Image shown is the progress during the Japanese teaching programme
Prepared by: Vidyadarshinee Ravindran & Dr. Ahmad Sauffiyan Abu Hasan
TANJONG MALIM - Sultan Idris Education University's (UPSI) Japanese Language Club session 2025/2026 organized an educational teaching and learning programme titled Bengkel Nihongo: Zero to Basic! (Siri 1), a workshop designed to increase motivation and accessibility for aspiring Japanese language learners which was held online via Google Meet on 11 April 2026, which attracted more than 300 registered participants — a testament to the growing curiosity surrounding the Japanese language among Malaysian students. Participants who attended the programme were subsequently rewarded with MyChamp points and an E-Certificate in recognition of their involvement.
The workshop was built around three clear objectives: to introduce participants to the foundational Japanese scripts of Hiragana and Katakana, to familiarise them with basic Japanese pronunciation, and to equip beginners with practical, motivating techniques to begin and motivate their language learning journey.
Leading the session was Nurin Dayana binti Alias, who served as Secretary of the Japanese Language Club during the 2024/2025 session and also served as the speaker for the programme. Nurin Dayana brings with her a distinguished record in Japanese language performance by placing 5th in the Nihongo Speech Contest organised by Aeon 1% Club, and earned the title of Runner-Up at the National-Level Festival Orator Competition in Japanese Language Storytelling which kept her position as both an accomplished speaker and a credible guide for those taking their very first steps in the language.
The morning opened with a welcoming address from the emcee, who walked participants through the programme's objectives and structure before formally introducing the speaker. With the stage set, Nurin Dayana launched into the first session with a hands-on walkthrough of Hiragana and Katakana which served as the most main Japanese handwriting to learn for starters. She guided participants through each character methodically, paying close attention to stroke order and the systematic conventions that underpin accurate Japanese handwriting. For many in the audience encountering the scripts for the first time, the session offered a reassuring sense that practice makes perfect within time.
"Even though just learning to speak is something most people would choose, it is important to learn to read and write as well for a more complete learning experience." she quoted.
The second session shifted the focus toward independent and self-directed learning. Nurin Dayana introduced participants to a selection of mobile applications and digital tools that can be used for studies and ones which she personally recommends and uses on a daily basis as she explained how each application functions vary based on users’ needs. The session continued with the screening of edutainment children's music video in Japanese to demonstrate that language acquisition need not to be serious and aloof, and that exposure through familiar and joyful content can be surprisingly effective for absolute beginners.
The session was also followed by teaching students’ simple phrases that can be used on a daily basis for day-to-day conversations such as greetings, thanking, parting phrases and introductory phrases to introduce ourselves to others.
On learning Japanese through entertainment, the speaker stated that Japanese music, anime, and variety shows are all equally valuable tools for improving language ability and expanding vocabulary. No single medium holds a monopoly on learning as she equally suggested to simply keep watching, listening, and being engaged to enhance our language skills.
A lively Q&A session followed, during which participants raised questions ranging from study strategies to the most effective entertainment platforms for language immersion. The exchange underscored the enthusiasm of the audience and the relevance of the workshop's content to their everyday lives. Nurin Dayana fielded each question with clarity and warmth, reinforcing both the practical and motivational dimensions of the programme.
The workshop drew to a close with a group photo-taking slot, followed by the completion of a Google Form feedback survey, providing the organising team with future amendments.
Bengkel Nihongo: Zero to Basic! (Siri 1) was more than a language lesson, by bringing together participants of the university under the guise of a workshop, the Japanese Language Club of UPSI has demonstrated that curiosity for Japanese language and culture runs deep within the student community. With the promise of future series instalments and a speaker who embodies both excellence and accessibility, the club has laid a thoughtful and encouraging foundation for learners at every stage.