JLfest 2026 | The 19th Annual International Japanese Language Festival
お知らせ
Announcement
REPORT:
Pre-JLfest 2026
Workshop on Scratch
January 8-10, 2026
A total of 43 enthusiastic students and teachers from Malaysia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand came together for a dynamic three-day online workshop on Scratch, a visual, block-based programming language and platform.
Designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of computer coding, the workshop focused on using the Scratch application to create interactive digital games. This hands-on experience served as an exciting first step in preparing participants for the upcoming Sugoroku Language e-Board Game Design Competition to be held later this year.
The workshop was led by Assistant Professor Mary Kristene Clarino of the Philippines Open University, who skillfully guided participants through Scratch’s key features during the first two days. By the end of this phase, participants were able to design and build their own simple digital games. On the final day, participants proudly showcased their game prototypes and received valuable feedback and encouragement from Mary-sensei.
Participants who completed the workshop and met the requirements were awarded a Certificate of Participation, marking an important milestone in their creative and digital learning journey.
JLfest Logo Design Competition
Congratulations to the winners!
Winner
Thong Kye Yue
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Consolation Prize Winners
(in no particular order)
Nurfarah Deana Shamsul Kamal
Universiti Teknologi MARA, Melaka
Brian Yee De-Hao
MTTC College, Selangor
Tasneem Ashran
PPGK Perempuan Melayu, Melaka
JLfest 2026 - An Overview
Another meaningful and engaging lineup of events awaits you in 2026!
JLfest 2026 is scheduled from May 1 to July 26, 2026. This year, we are introducing a new competition and several new workshops, alongside our regular programs. The SUGOROKU Language eBoard Game Design Competition will be upgraded to the ASEAN regional level, and more Asian and European countries will be joining the ePoster Presentation Competition. Further details will be announced soon.
To provide greater flexibility, we will introduce a new on-demand workshop format for selected workshops, catering to participants who are unable to attend live sessions.
A special Cultural Talk on YOSAKOI, presented by
two speakers from Kochi, Japan, is scheduled for May—an unmissable highlight for Yosakoi teams and dancers.
For educators, the 3rd LEX Conference in May will focus on the theme “Meaningful International Exchange and Training Programs: Development and Future”, with additional workshops currently in the planning stages.
Please note that the 4KOMA Story – Impromptu Speaking in Japanese series will take a break this year for restructuring.
Last but not least, we will be unveiling the new JLfest 2026 logo and announcing the winners of the logo design competition next week. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to our Telegram channel for instant updates. We look forward to your continued support and participation.
Festival registration begins April 1, 2026
