Himeji International Exchange

## - Let's Learn About Japan Online! -

＊日本語での案内は英語の下にございます＊

Are you interested in Japan?
Would you like to visit Japan someday?
Are you currently planning a trip?
Do you want to learn more about Japanese culture, food, history, daily life, or hidden local spots?
If so, this meetup is for you!
Let's Talk About Japan! is an English-only online meetup where people from around the world gather to talk about Japan, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences.
Whether you're a Japan enthusiast, a future visitor, a repeat traveler, or a local Japanese participant, everyone is welcome to join the conversation.
This is a casual free-talk event with no presentations, no lectures, and no fixed agenda.
Let's simply enjoy talking about Japan together!

***

### Why You Should Attend

Learn More About Japan
Discover new aspects of Japan through conversations with Japanese participants and people from around the world.
Get Real Travel Advice
Receive recommendations, travel tips, and local insights that you may not find in guidebooks.
Meet People Who Share Your Interest in Japan
Connect with people who love Japan and enjoy discussing travel, culture, food, and daily life.
Practice Talking About Japan in English
Japanese participants can practice explaining their culture, hometowns, favorite places, and recommendations in English.

***

### For Those Interested In:

Traveling to Japan
Planning a future trip to Japan
Learning more about Japanese culture
Japanese food and drinks
Japanese history and traditions
Hidden local spots and travel recommendations
Meeting people from different countries
Having meaningful conversations in English

***

### Before You Join

To make the meetup more enjoyable and productive, we encourage overseas participants to think about what they would like to know about Japan before joining.

For example:

Places you would like to visit
Foods you would like to try
Questions about Japanese culture
Travel itineraries
Local experiences
Seasonal events
Hidden gems

If possible, please send your interests, questions, or travel plans to the organizer before the event.
These topics may be shared with Japanese participants in advance so they can prepare recommendations, ideas, and useful advice for you.
This often leads to more engaging conversations and more valuable travel insights for everyone.

***

### Event Flow

Check-In
Log in to the Zoom link provided after registration.
(You're free to join or leave anytime during the session.)

Introductions

Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what interests you most about Japan.

Free Talk

Enjoy open conversations about Japan with participants from different countries and backgrounds.

***

### Language

English Only
This event is conducted entirely in English.

***

### Time

10:00 JST
(New York 9:00 PM / Chicago 8:00 PM / Los Angeles 6:00 PM)
Approximately 60 minutes

***

### Platform

Zoom (Link provided after registration)

***

### Participation Fee

Free

***

### Participants

Up to 8 people

***

### How to Sign Up

Please register through this page.

***

### Reserve Your Spot

Register now to secure your place!
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Cancellations: Please cancel by 11:59 PM the day before the event.
No Unwanted Solicitation: Please refrain from network marketing, religious recruitment, or any high-pressure sales tactics.

###

***

### Organizer profile

Kazu (Kazuaki Kaneda)

After graduating from university, I gave up on my first job in sales within a year.

Until the age of 29, I worked in the food and beverage industry while dedicating myself to basketball.

As I approached 30, I made the decision to “build a career using English” and went back to studying.
Within two years, I achieved a TOEIC score of over 900.

Since then:

• 7 years as an English instructor
• 5 years as a Japanese language teacher
• 7 years working in inbound tourism at a sake brewery
• 6 years promoting sake culture internationally

Through experiences I could never have imagined before learning English, I began to feel strongly about supporting others who are struggling with English. That led me to launch my work as an English Learning Advisor.

I provide personalized support for those who want to take on new challenges using English.

My program helps you build the English skills you need for your goals from the ground up, so you can take a new step forward with English as your strength.

My goal is to help them gain the skills to guide in English within three years.

In addition to working as a current English-speaking guide conducting various tours, I also run the local and online international exchange community “Himeji International Exchange.”

***

Achievements

• TOEIC score: 940
• Taught 300 students over 7 years at an English conversation school (Top instructor in 2018)
• Hosted over 30 English learning method seminars
• Certified International Sake Expert (Kikisake-shi)
• Created English-language publications introducing sake to international audiences
• Licensed Tour Conductor (Ryotei Kanri Shuninsha)
• Conducted 100+ inbound sake and cultural tours

## - Connect Through English and Japanese Online! -

＊日本語での案内は英語の下にございます＊
Bridge cultures and languages at our Online English and Japanese Language Exchange!
Want to improve your Japanese? Speak in Japanese. Prefer to focus on English? Go ahead. You decide!
This is a great opportunity to practice both languages, meet people from diverse backgrounds, and connect with Himeji locals and participants from around the world.

***

### Why You Should Attend

Meet Like-Minded People
Expand your network and connect with individuals who share your interest in language learning and cultural exchange.
Enjoy Language Practice in Action
Polish your English and Japanese skills in real-time conversations with other participants.
Cultural Exchange
Share unique perspectives and learn about each other’s cultures through fun and interactive discussions.

***

### For Those Interested In:

• Making new friends
• Practicing English or Japanese
• Enjoying cultural exchange
• Exploring different cultures
• Seeking new challenges

***

### Event Flow

1. Check-In
   Log in to the Zoom link provided after registration.(You're free to join or leave anytime during the session.)
2. Self-Introduction
   Prepare a brief self-introduction in English or Japanese to share during the session.
3. Networking

• Chat freely in English or Japanese (or both!)

***

### Time

**17:00JST(**Approximately 60 minutes)
(Brisbane 6:00 PM / Sydney 7:00 PM / Melbourne 7:00 PM / Auckland 9:00 PM)

***

### Platform

Zoom (Link provided after registration)

***

### Participation Fee

Free

***

### Participants

Up to 8 people

***

### How to Sign Up:

Please register through this page.

***

### Reserve Your Spot

Register now to secure your place! Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.

• Cancellations: Please cancel by 11:59 PM the day before the event.
• No Unwanted Solicitation: Please refrain from network marketing, religious recruitment, or any high-pressure sales tactics.

***

### Message from the Organizer

I want to create a space where people from Himeji and beyond can connect meaningfully through English and Japanese.
This online event bridges cultural and linguistic gaps, offering participants an opportunity to engage in conversations, build connections, and gain new experiences from home.
Whether you're a language enthusiast or simply curious, join us for an engaging session of friendly discussions and cross-cultural exchange!

###

***

### Organizer profile

Kazu (Kazuaki Kaneda)

After graduating from university, I gave up on my first job in sales within a year.

Until the age of 29, I worked in the food and beverage industry while dedicating myself to basketball.

As I approached 30, I made the decision to “build a career using English” and went back to studying.
Within two years, I achieved a TOEIC score of over 900.

Since then:

• 7 years as an English instructor
• 5 years as a Japanese language teacher
• 7 years working in inbound tourism at a sake brewery
• 6 years promoting sake culture internationally

Through experiences I could never have imagined before learning English, I began to feel strongly about supporting others who are struggling with English. That led me to launch my work as an English Learning Advisor.

I provide personalized support for those who want to take on new challenges using English.

My program helps you build the English skills you need for your goals from the ground up, so you can take a new step forward with English as your strength.

My goal is to help them gain the skills to guide in English within three years.

In addition to working as a current English-speaking guide conducting various tours, I also run the local and online international exchange community “Himeji International Exchange.”

***

Achievements

• TOEIC score: 940
• Taught 300 students over 7 years at an English conversation school (Top instructor in 2018)
• Hosted over 30 English learning method seminars
• Certified International Sake Expert (Kikisake-shi)
• Created English-language publications introducing sake to international audiences
• Licensed Tour Conductor (Ryotei Kanri Shuninsha)
• Conducted 100+ inbound sake and cultural tours

## - Let's Learn About Japan Online! -

＊日本語での案内は英語の下にございます＊

Are you interested in Japan?
Would you like to visit Japan someday?
Are you currently planning a trip?
Do you want to learn more about Japanese culture, food, history, daily life, or hidden local spots?
If so, this meetup is for you!
Let's Talk About Japan! is an English-only online meetup where people from around the world gather to talk about Japan, exchange ideas, ask questions, and share experiences.
Whether you're a Japan enthusiast, a future visitor, a repeat traveler, or a local Japanese participant, everyone is welcome to join the conversation.
This is a casual free-talk event with no presentations, no lectures, and no fixed agenda.
Let's simply enjoy talking about Japan together!

***

### Why You Should Attend

Learn More About Japan
Discover new aspects of Japan through conversations with Japanese participants and people from around the world.
Get Real Travel Advice
Receive recommendations, travel tips, and local insights that you may not find in guidebooks.
Meet People Who Share Your Interest in Japan
Connect with people who love Japan and enjoy discussing travel, culture, food, and daily life.
Practice Talking About Japan in English
Japanese participants can practice explaining their culture, hometowns, favorite places, and recommendations in English.

***

### For Those Interested In:

Traveling to Japan
Planning a future trip to Japan
Learning more about Japanese culture
Japanese food and drinks
Japanese history and traditions
Hidden local spots and travel recommendations
Meeting people from different countries
Having meaningful conversations in English

***

### Before You Join

To make the meetup more enjoyable and productive, we encourage overseas participants to think about what they would like to know about Japan before joining.

For example:

Places you would like to visit
Foods you would like to try
Questions about Japanese culture
Travel itineraries
Local experiences
Seasonal events
Hidden gems

If possible, please send your interests, questions, or travel plans to the organizer before the event.
These topics may be shared with Japanese participants in advance so they can prepare recommendations, ideas, and useful advice for you.
This often leads to more engaging conversations and more valuable travel insights for everyone.

***

### Event Flow

Check-In
Log in to the Zoom link provided after registration.
(You're free to join or leave anytime during the session.)

Introductions

Briefly introduce yourself and tell us what interests you most about Japan.

Free Talk

Enjoy open conversations about Japan with participants from different countries and backgrounds.

***

### Language

English Only
This event is conducted entirely in English.

***

### Time

21:00 JST
(London 1:00 PM / Dublin 1:00 PM)
Approximately 60 minutes

***

### Platform

Zoom (Link provided after registration)

***

### Participation Fee

Free

***

### Participants

Up to 8 people

***

### How to Sign Up

Please register through this page.

***

### Reserve Your Spot

Register now to secure your place!
Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Cancellations: Please cancel by 11:59 PM the day before the event.
No Unwanted Solicitation: Please refrain from network marketing, religious recruitment, or any high-pressure sales tactics.

###

***

### Organizer profile

Kazu (Kazuaki Kaneda)

After graduating from university, I gave up on my first job in sales within a year.

Until the age of 29, I worked in the food and beverage industry while dedicating myself to basketball.

As I approached 30, I made the decision to “build a career using English” and went back to studying.
Within two years, I achieved a TOEIC score of over 900.

Since then:

• 7 years as an English instructor
• 5 years as a Japanese language teacher
• 7 years working in inbound tourism at a sake brewery
• 6 years promoting sake culture internationally

Through experiences I could never have imagined before learning English, I began to feel strongly about supporting others who are struggling with English. That led me to launch my work as an English Learning Advisor.

I provide personalized support for those who want to take on new challenges using English.

My program helps you build the English skills you need for your goals from the ground up, so you can take a new step forward with English as your strength.

My goal is to help them gain the skills to guide in English within three years.

In addition to working as a current English-speaking guide conducting various tours, I also run the local and online international exchange community “Himeji International Exchange.”

***

Achievements

• TOEIC score: 940
• Taught 300 students over 7 years at an English conversation school (Top instructor in 2018)
• Hosted over 30 English learning method seminars
• Certified International Sake Expert (Kikisake-shi)
• Created English-language publications introducing sake to international audiences
• Licensed Tour Conductor (Ryotei Kanri Shuninsha)
• Conducted 100+ inbound sake and cultural tours