The program participants who were interviewed

• I: Cheblakova Irina, Japan Center in Khabarovsk
• M: Zhapbasbayeva Makpal Babazhanovna, Kazakhstan-Japan Center for Human Resources Development
• K: Popova Kateryna, Library of the Kyiv National Linguistic University
• N: Noborizato Tamiko, the program instructor (Interviewer)

Japanese language lessons

N:

The Japanese-Language Program for Librarians will be over in one week. Today, I would like to interview Irina from Russia, Maki from Kazakhstan, and Katerina from Ukraine. Now, let me ask you the first question. How have you liked the course?

I:

In one word, it has been “Tenka-Ippin”. I have had valuable experiences.

M:

In short, it has been “excellent”! I have been able to visit various famous spots in Japan as well as study. I would really like to thank the Japan Foundation.

N:

How were the Japanese language lessons?

K:

Because my preparation for lessons was not enough, it was difficult to achieve my aims. But, the teachers did really good work. In particular, the discussion class helped improve my conversation skills.

I:

They were good chances for me to organize my fragmentary grammar knowledge. And I liked listening class very much.

N:

What do you think of the programs for understanding Japanese libraries?

I:

The OJT (on the job training) at Osaka Prefectural Central Library helped me a lot. If possible, I would like to introduce the service for children, which I learned from this OJT, to my library.

Japanese culture and society

N:

Did you deepen your understanding of Japanese culture and society?

K:

Thanks to the class of the Japanese culture, now I understand Japanese culture and feeling of Japanese people well.

I:

Even before coming to Japan, I was told that Japanese people were so kind, and I found it to be true after arriving in Japan. For example, even if I ask them questions many times, they will answer the questions kindly and willingly.

M:

Most of the Japanese love stories which I had read in Kazakhstan did not come to a happy ending, but I have seen many Japanese couples who look happy on the street in Japan. That has been a surprise, and I envy them.

I:

I heard that “declining birthrate” was an issue in Japan, but I see many children walking on the street. I sometimes even see a father holding his kid in his arms and walking on the street with his family.

K:

It seems that Japanese people always think about feelings of other people. For example, aboard train or bus many Japanese set their mobile telephone to silent mode so as not to disturb other people.

Advice for the next year participants

N:

Unfortunately, the course for librarians will not be offered in the fiscal year of 08-09. So, librarians will attend the course for Researchers and Postgraduate Students. Do you have any advice for the next year participants?

I:

You had better learn the basic grammar in advance before coming to Japan. Also, you had better be ready for riding a bicycle. You won’t be able to survive your Kansai Center life without riding a bicycle.

M:

You don’t have to bring a lot of your clothes. Clothes are not so expensive in Japan.

K:

You had better consider the theme of your report in advance before coming to Japan, and then you will feel more comfortable with this course.

N:

How would you like to use what you have learned here in this course after returning to your work?

I:

I learned many new Japanese expressions in the class of “Honorific Expressions”. I would like to use them in the exchange of e-mails with Japanese business partners.

M:

I would like to make use of my experiences of visiting libraries and OJT for my job. In particular, for my library I do want to create the section of books recommended by professors and librarians.

K:

We learned how to use Nacsis-Webcat in this course. I would like to use it after going back to Ukraine as well.

N:

Before concluding this interview, would you please give the next year participants a short message?

M:

The earlier you start the preparation of your report, the better. My teachers said many times, “Start preparation of your report early. You will get very busy in the latter half of this course,” but I didn’t listen to this advice at that time because I thought that I would have enough time. I was wrong after all. I had a hard time meeting the deadline, and then realized that I should have listened to the advice.

I:

Time really flies like an arrow while living in Japan. Please spend your time in Japan wisely and meaningfully.

K:

Once you are done with your homework, get out of the center building and visit as many places as possible. If you always stay in your room, you will eventually regret it even though the center life is convenient.

N:

Thank you all for your time.