About Us
Online Courses
Events
Translation
Articles
And More
OUR STORY
We are South Africa’s first official Japanese Language Club, founded in 2020. The JLCSA currently has over 600 members, based in Cape Town, Pretoria and Johannesburg.
We aim to create a space for those who are learning Japanese to meet and socialise, to enable access to resources, to create new opportunities for learning Japanese and about Japanese culture.
We hope to provide South African and Japanese people with as many bridges as possible.
OUR GOAL
Within the next 5 years we want to:
- Establish an accredited Japanese course that takes learners from beginner to N1 level in South Africa affiliated with South African universities and agencies.
- Establish a high school level student exchange for South Africans and Japanese students.
- Establish a platform that will allow South African and Japanese businesses to connect more easily in a shared language.
Translation Services
We provide bespoke translation services, drawing on our network of both native Japanese and native English Japanese speakers as translators.
友達
Our Friendly Team
Emma Ruiters
Director & Founder
Director of the JLCSA since January 2020. MSc Japanese Studies at the University of Oxford. JLPT N2 holder, and N1-ronin. Former JET-programme in Iwamizawa, Hokkaido. Also have an MSc in Development Economics from SOAS, University of London. I am a digital economist by trade and love to find connections between Japan and South Africa.
Owen Ishii
Social Media and Comms Manager
I am Japanese-American and an avid collector of Japanese antiques, artwork, stamps, and postcards. I began studying Japanese in my undergrad, spending a year abroad in Tokyo, and am currently studying for the JLPT N1. I also hold an MSc in Japanese Studies from the University of Oxford where I researched the digitalisation of Shinto shrines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Louis-François du Toit
Web Administrator
Been studying Japanese since 2017. I went to Japan in 2019 and was the most amazing experience. I have been working towards moving to Japan. I am currently busy studying TEFL BA Degree.
Kendal Conradie
Translator
A Japanese/English translator of South African origin, I am a native English speaker holding a JLPT N1 certificate. I learned Japanese from a native speaker in Cape Town for 7½ years before living in Japan for 5, where I learned from many while teaching English. I also majored in German and General linguistics at Stellenbosch University, and will always enjoy learning languages.
Precious Molobye
Organiser
Hi, my name is Precious Molobye. I am a nomad who secretly likes stability,
and I have lived in Tokyo, Japan for 5 years through the JET Program. I am
also a member of the South African Chamber of Commerce in Japan
(SACCJ).
My educational background is in International Relations and Political
Science from the University of the Witwatersrand. I am passionate about
travel, and content creation. I found out that I love bridging South Africa
and Japan through many avenues. I enjoy anything with Matcha and am
currently planning my next trip to Japan!
In my spare time, I am the host of the South Africans Abroad YouTube
Show!
Meso Qhobela
Media Manager
Hi everyone, I'm Meso! I'm a marketing professional with a genuine passion for Japanese culture, and I'm incredibly excited to be joining the Japanese Language Club here in South Africa. I'm a self-confessed otaku – anime, manga, you name it, I love it! My work in marketing often has a strong visual focus, and as an artist myself, I'm always drawn to creative expression. Looking forward to connecting with everyone in the JLCSA community and exploring all things Japanese!
Hiromi Spinola
Head Teacher
Hiromi grew up in Machida, Tokyo. After finishing her BA degree in Teaching Japanese as a Foreign Language, she taught in Taiwan for 4 years. She has lived and taught Japanese in SA since 2004. She lives in Pretoria with her SA husband and two daughters. She loves sports and music, watching soccer games and playing many instruments such as piano, pipe organ, clarinet and ukulele.
Mami Sugawara
Teacher
Hello! I was primarily school teacher from Japan, I spent nearly two years teaching mathematics in Namibia last year. Currently, I'm taking Honors degree in Mathematics Education at the University of Pretoria. I love learning about other cultures through making friends and I'm always eager to have nice conversations! I’m looking forward to seeing you and having fun time together!
Chie Yamamoto
Teacher
Hi everyone! I’m Chie Yamamoto from Kyoto, Japan. I have been yoga and pilates instructor more than 16 years in Japan, Bali, Germany and South Africa. Correctly moved to Bloemfontein from Potchefstroom.
I like traveling, music, salsa, anime, comics, all asian food. I am very exciting to meet new people and share our experiences in here!
Looking forward to see you and let’s have fun learning together!
Our Partners
We’ve partnered with Japanese and Japanese-affiliated companies in both South Africa and Japan.
PLEASE SUPPORT US IN OUR GOALS!
We are open to all partnerships, please feel free to reach out to us if you believe we may have any areas of collaboration or mutual interest.