Japanese events in London: 10th August - 16th August 2009

We have updated this blog owing to an earthquake in northern Japan. Initial reports are that there are no serious casualties which is clearly an example of excellent Japanese ingenuity when it comes to constructions. The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.2. A tsunami alert was immediately issued by Japan's meteorological agency, but later lifted after two small waves a few centimetres high hit the coastline.

Although the eathquake was near to Miyagi prefecture it still it still shook buildings in the capital Tokyo. Japan is extremely well prepared for earthquakes, and a similar magnitude quake elsewhere in the world would have proved deadly.

An eathquake in 1923, known as the Great Kanto Earthquake, killed more than 100,000 people.

The Japan Foundation Head Office is now recruiting Japanese Language Specialists and Volunteers, who will be posted to institutions across the world in 2010-11. This is an excellent opportunity: there are three categories depending on experience and qualifications. Please note these positions are only open to those with native-level Japanese, so probably our students will be unable to apply. Other eligibility criteria apply. For more information please info.language@jpf.org.uk.

国際交流基金では、2010年～2011年に国際交流基金が世界各国に派遣する日本語教育専門家（日本語上級専門家、日本語専門家）、及びボランティア（日本語指導助手）を募集しています。条件等詳細については、以下のウェブページをご覧ください。募集要領・応募用紙は同ウェブページからダウンロードできますが、印刷した募集要領・応募用紙が若干部数ありますので、入手ご希望の方はinfo.language@jpf.org.ukまでご連絡ください。