Community "Nihongo Kyoshitsu" Activities Report, vol.8
The regional Japanese language education coordinators of the Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation “TSUNAGARI” will be visiting more and more Japanese classes in Tokyo.
Look forward to the Japanese Class Activity Report, which will introduce lots of Japanese classes!
In our eighth report, we are introducing the Akiruno Nihongo Circle in Akiruno City!
Some information about Akiruno City
Akiruno City is located in the western part of Tokyo Metropolis. It is a city with a rich natural world, especially Akigawa Valley.
Population (as of January 1, 2024): 79,513
No. of foreign nationals among population: 1,347
Akiruno Nihongo Circle
The Akiruno Nihongo Circle is the only Japanese class in the city, and has been going for around 35 years.
There is a learner who has been attending the school for over 20 years.
She already has adequate Japanese language skills, but still attends to study kanji, which she struggles with, and to talk to supporters.
Some learners also brought their children to class.
While their mother was studying, the older child played happily with toys prepared by a supporter in a play area. The younger child was looked after by their father while they waited for their mother to finish her studies.
The Akiruno Nihongo Circle was closed for a long while due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but restarted its activities in December 2023 in response to requests from learners.
While it was closed, the number of supporters decreased, so the circle is currently recruiting people to become supporters.
If you are interested, please contact the circle, even if you have no experience teaching Japanese.
Inquiries: Akiruno Voluntary Action Center (tel: 042-595-9033)
Try visiting...
This was a wonderful class—some people come to talk rather than to study, and some people bring their families with them, making the Japanese classes feel like they have become a place for local people.
I hope the number of supporters increases and the classes carry on for even longer!
by AS