The Heart of J-pop: Language, Emotion, and Connection This workshop offers a supportive, culturally grounded introduction to language learning at the start of the academic year. Designed as an enrichment experience, it combines Japanese popular culture, music, gentle movement, voice awareness, and creative reflection to help learners build confidence, fluency, and readiness for communication. In addition to listening-based activities using Japanese pop music, the session includes light enrichment practices such as ラジオ体操 (Japanese radio calisthenics) and simple voice exercises. These activities are used to help participants relax their bodies, warm up their voices, and become more comfortable speaking and expressing themselves in a new language. Notes: This class will be taught in English, but many of the songs will be in Japanese and so too will some of the conversations that follow. Basic understanding of Japanese is required. Attendees also must be able to read Hiragana/Katakana 2 - 3 songs will be played and discussed no returns/refunds