full of student researchers in bilingualism over many years. She can be reached at [email protected]
Chris Flynn
(2) Navigating the Maze that is the Japanese Pension System - as a Foreigner
When I was told I had to join the Japanese employees pension system in 1995, I protested vehemently. Now 30 years later and a year away from retirement, I am so glad that my college followed the law and enrolled me. But closing in on pension eligibility, I am faced with a maze of options and questions. How much pension will I get? Which pension scheme am I enrolled in? What happens if I keep working after 65? Will I have to keep working to make ends meet?
In this presentation I hope to unravel the maze and give people an idea of how they can find out what they will be entitled to and some information for younger people whose retirement is in the distant future.
* This presentation is strictly about the social and national pension with absolutely no connection to any private investment schemes/advice
Presenter Bio Data:
Chris Flynn is a Professor at the Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences in Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan. He has a Master of Arts in Advanced Japanese Studies from the University of Sheffield and has the NAATI certification as a professional translator and interpreter (Japanese/English), and is the author of Faces of Fukuoka. For over 23 years, Flynn has been involved in union activities representing language teachers in Japan including fighting cases (and winning) district and high court, Prefectural Labour Commission, and even assisting English teachers "escape" from employers because they feared for their safety if they quit. Flynn represented Fukuoka in the over 60s Nenlympic national rugby tournament.
When I was told I had to join the Japanese employees pension system in 1995, I protested vehemently. Now 30 years later and a year away from retirement, I am so glad that my college followed the law and enrolled me. But closing in on pension eligibility, I am faced with a maze of options and questions. How much pension will I get? Which pension scheme am I enrolled in? What happens if I keep working after 65? Will I have to keep working to make ends meet?
In this presentation I hope to unravel the maze and give people an idea of how they can find out what they will be entitled to and some information for younger people whose retirement is in the distant future.
* This presentation is strictly about the social and national pension with absolutely no connection to any private investment schemes/advice
Presenter Bio Data:
Chris Flynn is a Professor at the Kyushu Institute of Information Sciences in Dazaifu, Fukuoka, Japan. He has a Master of Arts in Advanced Japanese Studies from the University of Sheffield and has the NAATI certification as a professional translator and interpreter (Japanese/English), and is the author of Faces of Fukuoka. For over 23 years, Flynn has been involved in union activities representing language teachers in Japan including fighting cases (and winning) district and high court, Prefectural Labour Commission, and even assisting English teachers "escape" from employers because they feared for their safety if they quit. Flynn represented Fukuoka in the over 60s Nenlympic national rugby tournament.
Saturday, March 1, 2025 (Saturday, 18:00)
Comparative Analysis of English Education in Asia: Personal Experiences and Teaching Observations
ZHANG Meng and LUENGVORAPHAN Yanika
The discussion explores English education across multiple Asian countries, including Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, China, and Japan, through personal learning and teaching experiences. The conversation highlights the similarities between Chinese and Japanese English education approaches, while contrasting them with practices in Southeast Asian nations. It includes firsthand observations of Japanese students' English learning patterns at Fukujo and provides teaching recommendations based on direct experience. The exchange emphasizes the diverse methodologies and challenges in English language education across different Asian educational systems, while sharing insights for potential improvements in teaching approaches.
About the speakers:
ZHANG Meng
Hi! I'm Zhang Meng, currently studying as a first-year student at Fukuoka Jogakuin University's junior college. I was born in China and made the exciting move to Japan two years ago to pursue my education and experience a new culture.
I once had little interest in learning English, except for my passion for watching American dramas. My first international trip as an adult left me unable to communicate for three months, which was a wake-up call. Upon returning home, I decided to self-study English using Lai Shixiong's "American English" books for two months, sticking to the most traditional method: reading aloud. On my second trip abroad, I realized I could finally speak English, though my grammar and vocabulary were still very limited. Now, my primary focus is to improve my TOEIC score and build on my foundation to achieve fluency.
LUENGVORAPHAN Yanika
Hi, I'm Luengvoraphan Yanika! I'm currently a first-year student at Fukuoka Jogakkin University's junior college. I was born and raised in Thailand, but my journey has taken me across different parts of Asia. I spent four enriching years studying in Singapore, and for the past five years, I've been calling Japan my home.
One of my proudest achievements is scoring 955 on the TOEIC test, reflecting my dedication to mastering the English language. When I'm not busy with my studies, you can find me relaxing with my favorite Netflix shows or working on my latest crochet project. I'm also a proud hamster parent and love spending time with my tiny furry friend.
My experiences living in three different countries have shaped who I am today, giving me unique perspectives and memories that I cherish.
Fee: Free for JALT members and full-time students. Non-JALT members: 1,000 yen in person. 500 yen online. (Zoom information will be provided later.)
Register to receive the Zoom link and a reminder on the day of the event: forms.gle/LbZDjYqmrWyyjmVP9
Location: Elgala (Daimaru East) Building, Tenjin (6 F, Kurume University Satellite Campus room; go in the back entrance shown on the map). From Hakata, take the Nanakuma Subway Line to Tenjin-Minami Station, exit 4. If you haven't been to this location before, please note that the entrance is NOT through the department store, it is around the back from the department store entrances, here: https://goo.gl/maps/hj8VXmpfjAykeXBV9 (You'll find this by Googling エルガーラ オフィス棟). Click here to watch a video showing the venue location.
About the speakers:
ZHANG Meng
Hi! I'm Zhang Meng, currently studying as a first-year student at Fukuoka Jogakuin University's junior college. I was born in China and made the exciting move to Japan two years ago to pursue my education and experience a new culture.
I once had little interest in learning English, except for my passion for watching American dramas. My first international trip as an adult left me unable to communicate for three months, which was a wake-up call. Upon returning home, I decided to self-study English using Lai Shixiong's "American English" books for two months, sticking to the most traditional method: reading aloud. On my second trip abroad, I realized I could finally speak English, though my grammar and vocabulary were still very limited. Now, my primary focus is to improve my TOEIC score and build on my foundation to achieve fluency.
LUENGVORAPHAN Yanika
Hi, I'm Luengvoraphan Yanika! I'm currently a first-year student at Fukuoka Jogakkin University's junior college. I was born and raised in Thailand, but my journey has taken me across different parts of Asia. I spent four enriching years studying in Singapore, and for the past five years, I've been calling Japan my home.
One of my proudest achievements is scoring 955 on the TOEIC test, reflecting my dedication to mastering the English language. When I'm not busy with my studies, you can find me relaxing with my favorite Netflix shows or working on my latest crochet project. I'm also a proud hamster parent and love spending time with my tiny furry friend.
My experiences living in three different countries have shaped who I am today, giving me unique perspectives and memories that I cherish.
Fee: Free for JALT members and full-time students. Non-JALT members: 1,000 yen in person. 500 yen online. (Zoom information will be provided later.)
Register to receive the Zoom link and a reminder on the day of the event: forms.gle/LbZDjYqmrWyyjmVP9
Location: Elgala (Daimaru East) Building, Tenjin (6 F, Kurume University Satellite Campus room; go in the back entrance shown on the map). From Hakata, take the Nanakuma Subway Line to Tenjin-Minami Station, exit 4. If you haven't been to this location before, please note that the entrance is NOT through the department store, it is around the back from the department store entrances, here: https://goo.gl/maps/hj8VXmpfjAykeXBV9 (You'll find this by Googling エルガーラ オフィス棟). Click here to watch a video showing the venue location.
Saturday, January 18, 2025 (online and in person, 18:00~)
How to write a better abstract for the JALT2025 Conference call for presentation submissions
Trevor A. Holster
- Watch the YouTube recording
- Download the slides (as PDF)
- Sign up for the next abstract writing workshop at JALT ZPD
Conference proposals for JALT2025 are due March 2. There are some major differences to the abstract format and submission process this year. Every year, the JALT conference receives many more submissions than it is possible to accommodate, so many submissions must be rejected. Acceptance or rejection depends entirely on the quality of the abstract, so understanding the submission and vetting process is essential to improving your chances of acceptance. In this workshop, I will review the submission process and different categories of submission, including common mistakes that will result in rejection. I will then explain the vetting process and rubric that reviewers use and show some sample abstracts to illustrate common weaknesses in submissions. Participants are encouraged to bring their own abstracts for peer-review following the presentation.
JALT's Writers' Peer Support Group (PSG) will join us online to offer support and guidance as well.
Trevor Holster is the Program Chair for the JALT2025 International conference. He teaches English at Fukuoka Jogakuin University and has a Masters of Applied Linguistics degree from the University of Southern Queensland and a Professional Certificate in Language Assessment from the University of Melbourne. His research interests include formative classroom assessment and peer-assessment.
Fee: Free for JALT members. 500 yen for non-members (payable through PayPal; details will be given during the workshop)
Location: Elgala (Daimaru East) Building, Tenjin (6 F, Kurume University Satellite Campus room; go in the back entrance shown on the map). From Hakata, take the Nanakuma Subway Line to Tenjin-Minami Station, exit 4. If you haven't been to this location before, please note that the entrance is NOT through the department store, it is around the back from the department store entrances, here: https://goo.gl/maps/hj8VXmpfjAykeXBV9 (You'll find this by Googling エルガーラ オフィス棟). Click here to watch a video showing the venue location.
The JALT2025 Annual International Conference will be held October 31-November 2, 2025 at the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center in Yoyogi, Tokyo.