How do I join Bristol Japan Club?
There is no formal membership of BJC - just come along to one of our twice-monthly
meetings.How much does it cost?
At present there is no charge and the Polish Club, where we have been
holding our meetings since June 2001, are not charging for the use of their
club. From March 2006 we also meet at Obento Japanese Restaurant on the last
Tuesday of every month, where we will have special events from time to time at a
fixed charge including food.
Is it only for Japanese people?
No. It's for anyone interested in Japan as well. And not just British people -
among the nationalities at BJC there have been French, Spanish, Austrian,
German, Australian, Korean, Portuguese, Chinese and probably many others!
 Who goes to the
Japan Club?
All sorts of people - Japanese people living or working in the Bristol area;
university and college students; people studying Japanese at evening
classes; ex-JETs; language school students; people who have lived in Japan;
people with Japanese husbands, wives, girlfriends or boyfriends; people with
Japan-related interests such as martial arts, origami or manga; in fact
anyone who is either Japanese or has some interest in Japan. You can see for
yourself in the Photo Gallery.
Why go there?
For Japanese people
- to meet local people with an interest in Japan; to
practice speaking English; to meet other Japanese people living or staying in
Bristol; to find out about local places and events
For non-Japanese people - to meet local people with a common interest; to
practice speaking Japanese; to meet Japanese people and further your interest in
Japan
For everyone - to make new friends; to meet old friends; or treat it as a night
out at the pub with a difference.
How many people go?
Numbers vary from month to month - as few as 15 or as many as 50. The
average recently has been about 20 people.
When is it?
The 2nd Wednesday of every month throughout the year at the Polish Club. We start at 8:00pm and
finish at about 11:30pm but you do not have to arrive that early or stay that
late. The busiest time is usually between about 9:00pm and 10:30pm. Please see
the Meeting Dates page for a list of forthcoming dates.
We also meet at Obento Japanese restaurant in Baldwin Street (next to St
Nicholas Market) on the last Tuesday of every month from
8:00pm.
How do I get there?
POLISH CLUB, 50 St Paul's Road, Clifton, Bristol. It
is within easy walking distance from the main Bristol University buildings and
the English Language Centre. The Clifton district is north of the city centre
and easily accessible by bus or car. Head for Whiteladies Road, which is one of
Bristol's best known streets and is on several main bus routes. At the traffic
lights by the BBC Television studios, turn into St Paul's Road. The club is
opposite Queens Court flats, next to Arlington House. Please see the Map
& Directions page for more details.
OBENTO, 69
Baldwin Street, central Bristol. Baldwin Street is the road running
from the city centre to Bristol Bridge. Obento is at the Bristol
Bridge end, next to St Nicholas Market and near the Broadmead
shopping centre. See the Japan Club at
Obento page for more details.
 Do I have to speak Japanese?
No. There is usually plenty of opportunity to converse in English or Japanese, as
you wish. Of course, it all depends on who you are talking to.
Can I get something to eat and drink there?
There is a licensed bar at the Polish Club selling alcohol, soft drinks and light snacks. Because it is a private club, the prices are generally
less than pub prices. At Obento there is a bar selling a wide variety of
drinks, including Japanese beers and sake, as well as a full restaurant menu.
Does anything else happen at BJC?
Mainly it's a meeting point, so once people have made contact they often
arrange to meet separately to pursue their own interests and friendships as well
as continuing to attend BJC. We
have had some trips to local places of interest, talks and Japanese food
evenings. At Obento we have had a Japanese food-tasting night and an okonomiyaki
party with more events to follow. Ideas and
suggestions for events are always welcome.
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