The Activities of the Japan Foundation
Language: Japanese-Language Education Overseas
NIHONGO Partners Program
People of Diverse Ages and Backgrounds Communicate in Real Japanese and Learn from Each Other
NIHONGO Partners serve as partners for Japanese-language teachers and their students in Asia by acting as teaching assistants and introducing Japanese culture. In FY2022, we sent 279 people to middle and high schools and universities in seven ASEAN countries as well as China and Taiwan. Even if they do not have expert knowledge, NIHONGO Partners with a zeal for exchange with Asia can all display their respective experiences and strengths and share the living Japanese and real Japan that comes from being native speakers. They show respect to teachers, learners and local community members, interact on an equal footing, and learn about the local language and culture at their destinations, deepening their bonds with the local people.
Voices of Participants
NIHONGO Partners (NP)
OTANI Umi
Philippines 9th term
Teacher at a local school
in Thailand
Vithianthiab Wattana
Satreeprasertsin School
Student at a local school
in Indonesia
Rashel Septian
SMAN 1 Bergas (National Senior High School 1, Bergas)
By introducing aspects of Japanese culture that students are interested in, I have discovered that the commonplace elements of daily life in Japan are, in fact, aspects of a rich culture and tradition to be proud of. Learning about Japan's new side alongside students has been a delightful experience that has expanded my horizons. As I move forward in my journey as an elementary school teacher, I am inspired to share the subtle beauties of Japan that might otherwise go unnoticed in our day-to-day experiences.
I am interested in learning not only the Japanese language, but also about Japanese culture. Seeing my classmates perform the Soran Bushi dance with such vigor at our cultural festival, with guidance from NP and our teachers, has deepened my interest in Japanese culture. I hope to someday go to Japan for study or travel.
I worked with an NP to practice Japanese pronunciation with students interested in participating in a Japanese speech contest. Since the NP's arrival, I feel that the students have become more active in using Japanese than before. The NP has told us about recent events in Japan and trivia about manga, which has been educational not only for the students but also for me as a teacher.