Promoting a Multicultural Society
Easy (understandable) Japanese
There are approximately 20,000 foreign residents in Nakano Ward, representing more than 100 different nationalities. In addition, approximately 90% are from Asia and English is not necessarily their first language. Therefore, Association for Nakano International Communications recognized the need from early on to provide information in Easy (understandable) Japanese as a means of communicating information to these foreign residents. On our homepage, we provide information in ‘Yasashii Nihongo’ (Easy Japanese), and we also cooperate in translating guidance from the ward into Yasashii Nihongo, such as ‘How to put out and sort & separate resources and rubbish’ and also ‘Nakano Living Guidebook for Foreign Residents’ published by Nakano Ward. We also provide consultation on Easy (understandable) Japanese from various institutions.
Easiest course in Japan for Easy (understandable) Japanese
The Easy (Understandable) Japanese Language Course is held once a year for residents in the ward and provides lectures on the concept of Easy (Understandable) Japanese and translation methods. The course is a practical course in translating actual administrative documents into Easy (understandable) Japanese, in cooperation with guests from foreign countries, who have just arrived in Japan, so that they can directly experience whether their translations are actually understandable or not, which has become a very popular course.
Foreign Language Courses (Beginning Chinese / Beginning Korean / My First English Lesson)
To promote cross-cultural understanding and grass-roots international exchange, we hold beginner’s Chinese and Korean and English language courses as motivation for people learning foreign languages. There are 24 classes in the year divided into two terms. We start accepting applications for the courses every year at the beginning of March.
Beginning Chinese Tuesday 18：30～20：30
Beginning Korean Monday 13：30～15：30
My First English Lesson Monday 10：00～12：00
International Understanding Course
ANIC holds classes about various countries’ cultures and histories for the residents of Nakano City in order to deepen their understanding of foreign countries.
Past Courses
2021 「Support for children connected to other countries - reality seen through the Corona disaster」
Representative Director of the NPO Support Kids Japan.
Representative of the Association for Japanese Language
Education in Tokyo
Ms. Mariko Nakayama
2020 「Let's get to know Vietnam! ～Young people aiming for Japan」
Lecturer, Faculty of Japanese Language,
Ho Chi Minh City Normal University.Ms. Sai Thi Mai
2019 「Welcoming Foreign Visitors: Language Volunteer Course」
Held in Tokyo
2018 「Welcoming Foreign Visitors: Language Volunteer Course」
Held in Tokyo
2018 「Let's get to know Nepal - Life and culture of a multi-ethnic society」
Director, Nepal Association Mr. Gowchan Salad Kumar
2017 「Welcoming Foreign Visitors: Language Volunteer Course」
Held in Tokyo
2017 「Mongolia - to the tune of the Matouqin」
Matouqin player Mr. Senjia
2016 「Welcoming Foreign Visitors: Language Volunteer Course」
Held in Tokyo
2016 「Laos and Libraries」
Laos Mountain Children's Fund - Essayist and Mon Culture Researcher Kiyoko Yasui
2016 「Experience the Qanun (the “Arabian Harp”) and Qatar Lifestyle and Culture」
Qanun Player Abdulla Yameen
2015 「Welcoming Foreign Visitors: Language Volunteer Course」
Held in Tokyo
2015 「Simple Japanese and English Explanation of the Stars of Japan and the World」
Nakano ZERO Planetarium Guide Yoko Dairaku
2014 「Gourmet country, Italia」
Gourmet scholar and writer, Francesco BELLISSIMO
2013 「Foreign residents and the local community – building a multicultural society」
Meiji University, School of Global Japanese Studies, Professor Keizo YAMAWAKI
2011 「Two homelands – visiting the land of the Manchuria pioneers」
Yasuoka, Nagano Prefecture, Pioneer History Speaker, Tadzuru NAKAJIMA
2010 「A gift from the gods, Bulgaria」
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria, Minister Vera STEFANOVA
Cooperation with Nakano College for Lifelong Learning (Sponsor : Nakano City）
Trying to speak to Japanese language learners in simple JapaneseThese courses are made for Nakano City residents between the ages of 55 and 79 to encourage activity with friends in the community while enhancing knowledge and skills. We were asked by Nakano City to assist with the International Understanding Seminar for 2nd and 3rd year students.
