はじめまして！ローラです！

Hajimemashite, everyone!

My name is Laura, and starting this week i'll be the new receptionist at Japanese Melbourne. 

Anna-san is still here to help me get into the swing of things, but i hope that i can keep everything running smoothly once she moves on.

It may be a while before i am able to learn everybody's names and faces, so please forgive me if i don't know who you are straight away!

I've been learning Japanese for 5 years now, and I recently graduated from Monash University where i completed my Honours Degree in Japanese Translation. I also lived for 3 months with a host family in Kanazawa, Ishikawa a few years ago. I learnt a lot of Japanese when i was there, and i've been back a few times since to travel and visit my Japanese family. I love learning about Japanese language and culture, so i hope that we can all practice together when you come into the office!

I'm originally from country Victoria, where i studied Italian at high school. what a change it was when i picked up beginner's Japanese at University! It was a good change though, because it was through studying Japanese that i've met so many people and had so many fantastic experiences~ 

As for my hobbies, I love to travel. I haven't been able to get to too many places yet, but I'm hoping to see as many different countries as i can! Of course, i keep going back to Japan though, because it's such a fun place to be! Other than that, I love to spend time with friends, spend time outdoors, or go running with my two dogs. I'm also really into cake decorating! So maybe sometimes i'll have to bring some cakes into the office to share too~~

I hope to get to know everybody really soon, so kore kara yoroshiku onegaishimasu!

Laura :D

自己紹介

Hi everyone,

I have met most of you by now, but I thought I'd give a slightly more in depth introduction of myself. I'm the receptionist here at Japanese Melbourne 5 days a week. Neil is still coming in on Mondays though.

My name is Anna - and yes I'm Neil's sister - and I'm 21 years old.
My background is Australian, but I went to an International High School in rural Victoria. There I learned Indonesian (which I have all but forgotten) and developed an interest in Japanese.
My boyfriend is also Japanese so that helps a little ^-^
I studied a Bachelor of Arts at La Trobe University, where I majored in Japanese language. I also spent 1 year abroad in Kyoto where I was the only white person in the whole university! It was hard at first but it was an amazing experience. I attribute my ability to speak Japanese to that 1 year almost entirely (although I'm still studying!). I'm taking the JLPT exam in December for level N2.
I've just recently graduated and I was working at David Jones, until Chika-Sensei allowed me to start working here. Now I get to practice Japanese everyday and meet all of you lovely people :)


From next Thursday (22nd of September) at 6:00 we are starting a Study Time in Japanese Melbourne, where you are free to come here and study, do a bit of homework and ask questions. I'll be here to help with Japanese language questions to the best of my ability.
Let us know if you are interested in coming, and we'll decide which classroom to use!
We finish at 7pm, so afterwards you can head upstairs to Pera Pera!


では、これからもよろしくお願い致します！

Short introduction to Japanese politics.

The picture says it all, really.

Ganbatte, Nihon.

Finally. We've finished assembling our custom made Keep Cup to raise more funds for Japan.
There's still a lot needed to be done. But we also understand how we're all immune to the calls for donation. That's why we came up with the idea of combining the love of Melbourne coffee and Japan. Buy a cool barista standard coffee mug, and feel good enjoying your coffee.
If you're interested, please call 04 30 103 660 or email us at admin@japanesemelbourne.com.au
Arigatougozaimasu.

Coming soon.

Working on our secret project...

Benri-ness.

Saw this over the kitchen shop window along Elizabeth Street yesterday.
What a name: SUPER BENRINER.
Dear students of Japanese Melbourne, wakarimasuka?

The future of rap.

Nice find by our very own Chika-sensei.