The Activities of the Japan Foundation
Language: Japanese-Language Education Overseas
Establishing Environments for Japanese-Language Education Overseas
To ensure that high-quality and stable Japanese-language education is widely implemented overseas, the Japan Foundation collaborated with local government agencies and principal Japanese-language education institutions taking into consideration the circumstances of each country and region and mainly undertook the following programs to promote the establishment of Japanese-language education environments in each country and region.
Dispatch of Japanese-Language Specialists
The Japan Foundation dispatches Japanese-Language Specialists and Japanese-Language Assistants to the Ministries of Education in various countries, the overseas offices of the Japan Foundation and educational institutions (42 countries, 119 posts). We also provide training to local Japanese-language teachers, give advice on preparing teaching materials and Japanese-language teaching methods, support the formation of networks among teachers and visit educational institutions to offer guidance. Moreover, in addition to 11 young Japanese-language teachers (J-LEAP), we newly dispatched six Japanese-Language Supporters to the United States as we supported Japanese-language classes.
Arrival training for J-LEAP Year 8 (Seattle)
Assistance for Activities of Japanese-Language Education Organizations, Support for Network Formation
We provide assistance for activities that help spread the Japanese language such as Japanese-language courses, purchase of teaching materials and speech contests through local educational organizations including JF Nihongo Network (Sakura Network) Members*.
* Sakura Network Members are core Japanese-language educational institutions/organizations located in each country. As of March 31, 2018, the membership included 292 institutions in 93 countries/regions.
A Japanese class in Cambodia (Mekong Cambodia Japan Organization (M.C.J.O))
Training Programs for Japanese-Language Teachers and Learners in Each Country
We invited Japanese-language teachers and learners from overseas to the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa and the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai for training to enhance the skills of those who will handle Japanese-language education overseas.
Short-Term Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language (Summer) held at the Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa
Pre-Arrival Japanese-Language Training Based on EPAs
The Japan Foundation implemented six-month preparatory pre-arrival Japanese-language training for 646 nurses and certified care worker candidates based on bilateral Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) between Japan and Indonesia and the Philippines, respectively. Following their arrival in Japan, the candidates will receive an additional six months of Japanese-language training, after which they will be assigned to hospitals and caregiving facilities to work with the intention of passing a national examination.
A presentation at a class for candidates under the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with Indonesia
The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa
The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa, was established in 1989 to comprehensively provide support for Japanese-language education overseas. Overseas Japanese-language teachers are invited for training programs on the Japanese language, Japanese-language teaching methods and Japanese culture. It also develops and provides teaching materials to promote the use of the JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education*.
* A framework for considering course design, class design and evaluations with emphasis on developing "competence in accomplishing tasks" (the ability to use language to complete specific tasks) and "competence in intercultural understanding" (the ability to understand and respect one's own and other people's cultures)
Long-Term Training Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language participants attending field trip (Yuzen dyeing experience) held at the Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa
The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai
The Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai was established in 1997 as a Japanese-language training facility providing support to Japanese-language learners from overseas. Foreign service officers, public officials and Japan specialists are invited to the Institute from various countries to receive training in specialized Japanese that is useful for their work duties and research; moreover, the Institute has training programs for learners from overseas. It also promotes the development of e-learning materials such as online Japanese courses, Japanese learning websites and apps based on the know-how it acquires through the training programs.
Japanese-Language Program for Specialists held at the Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai