1st JASH Language Exchange - JASH-LangX on June 8, 2024.

On June 8, 2024, the Japan-America Society of Hawaii (JASH) had a kick-off language exchange session or “JASH-LangX” at the JASH office. About 15 participants including both JASH members and non-members met and enjoyed getting to know each other while practicing their English and Japanese language skills. JASH-LangX is one of the enjoyable ways to meet new people who share the same goals, improve English and/or Japanese language skills, learn about Japan, U.S. and Hawaii, and make new friends in a relaxing environment.

Attendees enjoyed communicating in two languages at the JASH Office

Everyone had the opportunity to switch conversation partners three times. They spoke “only in English” in the first half then switched to “only in Japanese” for the second half in the first and second rounds, then used both languages freely in the last round while searching for something in common among the participants.

[L-R] Jan Terakawa, Yuka Nishimoto, and Michael Krystoff

[L-R] Karen Blakeley and Hiroko Nomamoto

Everyone’s background and language levels were diverse but they were highly motivated to learn English and/or Japanese by using the language. There was a lot of laughter and new discovery about each other including language-teaching experience and a passion for karaoke!

[L-R] Reiko Rogers and Daisuke Oshimoto

Future JASH LangX sessions will be held alternately on Saturdays and weekdays to accommodate schedules for prospective participants.

2nd LangX will be held on July 11, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

Stay tuned for more LangX sessions in 2024!