Welcome
Originally a golf club, the Japanese Society of Canterbury was established on 26 January 1992, and is a community which serves to make Japanese people feel they can greet each other when they pass by in a foreign country, and be a place where a representative of Japan’s opinion can be expressed. Families of current group members, friends and corporate members participate in activities together.
Planned Activities for 2024
First of all, we, the Committee of Japanese Society of Canterbury, would like to thank you very much for your continued support.
As it stands, we are expecting a significant reduction in number of the committee members for 2024. Although our activities for 2024 will therefore be reduced, we are determined to help build a safe Japanese community and will focus on the following:
① To be the community liaison between: Japanese organisations and clubs; NZ communities; and immigration related organisations.
② Aggregating and sharing information within the Japanese community:
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Distribution of a bi-weekly email newsletter;
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Publication of our official magazine “Hirogari（ひろがり）” (currently planned twice a year); and
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Utilising our homepage and SNS accounts (Facebook and Instagram).
③ Maintenance of Kurashiki Garden and interaction between members (at Halswell Quarry Park).
We will not be able to plan and implement any events such as Japan Day under the current circumstances. If and when there is a request for an event, we will notify all the members to seek whether there is a possibility of forming a management team/committee for such an event. We will merely work as a mediator.
For any comment, question or suggestion, please get in touch with us by email to Info@jsc.org.nz.
Members
Honorary Advisor
Ken Nakamura
Director of Christchurch Consular Office of Japan
Secretary
Naomi Peters
Already it has been a year since I became a committee member last July. Looking back, it was a time when there were restrictions on what was able to be done as a consequence of the Covid lockdown immediately after. Despite these limitations I was able to enjoy the activities held by the Japanese Society.
Finally, the covid barriers between Japan and the rest of the world are disappearing, and we are starting to feel reinvigorated . I can't wait to see what kind of year it will be! I look forward to working with all of you!
Yasue Hirao
My name is Yasue and I have been living in NZ for 25 years. I used to be a Fashion Designer in Japan, but now I have been working as a Community Support Worker, Social Worker and networking with other ethnic groups in NZ. I heard that the number of committee members of the Japanese Society was low, so I came back to see if I could be of any help.(2012 - 2013 External Relations committee)
NZ is a bicultural country, but it is now a multicultural country with more than 160 ethnic groups. At the Ethnic Leader Forum meetings, leaders from around the world exchange passionate opinions. If the number of committee members of the Japanese Society decreases and it becomes unmanageable, the “face and voice of Japan” (i.e. Identity) in the immigrant community will disappear. I would like to help as a bridge to pass on the passion of those who have connected the Japanese Society to the younger generation. I would like to ask for new ideas, advices, and supports from our members. Thank you very much. Ka kite .
Volunteers Wanted
We are looking for people who are willing to work for the Japanese Society as volunteers.
We believe that together we could brainstorm lots of ideas that we can then develop and then shape them into reality.
Our group is full of fun and there is always a friendly atmosphere.
No qualifications or special skills are required to volunteer.
Not only is this opportunity great for individuals who want to expand their friendships and network, you are able to add on your resume that you have volunteering experience in a community organisation.
We are looking forward to working and cooperating with you!
We are also looking for helpers at various events.
Please contact us at info@jsc.org.nz if you are willing to provide your support.
Membership
Ordinary Member・
Friendship Member
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Information provided through bi-weekly email communications and quarterly newsletters.
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Participation in exclusive seminars and events for members only.
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Benefits and discounts at events and other special occasions.
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Additional support and assistance.
New Membership Registration Fee : $20
Annual Membership Fee : $30
Affiliate Collective
Member
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Parents or guardians of enrolled supplementary school students are considered affiliate
Collective members, so there is no need for renewal while your child is enrolled (you will receive the same benefits as regular members).
Annual Membership Fee :
Paid in lump sum to the Supplementary School.
Corporate Member
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In addition to the ordinary membership benefits.
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Advertising placement in the quarterly newsletter (1-4 times a year depending on size) and promotional placement in bi-weekly email communications.
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Advertising placement on the website.
New Membership Registration Fee : $20
Annual Membership Fee : $100
Youth Members
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Residing in New Zealand under the age of 25 or all age group if holding a working holiday visa
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Information provided through bi-weekly email communications and quarterly newsletters.
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Participation in exclusive seminars and events for members only.
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Benefits and discounts at events and other special occasions.
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Additional support and assistance.
New Membership Registration Fee : Free
Annual Membership Fee : $５