The Activities of the Japan Foundation
The Japan Foundation Asia Center
Support for Japanese-Language Learning
The "NIHONGO Partners" Program
The "NIHONGO Partners" program sends Japanese citizens to educational institutions in Asia to serve as partners for Japanese teachers and their students by supporting Japanese language classes and introducing Japanese culture. In FY2018, 635 partners were dispatched to 526 junior high schools, high schools, universities and other learning institutes in the 10 ASEAN countries, China and Taiwan. The "NIHONGO Partners" program not only fosters connections with Japanese-language learners and local people but also introduces Japanese culture through extracurricular activities and events.
Participants from a Variety of Ages and Backgrounds
"NIHONGO Partners" participate in the program with a passion for interacting with Asia using their respective personal strengths and experiences, regardless of their knowledge or skills in Japanese-language teaching, ranging in age from their 20s to 60s.
Practical Japanese and the Real Japan
Since "NIHONGO Partners" are native Japanese speakers, they can share not only Japanese language from textbooks but also practical Japanese language and culture, both in and out of the classroom.
Learn in the Field and Become a Bridge Connecting Asia
The role of "NIHONGO Partners" is to learn the language and culture of where they are sent, as well as conveying Japanese language and culture. They become bridges that connect Asia together by spending time in the same community, interacting with respect and sharing their experiences.
Opinions from the Field
Many participants of the program have a high opinion of "NIHONGO Partners" who helped to increase their interest in Japan, boost the number of students studying Japanese and heighten their learning motivation.
Messages from Past Participants
I'd like to contribute to international exchange in the region by taking advantage of my experience in Thailand.
Hanami Sato, Thailand Group 3
After fulfilling the "NIHONGO Partners" program, I returned to Thailand to work as a Japanese teacher before becoming in charge of promoting tourism in Bibai City, Hokkaido. My mission is to contribute to grassroots international exchange by using Plain Japanese, which is easier to understand for foreign tourists, with the attitude I learnt from my experience of "NIHONGO Partners"; enjoying cross-cultural exchange, first and foremost.
"NIHONGO Partners" are like private diplomats. I hope to continue acting as a bridge connecting Asia.
Masato Kawahara, Brunei Group 3
I applied my company's leave system to take part in the program. During my time as a "NIHONGO Partner", I published a list of words and phrases used in Brunei and local information in my blog, while familiarizing myself with Islamic culture and customs. I would love to continue working as a bridge connecting Japan and Brunei to promote the understanding of Japan among the local people.