From “learning” Japanese to “connecting” through it — a report on an international exchange filled with language and culture
For families living in Hawaii or elsewhere in the United States:
- “I want my child to grow up not only learning Japanese, but also experiencing Japanese culture.”
- “I hope my child will be able to use Japanese naturally as a bilingual speaker.”
- “I’m looking for a Japanese language school overseas where my child can stay connected to real, living Japanese culture.”
For parents who feel this way, we would like to share one of the international exchange programs recently held at our school, this time with students from a language college in Japan.
This was not just another lesson. It was a chance for children to experience a real connection with Japan.
Students from a Japanese Language College Came to Hawaii
Recently, we received an inquiry from Fukuoka College of Foreign Languages, who asked if they could send students to Hawaii.
This college is a school where Japanese and international students study together, building language skills and a global perspective as they prepare for the future.
As part of their overseas learning experience, four Japanese students stayed in Hawaii for two weeks. Out of those four, two students joined our Japanese language classroom for three days.
“Big Brothers and Big Sisters Are Here!”
Three Special Days That Lit Up the Children’s Faces
The visiting students were in their early twenties. To our younger students, they felt like slightly older “big brothers” and “big sisters.”
During class, they played together, spoke in Japanese, and sometimes communicated in English as well. For the children, it became a valuable opportunity to interact with living, real-life Japanese.
Around the same time, on May 20, we were also holding an online exchange lesson with a preschool in Japan. The visiting college students sat in and observed that program too. They were pleasantly surprised to see activities like this and warmly watched the children’s reactions throughout the session.
Natural Opportunities to Speak Japanese
In exchange settings like this, children naturally try to communicate in Japanese to match the person they are speaking with.
When they realize the other person understands only Japanese, they often try to express themselves in Japanese—even if they feel shy at first. At our school, we continue to create more of these moments where children genuinely want to communicate.
Language becomes truly meaningful when children have real opportunities to use it. That is why we value these kinds of practical, human-centered experiences.
Our School’s Belief: Even Once a Week, Children Can Grow Real Japanese Skills
Some parents in Hawaii may wonder:
- “Does attending once a week really make a difference?”
- “Is it okay if the lesson feels more interactive or playful?”
But in reality, what matters most is how, with whom, and in what kind of setting children are using Japanese.
It is not enough to simply complete worksheets.
The real turning point in becoming bilingual is whether a child has opportunities to:
- hear Japanese
- speak Japanese
- express themselves in Japanese
- connect with others through Japanese
These experiences make all the difference.
A Classroom in Hawaii That Helps Children Truly Connect with Japan
This collaboration with Fukuoka College of Foreign Languages was our first attempt at this kind of program, but the visiting students told us, “We’d love to come again.” Because of that, we are now considering continuing the partnership in the coming years.
By staying connected with schools in Japan in real and meaningful ways, we hope to continue creating more opportunities for children to experience Japan as it is today.
For Families Looking for a Japanese Language School
If you are looking for a Japanese language school in Hawaii,
if you are interested in bilingual education,
or if you want your child to do more than just study the language—to actually build a connection with Japan—
we would love to welcome you to our classroom.
If you are interested, we would be happy to introduce our trial lessons and explain our programs in more detail.
Please feel free to contact us anytime.