2026

• Intercultural Crosstalk

3 individuals with roots in Nepal, China, and Vietnam worked at convenience stores in Tokyo, each drawn there by different circumstances and goals. In this second session, we discuss the specific challenges and rewards they encountered in their convenience store roles.

• Close UP

The Nippon Bengal Friends Circle, led by Mr. Salam, is a nonprofit organization (NPO) headed by Mr. Salam, who has lived in Japan for 37 years. Mr. Salam is engaged in a wide range of activities, including providing supplies and food aid, and women’s vocational training in Bangladesh, running food pantries, and operating a children’s cafeteria in Japan.

• Motto Shiritai Nihongo

慣用句（idiom） are expressions that combine two or more words to create a different meaning. The meaning is completely different from the original words, so it is useful to know idioms. Idioms often use words related to the body, such as “te (hand)” and “ashi (leg).” This month, let’s learn some useful idioms that use the word “kao (face).”

• Intercultural Crosstalk

We present a series of 3 round-table discussions featuring “People Involved in the Tourism and Travel Industry.” The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan and Tokyo continues to grow year after year. This time, we spoke with 3 individuals who are engaged in Japan's tourism and travel industry, leveraging their own backgrounds and experiences. In round 1, we ask them about what sparked their interest in Japan's tourism and travel industry.

• Close UP

Kataribais a certified nonprofit organization that delivers diverse opportunities for connections and learning through various dialogue programs for teens. Among their activities, the Roots Project provides career support for high school students with foreign roots, such as internship programs run in collaboration with partner businesses. We spoke with Mr. Kouki Yamaguchi, who is in charge of the project.

• Motto Shiritai Nihongo

慣用句（idiom） are expressions that combine two or more words to create a different meaning. The meaning is completely different from the original words, so it is useful to know idioms. Idioms often use words related to the body, such as “te (hand)” and “ashi (leg).” This month, let’s learn some useful idioms that use the word “mimi (ear).”

• Intercultural Crosstalk

In this interview, we spoke with 3 people who have taught Japanese in their respective countries about Japanese language education in their countries, their experiences as teachers, and the challenges and rewards of their work.

• Close UP

“Nakano Himitsukichi,” is set in an old traditional Japanese house (kominka), quietly nestled in a residential neighborhood of Nakano. This place has become a gathering spot where people of various ages and nationalities from the community come together to relax. The representative of Nakano Himitsukichi is Ms. Mariko Yamamoto, who once traveled the world as a backpacker.

• Motto Shiritai Nihongo

慣用句（idiom） are expressions that combine two or more words to create a different meaning. The meaning is completely different from the original words, so it is useful to know idioms. Idioms often use words related to the body, such as “te (hand)” and “ashi (leg).” This month, let’s learn some useful idioms that use the word “mimi (ear).”

• Intercultural Crosstalk

This round table discussion was with 3 participants involved in Japan’s tourism and travel industry from their respective roles as an influencer, a railway company worker, and a travel agency/blogger. In this issue, we will hear about the appeal of Tokyo as a travel destination from the perspectives of these 3 individuals who travel around the world.

• Close UP

The NPO e-Education provides ICT-based educational services in developing countries, including Bangladesh, to ensure all children have access to education. Additionally, they provide educational programs for children with foreign roots living in Japan. The NPO e-Education, with the mission of “Best Education to Edge of the World” has delivered education to over 50,000 middle and high school students across 15 countries and regions since its founding in 2010. We spoke with Mr. Kaito Miwa, a founding member of the NPO e-Education, and the organization’s current CEO.

• Motto Shiritai Nihongo

慣用句（idiom） are expressions that combine two or more words to create a different meaning. The meaning is completely different from the original words, so it is useful to know idioms. Idioms often use words related to the body, such as “te (hand)” and “ashi (leg).” This month, let’s learn some useful idioms that use the word “mimi (ear).”