The Macquarie Japanese Studies Centre for Teaching Development (MJS Centre), in partnership with the School of International Studies, Faculty of Arts, hosted the third annual Mirai – Futures with Japan outreach event on Thursday, 12 February 2026, at the Macquarie Theatre on Wallumattagal Campus.

The event welcomed 468 participants, including 392 Year 10 students, 31 Year 11 students and 28 teachers from 20 schools across New South Wales. The audience included students and educators from a range of selective, independent and comprehensive schools, united by their enthusiasm for Japanese language and culture.

Promoting pathways through Japanese Studies

Now in its third year, Mirai – Futures with Japan is steadily building its scale and impact. The event's goal is to demonstrate the myriad professional and personal opportunities that Japanese language studies can offer. It bridges the gap between classroom learning and future pathways, fostering curiosity, confidence and long-term engagement with language learning.

Generously supported by the Nippon Foundation Fund for Japanese Language Education (NF-JLEP) and the Tokyo Foundation, the event was spearheaded by MJS Centre grant recipients – Ms Larissa Mitchell (Northmead Creative and Performing Arts High School), Mr Benjamin Gibb (Adjunct Lecturer in Languages Education, University of Newcastle), and Dr Chavalin Svetanant, Director of the MJS Centre.

An immersive program of activities

The program showcased a variety of opportunities available through Japanese studies, including school and university exchanges, working holiday opportunities and participation in the highly regarded Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. Attendees explored language learning as a platform for global engagement, personal development and meaningful cross-cultural connections.

The event featured engaging presentations and interactive sessions delivered by MJS Centre partners including:

• Southern Cross Cultural Exchange (SCCE) and Boobooski Japan
• The Japan Foundation, Sydney
• The Consulate-General of Japan in Sydney
• Macquarie University staff and students

Highlights of the day included hands-on cultural activities such as Rajio Taiso (traditional Japanese morning exercises), a collaborative 'Talk and Trivia' session fostering inter-school interaction, and engaging Kahoot quizzes. Participants also enjoyed a traditional obento lunch, offering an authentic experience of Japanese cuisine.

Positive feedback highlights the event's success

The impact of Mirai – Futures with Japan was evident in the overwhelmingly positive feedback from students and teachers alike. Of the 198 participants surveyed:

• 96.5 per cent agreed that the event was highly worthwhile
• 80.3 per cent reported increased motivation to continue their Japanese studies.

Encouragingly, all participating schools expressed a strong desire to return for the 2027 Mirai – Futures with Japan event.

Dr Chavalin Svetanant, the Director of the Macquarie Japanese Studies Centre (MJS Centre) and the driving force behind the Schools' side of the project, explained: "This collaboration underscores Macquarie University's commitment to supporting language education and fostering global engagement among young learners. The event exemplifies Macquarie University's dedication to fostering globally engaged students, highlighting the important role universities play in shaping leaders of the future."