The Embassy of Japan in Australia and the Australia-Japan Society (ACT) Inc. present a free screening of the Japanese documentary film The Making of a Japanese (2023), directed by Ema Ryan Yamazaki.

This screening is part of the celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Japan and Australia, with the support of JFF Theater and the Japan Foundation.

The information booth will open at 17:30 outside the theatre, and AJS members who have taught in Japanese schools will give a contextual explanation before the screening.

For more details about the film, please see the official website (Japanese only).

Film synopsis

Pre-school 6 year-olds around the world are remarkably similar, but a post-elementary school 12-year-old distinctly embodies the distinct traits that form the basis of Japanese society

Tsukado, located in one of Tokyo’s sprawling suburbs, is one of the largest public elementary schools in Japan with nearly 1,000 students. In the nation’s unique educational system, children are tasked to run their own school in order to teach communal values and how to play one’s role in the group. Intimately capturing one school year from the perspective of 1st and 6th graders, THE MAKING OF A JAPANESE has the magic of childhood with precious moments of joy, tears, and discovery — as they learn the traits necessary to become part of Japanese society.

Please note: If you require accessibility accommodations or a visitor Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan please contact the event organisers.

This event may be photographed and recorded. The recorded material may be used to promote future ANU events and programs. By attending the event you are giving us informed consent. If you DO NOT wish to be recorded, please let ANU event staff know on the day. We will be mindful and ensure not to photograph any faces of children present.

Contact the host of 2026 Immersia: Film Screening – The Making of a Japanese (2023)