Japanese Educational Resources
Culture Learning Resources
Web Japan is great place to start for students doing research on topics ranging from traditional culture and history to trends and technology! The site features fact sheets, articles on new topics, and videos, all arranged by category for easy searching. You can also find back issues of Niponica Magazine there, which has themed issues with spectacular photography:
http://web-japan.org/
For parents and teachers looking to introduce younger kids to Japanese culture, the “Kids Web Japan” site provides animated folk-tale story books, online games, and more, so there’s going to be something available for every learning style! One favorite section is “Meet the Kids” which features the stories of individual Japanese students, who share experiences from their daily lives: http://web-japan.org/kidsweb/index.html
The Japan Information & Culture Center (JICC) is a part of the Public Affairs Section of the Embassy of Japan in Washington D.C. The JICC is committed to promoting a better understanding of Japan and Japanese culture by providing residents of the District of Columbia, Virginia, and Maryland with exciting artistic, educational, and cultural dialogue.
For almost two years, the JICC has been publishing their “TeachingTuesday” Facebook posts about fascinating examples of Japanese culture. The resulting collection of PDF’s make for excellent handouts for teachers, bite-sized pieces for students doing self-study:
http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/teachingtuesday.html
Japanese Language Learning Resources
Whether you are one of the 160,000 people in the US studying Japanese in school or are studying independently, the resources listed below can help advance your Japanese language skills. If you are looking for in-person classes, check out the Japan-America Society’s Japanese Language School (http://www.jaswdc.org/) or the JICC’s page on local language classes (http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/dc-links.html) to find courses in the DMV area.
The Japan Foundation has created a wide range of great materials for those learning or teaching Japanese: articles, games, quizzes, language courses, and so much more. Highlights include:
School Visits
The DC area offers many free programs to bring Japan into the classroom. If you are outside of the DC area, check with your local consulate or Japan-America society as they often have similar programs. Find your consulate at http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/consulate-guide.html
Our Japan Information and Culture Center (JICC) welcomes groups to participate in the JICC Educational Program to learn about Japanese culture through presentations as well as hands-on activities. If you can’t bring your class to the JICC, bring Japan into the classroom with the Item Loan Program which allows local teachers to borrow Japanese cultural items such as Japanese toys, food, and traditional Japanese clothing.
The Embassy of Japan also welcomes student groups to learn more about Japan but with a focus on the Japan-US relationship and discussions of policy issues. Please contact the Education Desk for more information education@ws.mofa.go.jp or call 202-238-6768.
The JET Ambassadors Program brings alumni of the Japan Exchange and Teaching program to DC, MD, and VA schools to share their experiences of Japan through interactive presentations.
http://jetaadc.org/jet-ambassadors-program/
Japan-In-A-Suitcase is run by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC, this program visits schools, libraries, and culture fairs to present on Japanese culture and to offer hands-on activities.
http://www.jaswdc.org/japan-in-a-suitcase/
Study in Japan
Over 184,000 international students are studying abroad in Japan now. Studying in Japan offers you the opportunity of a lifetime, whether you go to develop your Japanese language skills or simply to experience another culture first hand. The Embassy of Japan cannot assist you with finding a program, but we recommend starting your search using the resources below.
Study in Japan
Study in Japan, created by Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a good guide for students interested in studying in Japan, both for those interested in short term programs as well as full degree programs. http://www.studyjapan.go.jp/en/index.html
The Study in Japan website is produced and operated by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and is a site that provides comprehensive information regarding studying in Japan.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO)
If you are looking for a program, JASSO has a comprehensive list of institutions and scholarships for international students.
http://www.jasso.go.jp/en/study_j/
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) is an independent administrative institution established under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Monbukagakusho).
Top Global University Project
The Top Global University Project aims to internationalize Japanese universities, with a focus on hiring more faculty from abroad, bringing in international students, and encouraging globally-focused reasearch and curriculum. Many of the featured universities include English language courses and some even offer full degree courses conducted entirely in English.
MEXT Scholarship Information
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT or Monbukagakusho) offers scholarships each year to assist students who are interested in enrolling in Japanese universities. As of the 2015 Japanese academic year, some 102,000 students from approximately 160 countries and regions around the world have studied in Japan under the Japanese Government (Monbukagakusho) Scholarship program established in 1954.
Learn more here: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/english/html/mext-scholarship.html
Teach in Japan
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) Program
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Program (JET) Program is an initiative sponsored by the Japanese government which brings young, college-educated individuals from over 40 countries to work in communities all over Japan. Since 1987, more than 30,000 Americans have participated in the program either as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools or as Coordinators for International Relations working at local government offices. Find out more at the JET Program USA homepage: www.jetprogramusa.org
Other Teaching Opportunities
The Japan Information and Culture Center has a helpful page for those interested in other teaching programs and employment opportunities in Japan. Visit http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/jicc/work-japan.html for more information.