Japanese Teaching Methods Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language

Deadline: 01-Dec-2026

The Japanese Teaching Methods Program for Teachers of the Japanese Language is inviting applications from overseas Japanese-language teachers for a six-week summer training programme in Japan. The programme is designed to strengthen teaching methodology, expand knowledge of Japanese culture and society, and help teachers improve Japanese-language education in their respective educational settings. Organized by the Japan Foundation’s Japanese-Language Institute, Urawa, the programme provides intensive professional development through lectures, workshops, and practical learning activities. Selected participants receive support covering travel, accommodation, and programme expenses.

About the Japanese Teaching Methods Program

The Japanese Teaching Methods Program is designed for experienced overseas teachers who want to deepen their knowledge of Japanese-language teaching methods and improve their classroom practices. The six-week summer training focuses on both teaching methodology and cultural understanding. Participants explore approaches that can be applied to different educational environments and consider how Japanese culture and cross-cultural content can be incorporated effectively into Japanese-language lessons. The programme also encourages teachers to reflect on challenges in their own classrooms and identify practical strategies for improving their teaching. What Does the Program Focus On? The training provides participants with opportunities to develop their professional knowledge in several areas, including: - Japanese-language teaching methodology. - Effective approaches to Japanese-language education. - Incorporating Japanese cultural content into lessons. - Incorporating cross-cultural content into teaching. - Reflecting on challenges within participants’ own educational environments. - Developing practical strategies for improving classroom teaching. - Expanding teachers’ understanding of Japanese culture and society. Through these activities, participants can connect methodological knowledge with their own teaching experiences. Who Can Apply? The programme is intended for Japanese-language teachers from overseas educational organizations that provide Japanese-language education. Applicants must meet the programme’s experience and Japanese-language proficiency requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be teachers from overseas educational organizations providing Japanese-language education. - Have more than five years of Japanese-language teaching experience. - Have Japanese proficiency at JFS Level B1 or higher, JLPT N3 or higher, or an equivalent level. - Meet the requirement concerning previous participation in Japanese-language teacher onsite training programmes in Japan. Teaching experience from private lessons and teaching practice is excluded when calculating the required five years of teaching experience. Japanese-Language Proficiency Requirement Applicants must demonstrate sufficient Japanese-language ability to participate effectively in the training.

The required level is:

- JFS Level B1 or higher, or - JLPT N3 or higher, or - An equivalent level of Japanese proficiency. This requirement reflects the programme’s focus on advanced professional learning in Japanese-language teaching methodology. Previous Training in Japan Applicants must not have participated in a Japanese-language teacher onsite training programme in Japan for more than one month since April 2021. Applicants should therefore consider their previous participation in Japanese-language teacher training in Japan when determining whether they meet the eligibility requirements. Age Priority Applicants aged 55 or under as of December 1, 2026, will receive higher priority during selection. This does not mean that applicants above this age are necessarily excluded; rather, the programme gives higher priority to applicants who meet the stated age criterion. What Will Participants Learn? Participants will take part in lectures and workshops designed to develop their understanding of Japanese-language teaching.

The training will help participants:

- Introduce and organize knowledge about Japanese-language teaching methods. - Expand their understanding of effective teaching approaches. - Explore ways to use cultural content in Japanese-language lessons. - Learn how cross-cultural perspectives can strengthen language education. - Reflect on their own teaching environments. - Consider practical responses to classroom challenges. - Apply newly learned strategies to their teaching practice. The programme therefore combines theoretical learning with reflection on real-world teaching situations. Japanese Culture and Society Understanding Japanese culture and society is an important component of the programme. Participants will have opportunities to deepen their knowledge of Japan and consider how cultural and cross-cultural information can be incorporated into Japanese-language education. This can help teachers provide students with language learning experiences that go beyond grammar and vocabulary by connecting language with cultural understanding. Professional Development for Overseas Teachers The six-week programme offers an opportunity for experienced teachers to update and strengthen their professional expertise. Participants can use the training to examine their existing teaching practices, identify classroom challenges, and consider new approaches that may be suitable for their educational environments. The programme can therefore support both individual professional development and the broader development of Japanese-language education overseas. Financial Support Selected participants will receive support covering the main costs associated with participating in the programme.

The programme covers:

- Travel expenses. - Accommodation. - Programme expenses. This support enables selected overseas Japanese-language teachers to participate in the six-week training in Japan without bearing t