JLfest 2025 | The 18th Annual International Japanese Language Festival
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Active Reading
Reading a good story doesn’t have to be a quiet or solitary experience. With Active Reading, stories come alive - connecting with your emotions, memories, and thoughts while also connecting with people through shared experiences.
Active Reading isn’t just for textbooks - it can be applied to any genre you enjoy. It’s about engaging deeply with the story, reflecting on your own experiences, and exploring different perspectives.
At JLfest Reading Club, we dive into one carefully selected story each year from 「風借り」Borrowing the Wind: Short Stories for Young Adult Nihongo-jin by Edward Lee (2022). These unique fantasy stories are written without identifying the main character and often end abruptly—like a cliffhanger—with no final conclusion, making them perfect for introducing the Active Reading approach.
This year’s story: 「風借り」Borrowing the Wind
We’ll explore this story over three online sessions, focusing on the three stages of reading:
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Before Reading
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During Reading
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After Reading
Sessions will be held on the last Sunday of May, June, and July.
So, ready to read, reflect, and connect?
Let’s begin our journey - together!
The reading sessions are open to registered JLfest 2025 participants only. If you are not one, please register before signing up for the session.
The Facilitators
Ihzza Alief Hidayatillah
Nihongo-sensei
SMP Progresif Bumi Shalawat, Indonesia
Love manga? I learned from Naruto that hard work and perseverance make dreams come true! Who’s your favourite manga character?
Ratchaphong
Pilakun
Nihongo-sensei
Pathumthep Wittayakarn School, Thailand
Reading takes us to different worlds and helps us grow. Every story offers a chance to reflect. Let’s read and grow together!
Ooi Guan Lee
Nihongo-sensei
Textbook Writer
SM Sains Kepala Batas
Malaysia
Active reading means engaging with what you read—ask questions, highlight key ideas, reflect. Have you noticed how a good book can change you?
Edward Lee
Nihongo-sensei
Author of 「風借り」
The Japanese Language Society of Malaysia
Picture books aren’t just for kids! The Black Book of Colors (by Menena Cottin) is all black—but full of colours. Ever wondered how to “see” colours in the dark?