As recommended in the Kyoto Shimbun editorial (2024/08/31), national and private efforts are underway to improve the Japanese language skills of the ever-increasing number of foreign children. In order for these children to live, learn, and grow smoothly in Japanese society, a variety of entities, including educational institutions, the government, private companies, and local communities, are working together to implement various programs and measures. Examples of specific initiatives are listed below and described in detail.
1.National initiatives
(1) Enhancing Japanese language education by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology is working to improve Japanese language education at schools for foreign children who need Japanese language instruction.
Specifically, they are implementing the “Project to Promote the Acceptance of Children Who Need Japanese Language Instruction,” in which they allocate special Japanese language instructors to children who need Japanese language support at elementary and junior high schools across the country and support the provision of educational materials.
For example, in Tokyo and Kanagawa prefectures, specialized Japanese language teachers have set up “Japanese language instruction classes” for children of foreign nationality, and provide Japanese language instruction outside of regular class hours. Additionally, many schools have special needs classes, which are designed to allow foreign children to participate in regular studies while learning Japanese.
(2) Strengthening the multilingual support system
The government is also working to strengthen multilingual support systems in educational settings. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Informatization of Education Promotion Project” is developing multilingual teaching materials and online tools that can be used by children of foreign nationality. This makes it easier for teachers and educational staff to provide instruction in multiple languages, and creates an environment in which children can learn Japanese.
In addition, the use of ICT (information and communication technology) in educational institutions is progressing, and content is being provided to help students learn Japanese efficiently in classes using electronic blackboards and tablets. For example, the Osaka City Board of Education has introduced “tablet-type learning materials” for foreign children and is developing a program to teach them the basics of Japanese.
(3) Japanese language teaching assistant system
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology promotes the “Japanese Language Education Assistant System” and assigns assistants who specialize in Japanese language education to public schools in each region. This system employs human resources who provide specialized support for teaching Japanese to foreign children, creating an environment where children can learn Japanese efficiently. Assistants support children’s Japanese language learning by providing individual instruction not only during class but also after school.
2.Private sector initiatives
(1) Learning support by NPOs/NGOs
Private organizations such as NPOs and NGOs are also contributing to improving the Japanese language skills of foreign children. For example, the NPO Multicultural Center Tokyo holds free or low-cost Japanese language classes and provides Japanese language instruction to children of foreign nationality. In this classroom, volunteer teachers provide instruction tailored to each child’s level and needs, and are designed to increase motivation for learning.
In addition, organizations such as the Japan Foundation have developed Japanese language teaching materials for foreign children and their parents and provide them free of charge at local Japanese language classes and online learning platforms. For example, educational materials such as the “Minna no Nihongo” series are available in multilingual versions and are designed so that you can study both your native language and Japanese.
(2) Provision of Japanese language learning tools by companies
Companies are also actively working in the field of Japanese language education. For example, the education-related company Benesse has developed a Japanese language learning app for foreign children, providing an environment where they can learn Japanese using smartphones and tablets. This app is designed to help children learn Japanese in a fun way using interactive games and quiz-style materials.
Furthermore, a company that provides an online language education service called “Linguage” offers online Japanese language courses specifically for children of foreign nationality, and now they can receive individualized instruction programs using AI technology. This allows children to learn at their own pace, allowing them to learn Japanese more effectively.
(3) Development of educational programs
Private educational institutions are also developing various programs for Japanese language education for foreign children. For example, “ECC Foreign Language School” offers special Japanese language courses for children of foreign nationality, and has a curriculum that accommodates a wide range of age groups, from preschoolers to high school students. This course provides a program aimed at acquiring multifaceted Japanese skills such as conversation, reading comprehension, grammar, and pronunciation, and provides customized instruction according to grade and level.
3.Local community initiatives
(1) Local Japanese classes and volunteer activities
Many local communities have set up “Japanese language classes” where foreign children can learn Japanese. These classes are run by local boards of education, civic groups, and volunteer groups, and are held regularly at local public facilities (libraries, community centers, etc.).
For example, Yokohama City’s “YOKE (Yokohama City International Exchange Association)” operates a “Children’s Japanese Class” for children of foreign nationality, where volunteer Japanese instructors provide individual instruction to children. In the classrooms, they have a curriculum that starts with the basics of reading, writing, and conversation in Japanese, and gradually increases the level of learning. Yokohama City also holds exchange events with local junior high and high school volunteer students, providing a practical opportunity to use Japanese.
(2) Promoting Japanese language learning through local events
Local communities hold events where foreign children can interact with local people while using Japanese. For example, Osaka City’s “Local Japanese Language Salon” holds workshops where local residents and foreign children learn about Japanese culture together, as well as study sessions to support the content of school lessons.
In addition, in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, the Toyota City International Exchange Association is playing a central role in implementing Japanese cultural experience programs (origami, tea ceremony, Bon dance, etc.) for children learning Japanese. This allows children to have fun while learning Japanese, and increases their motivation to learn Japanese.
4.Initiatives using digital technology
(1) Introduction of online Japanese learning platform
In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, many regions and schools have introduced online Japanese learning platforms. For example, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has launched a platform called “e-Japanese Learning” to create an environment where foreign children can learn Japanese through the Internet. The platform allows learning in a variety of formats, including online videos, interactive materials, and quizzes.
There are also platforms provided by companies and NPOs. For example, “Online Japanese Language Class Hikari” offers real-time classes using Zoom, where you can receive one-on-one instruction from a professional Japanese teacher. The introduction of online education in this way has made it possible to learn Japanese beyond geographical and time constraints.
(2) Development of learning apps using AI technology
Development of learning apps using AI technology is also progressing. For example, an app called “Lang-8” has the ability to automatically check Japanese sentences written by children and provide feedback. These tools can help children study independently at home and improve their learning efficiency.
Apps that use AI-based speech recognition technology have also appeared, helping children correct their pronunciation and accent. For example, “Duolingo” is an app that allows children to learn Japanese in a game-like manner, and is designed to help children continue learning while having fun.
Summary
Efforts to improve the Japanese language skills of foreign children are underway at various levels, including the government, private companies, local communities, and digital technology. Through these diverse initiatives, we are creating an environment in which foreign children can effectively learn Japanese and easily adapt to life and education in Japanese society. We will continue to strengthen these efforts and provide support tailored to the needs of each child.