Greetings from the Convener
On behalf of the organisers of the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies—Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Recapturing their History and Essence—I would like to extend my greetings. We are delighted to host this symposium through the co-sponsorship of three organisations: the School of Professional and Continuing Education at the University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Association of Japanese Language Education, and, for the first time, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at the University of Hong Kong.
First and foremost, I would like to express my profound appreciation to the Japan Foundation for their support, as well as to the numerous educational institutions and related organisations for their sponsorship. Additionally, I extend my sincere gratitude to all the participants who have travelled from overseas to join us here in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and Japan have built strong ties over many years. Japan is Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner, while Hong Kong is Japan’s thirteenth-largest trading partner. As of 2025, approximately 22,930 Japanese residents live in Hong Kong, and economic and human exchanges between the two regions are very active. Hong Kong is the second-largest export destination for Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, and the largest for seafood. Additionally, the number of direct flights connecting regional airports in Hong Kong and Japan is increasing, further strengthening the ties between the two regions.
The theme of the 2025 symposium, “Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Recapturing their History and Essence,” provides an excellent opportunity to reconsider the future, history, and essence of Japanese language education and Japanese studies amid the rapidly evolving impact of generative AI. AI technology is rapidly being adopted in various fields, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, and cybersecurity. In the field of education, the introduction of generative AI initially raised concerns, but its use is now becoming inevitable. While AI promotes creativity, efficiency, and personalised learning in educational settings, it also raises issues such as dependency, bias, and ethical concerns. It is important to respond to these rapid changes flexibly and effectively. We hope this symposium will serve as a platform for meaningful discussions and exploration of future possibilities.
Personally, I have nurtured a passion for Japanese language education and Japanese culture for many years, accumulating countless valuable experiences and wonderful encounters. I hope this symposium will be a place to share new insights and pave the way for a bright future in Japanese language education and Japanese studies. Furthermore, I hope that the fascination with the Japanese language and culture will deepen the bonds between Hong Kong and Japan, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two regions. Lastly, I wish all participants continued health and success.
First and foremost, I would like to express my profound appreciation to the Japan Foundation for their support, as well as to the numerous educational institutions and related organisations for their sponsorship. Additionally, I extend my sincere gratitude to all the participants who have travelled from overseas to join us here in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong and Japan have built strong ties over many years. Japan is Hong Kong’s sixth-largest trading partner, while Hong Kong is Japan’s thirteenth-largest trading partner. As of 2025, approximately 22,930 Japanese residents live in Hong Kong, and economic and human exchanges between the two regions are very active. Hong Kong is the second-largest export destination for Japanese agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, and the largest for seafood. Additionally, the number of direct flights connecting regional airports in Hong Kong and Japan is increasing, further strengthening the ties between the two regions.
The theme of the 2025 symposium, “Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Recapturing their History and Essence,” provides an excellent opportunity to reconsider the future, history, and essence of Japanese language education and Japanese studies amid the rapidly evolving impact of generative AI. AI technology is rapidly being adopted in various fields, including finance, healthcare, manufacturing, marketing, and cybersecurity. In the field of education, the introduction of generative AI initially raised concerns, but its use is now becoming inevitable. While AI promotes creativity, efficiency, and personalised learning in educational settings, it also raises issues such as dependency, bias, and ethical concerns. It is important to respond to these rapid changes flexibly and effectively. We hope this symposium will serve as a platform for meaningful discussions and exploration of future possibilities.
Personally, I have nurtured a passion for Japanese language education and Japanese culture for many years, accumulating countless valuable experiences and wonderful encounters. I hope this symposium will be a place to share new insights and pave the way for a bright future in Japanese language education and Japanese studies. Furthermore, I hope that the fascination with the Japanese language and culture will deepen the bonds between Hong Kong and Japan, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between the two regions. Lastly, I wish all participants continued health and success.
TAN, Tack Ki
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
Convener of the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language and Japanese Studies
April 2025
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
Convener of the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language and Japanese Studies
April 2025
Greetings from Co-convener
The International Symposium on Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies, organized by the Hong Kong Japanese Language Education Research Association in 1994, is conducted in collaboration with higher education institutions every two years. Over the past 30 years, the symposium has been held 13 times, with most educational and research institutions involved in Japanese language education and Japanese studies in Hong Kong focusing on this initiative.
The symposium attracts educators and researchers from Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, establishing its position as a prestigious event. Additionally, as a traditional international conference, it contributes to the advancement of Japanese language education and Japanese studies.
Starting in the summer of 2024, thanks to the generosity and tremendous efforts of Mr Tan T. K., we decided that the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies will take place at the Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education in November 2025. The symposium marks the third collaboration with the Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tan T. K. Due to his efforts, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Hong Kong University will join as a co-sponsor, making this the first symposium hosted by three institutions. The Japanese Studies Department of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Hong Kong University was established in 1985 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. I had the experience of teaching Japanese for the first time in that department in 1985 when only courses on “The Japanese Language” and “Japanese Culture” were offered. Now, a diverse range of courses related to Japanese culture is available.
Thus, the participation of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures of Hong Kong University as a co-sponsor for the 2025 symposium is a significant and celebrative event.
Over the past 40 years, Japanese language education in Hong Kong has constantly evolved, with a growing number of learners. In the initially launched Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 1984, the number of overseas examinees was 4,473, of which 1,054 (23.56%) were from Hong Kong. As of 2023, the number of examinees from Hong Kong has reached 14,853, showing a 14.1-fold increase. This growth reflects the global trend of increasing Japanese language learners and the growing popularity of Japanese culture.
Furthermore, Japanese expressions frequently appear in the streets and the mass media in Hong Kong. Particularly in signs and advertisements related to beauty, health, and gastronomy, Japanese has become one of the most popular foreign languages. This phenomenon indicates that the people of Hong Kong are experiencing Japan’s beautiful culture, healthy image, and delicious cuisine through the Japanese language.
The theme of the 2025 symposium is “Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Recapturing their History and Essence.” In recent years, generative AI models have rapidly evolved, and we have entered an era where work and learning cannot progress without AI. This impact of generative AI is extensive, and as those involved in Japanese language education and Japanese studies, we cannot overlook this trend. How we respond to and utilize these changes is a crucial challenge.
This symposium aims to provide a common platform for the stakeholders in Japanese language education and Japanese studies from diverse cultural backgrounds globally. It seeks to reflect on Japanese language education and Japanese studies from multiple perspectives in light of the rapid advancements in generative AI and to return to their essence. We hope the symposium will serve as a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions while exploring future possibilities.
We sincerely hope that the research presentations, reports, and lively discussions and exchanges among all participants will contribute to advancing the promotion and development of Japanese language education and Japanese studies in the age of AI. We wish for this to serve as a stepping stone toward the further advancement of Japanese language learning and education in the international community.
Lastly, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong, the Japan Foundation, various Japanese-related organisations in Hong Kong, and those involved in Japanese language education and Japanese studies at universities and higher education institutions for their support in preparing for the 14th symposium.
With all my heart, I sincerely wish for your health and happiness and hope 2025 will be a bright and peaceful year.
The symposium attracts educators and researchers from Japan, mainland China, Taiwan, South Korea, East Asia, Southeast Asia, the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia, establishing its position as a prestigious event. Additionally, as a traditional international conference, it contributes to the advancement of Japanese language education and Japanese studies.
Starting in the summer of 2024, thanks to the generosity and tremendous efforts of Mr Tan T. K., we decided that the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies will take place at the Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education in November 2025. The symposium marks the third collaboration with the Hong Kong University School of Professional and Continuing Education.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Tan T. K. Due to his efforts, the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Hong Kong University will join as a co-sponsor, making this the first symposium hosted by three institutions. The Japanese Studies Department of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures at Hong Kong University was established in 1985 and will celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. I had the experience of teaching Japanese for the first time in that department in 1985 when only courses on “The Japanese Language” and “Japanese Culture” were offered. Now, a diverse range of courses related to Japanese culture is available.
Thus, the participation of the School of Modern Languages and Cultures of Hong Kong University as a co-sponsor for the 2025 symposium is a significant and celebrative event.
Over the past 40 years, Japanese language education in Hong Kong has constantly evolved, with a growing number of learners. In the initially launched Japanese Language Proficiency Test in 1984, the number of overseas examinees was 4,473, of which 1,054 (23.56%) were from Hong Kong. As of 2023, the number of examinees from Hong Kong has reached 14,853, showing a 14.1-fold increase. This growth reflects the global trend of increasing Japanese language learners and the growing popularity of Japanese culture.
Furthermore, Japanese expressions frequently appear in the streets and the mass media in Hong Kong. Particularly in signs and advertisements related to beauty, health, and gastronomy, Japanese has become one of the most popular foreign languages. This phenomenon indicates that the people of Hong Kong are experiencing Japan’s beautiful culture, healthy image, and delicious cuisine through the Japanese language.
The theme of the 2025 symposium is “Japanese Language Education and Japanese Studies in the Age of Generative AI: Recapturing their History and Essence.” In recent years, generative AI models have rapidly evolved, and we have entered an era where work and learning cannot progress without AI. This impact of generative AI is extensive, and as those involved in Japanese language education and Japanese studies, we cannot overlook this trend. How we respond to and utilize these changes is a crucial challenge.
This symposium aims to provide a common platform for the stakeholders in Japanese language education and Japanese studies from diverse cultural backgrounds globally. It seeks to reflect on Japanese language education and Japanese studies from multiple perspectives in light of the rapid advancements in generative AI and to return to their essence. We hope the symposium will serve as a platform for participants to engage in meaningful discussions while exploring future possibilities.
We sincerely hope that the research presentations, reports, and lively discussions and exchanges among all participants will contribute to advancing the promotion and development of Japanese language education and Japanese studies in the age of AI. We wish for this to serve as a stepping stone toward the further advancement of Japanese language learning and education in the international community.
Lastly, I would like to express my deep gratitude to the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong, the Japan Foundation, various Japanese-related organisations in Hong Kong, and those involved in Japanese language education and Japanese studies at universities and higher education institutions for their support in preparing for the 14th symposium.
With all my heart, I sincerely wish for your health and happiness and hope 2025 will be a bright and peaceful year.
LEUNG On Yuk, Maggie
President, the Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
Co-Convener of the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language and Japanese Studies
April 2025
President, the Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
Co-Convener of the 14th International Symposium on Japanese Language and Japanese Studies
April 2025
Organisers
Sponsor
The Japan Foundation, Beijin
Supporting Organisers
Consulate General of Japan in Hong Kong / Department of Japanese Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong / City University of Hong Kong / The Hong Kong Polytechnic University / Hong Kong Baptist University Language Centre / Center for Language Education, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology / The Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, The Education University of Hong Kong / UOW College Hong Kong / The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Community College / School of Continuing and Professional Studies, The Chinese University of Hong Kong / Lingnan Institute of Further Education (LIFE) / Li Ka Shing School of Professional and Continuing Education, Hong Kong Metropolitan University / University of Macau / The Japan Society of Hong Kong / The Japan Universities Alumni Society of Hong Kong / The Hongkong Japanese Club / The Hong Kong Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry / NPO Hong Kong Wakyokai / Hong Kong Japan Business Study Center
Organising Committee
Convener
TAN, Tack Ki
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
Co-convener
LEUNG On Yuk Maggie
Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
Members of the Committee
TANABE Tomonari
Japanese Language Advisor, The Japan Foundation
HIRATA Masayuki
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Center for Language Education
UEDA Kazuko
Mukogawa Women’s University, Department of Japanese Language and Literature
KODAMA Hiroaki
The University of Hong Kong, School of Modern Languages and Cultures
KWONG Yan Kit Eric
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
KUROKI Fumi
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
FUKUDA Shuhei
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
SEKI, Motoaki
The University of Hong Kong, School of Professional and Continuing Education
MATSUMOTO Masumi
Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
KAMESHIMA Hiromi
Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
LEE Chak Sum
Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong
LAI Chun Yeung
Society of Japanese Language Education Hong Kong