Japanese language schools lag behind despite rise in foreigners living in Japan

Only 64 schools nationwide have been accredited as Japanese Language Institutes. Read more at straitstimes.com.

TOKYO - As the number of foreigners living in Japan has hit a record high, it has become urgent to improve the environment for learning Japanese.

While the central government has tightened the standards for screening Japanese language schools to improve the quality of education, many municipalities lack even schools or classrooms, so more students cannot be accommodated.

“The central and local governments should work together increase students’ learning opportunities,” experts have said.

On the morning of Feb 18, students at New World International Academy, a Japanese language school in Nagoya, gave speeches in Japanese about the appeal of Nara. The class will visit the city for off-campus learning.

“Todaiji temple is a famous temple in Nara. I want to look at the cute deer there,” Ms Diyali Yamuna said in her speech. She was one of 18 international students in the class.

Ms Diyali, 19, came to Japan from Nepal in the autumn of 2024. Initially, her Japanese ability was limited to simple greetings. But now she can pass part-time job interviews in Japanese without difficulty and will graduate in March.