Issue No. 1, July 2020

coined from NIHONGO (Japanese language) and JIN (person)- refers to native/non-native individuals involved in Japanese Language Education

Introducing the Nihongo Coursebook
Irodori: Japanese for Life in JapanThe Nihongo coursebook Irodori Japanese for life in Japan is a learning material for
non-native Nihongo speakers to acquire the basic communication skills necessary for living and working in Japan. One will learn Nihongo from various aspects of Japanese life:
working, shopping, going out, eating, interacting with others, and more.
In Irodori, emphasis is given to listening input. Since it is important to listen to a
lot of Nihongo in order to be able to use it in actual situations, numerous audio files are
made available for download. Moreover, the coursebooks include reading and writing
exercises, learning materials similar to those found in Realia; or materials found in real
life, so that one is able to practice through settings similar toactual situations in Japan. As a result, one can learn practical
Japanese quickly
In addition, as Irodori has set its learning objectives basedon JF Can-do for Life in Japan, it can also be used in preparation for “JFT-Basic”, a test which measures practical everyday
Nihongo skills.
Irodori can be downloaded for free. For more details, please
visit the official Irodori website: https://www.irodori.jpf.go.jp/en/index.html (English)

The 31st Philippine Nihongo Teachers’ ForumThe 31st Philippines Nihongo Teachers’
Forum, entitled “Reflecting on Effective Input
in the Japanese Classroom 日本語の授業に効果的なインプットを！” was successfully held last
May 30, 2020 (Saturday). It was the first Teachers’
Forum held online as a precaution against the
COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of the forum
focused on understanding effective Nihongo input
in Second Language Acquisition (SLA). Despite
the difficult situation, more than 100 Nihongo
teachers from various institutions gathered andreflected on comprehensible input by experiencing
various activities like lecture, discussions andmodel lesson focusing on a reading comprehension
activity.

Process of Second Language Acquisition
Context
Language Elements
Study (Grammar, Vocab…)

Background
Knowledge
Anticipate
Infer

Input

X

Awareness
Discovery

Comprehensible
Input

Including
Incomprehensible

MonitorintakeOutputi+1
ACQUISITION

This figure is based from “Kikukoto O Oshieru” by N. Yokoyama (2008) page 8 Figure 1, The Japan Foundation.

こんにちは JLE: Japanese Language Education

About Nihongojin Support Team
Under JFM’s Japanese Language Education (JLE) section, theNihongojin Support Team spearheads the preparation and execution of
the JFM Language Courses and Teacher Training Courses.
These courses are targeted towards Nihongo learners and teachersrespectively. Language Courses are intended for learners who wish to study
Japanese, with or without prior knowledge, and are centered on using the
Marugoto Coursebooks, which are based on the JF Standard for Japanese
Language Education. Learners can avail of a range of courses from the
beginner level A1 up to the intermediate level B1. Meanwhile, Teacher Training

Courses aim to present insightful pedagogical methods in teaching Nihongo
to update the local Nihongo teachers. Some of the course offerings are thePractice Teaching Course and the Minna no Nihongo Brush-up Course.
Events such as the Sensei no Wa also provides a venue for teachers
to share their ideas.
The Nihongojin Support Team is also in charge of the annual
Nihongo Speech Contest under the Nihongo Fiesta, and the semi-annual
publication of JLE section’s newsletter - Nihongojin Connect! (previously
known as the Merienda newsletter).

Nihongo Fiesta 2020
The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM) held Nihongo
Fiesta 2020 at the Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Mandaluyong City
last 22 February. Marking the start of the event was the 47th
Nihongo Speech Contest. The Awarding Ceremony of the 1st
Nihongo Video Contest (NiViCon) for Nihongojin, a newly
launched contest for Filipino high school students, was heldin the afternoon. This day-long event gave the general publica chance to experience various events related to the Japanese
language, arts and culture.

47th Speech Contest Finalists

47TH SPEECH CONTEST RESULTS
Grand Champion Award / Open Division
1st Place
Ms. Rovie Gen S. Crescencio(Accenture, Inc. /Philippines - CEBU)
ゲームチャレンジGame Challenge
Outstanding Performance Award / Non-Student Division
1st Place
Mr. Dan Billy G. Calunsag(Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School - DAVAO)
世界で一番嫌いな職業
My Most Hated Opportunity in This World
Student Division
1st PLACE
Mr. Darwin Kent O. Sarte(Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School - DAVAO)
僕のカルチャーショック従弟
My Culture Shocking Cousin

Non-Student Division
2nd PLACE
Mr. Richie Roy U. Jayme(Advanced World Systems, Inc. CEBU)
生きがいを見つける
Finding Ikigai
Open Division
2nd PLACE
Ms. Michelle N. Sarsalejo(Cebu Mitsumi, Inc. – CEBU)
贈りたい言葉
Words that I want to Say
Special Jury Award
Mr. Wilbert James C. Futalan(UP Diliman - MANILA)
なんだ、このくさいプレゼント？
What a smelly present!

1ST NIVICON FOR NIHONGOJIN RESULTS:
1st PLACE
Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai
International School
2nd Place
Davao City National High School
3rd Place
Lourdes National High School
NiViCon 1st Place - Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai
International School (Davao)

2

Special Award
Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai International School
You can watch the video
entries through the url(https://bit.ly/NiViCon2020)or the following QR code

こんにちは JLE: Japanese Language Education

The 31st Philippine Nihongo Teachers’ Forum(Online)Reflecting on Effective Input in the Japanese Classroom

日本語の授業に効果的なインプットを！
May 30, 2020 (Saturday) | via Zoom

This forum was carried out with the objective ofpresenting basic concepts in Second Language
Acquisition, the core of recent Nihongo teachingmaterials, to teachers from various educationalsettings so that they may be able to incorporate theseapproaches in their class activities.

Tips for Input Activities

Encourage learners to skip unfamiliar vocabulary
if it does not affect comprehension of content
12
34Give input with context clues
Activate learners’ background knowledge byletting them guess and predict
Let learners know the purpose of listening/reading
the text
Before a task, introduce only the minimum
vocabulary needed to accomplish the task

5
6
7
8

Let learners react to show their comprehension (ex. by choosing,pointing, etc.)
Ask learners to give personally relevant reactions
Let learners pay attention to the language form while confirming
the understanding of the input content (make +1 part noticeable)
Do not force output when confirming understanding of input

From the ParticipantNews regarding the 31st Philippine
Nihongo Teachers Forum was a welcome#WFH event for me while I struggled(and still am) with anxiety and guilt frombeing unproductive this entire time.
While the forum topic was not new
to me, remotely attending the forum mademe reflect on some things. The forum,
along with the participants’ comments
Ms. Farah C. Cunananthrough chat, brought me back to when
I started out my academic career. 初心忘る
べからず*。I was restricted then by the frames of my own learning experience, but seminars like the PNTF expanded my teachingrepertoire. I do hope, in one way or another, that my participationin past PNTFs have also contributed to other people’s experiences
as they did mine.

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to change the way welive. As it forces us to stay indoors, it prompts us to (re)connect
with old friends and with more people, those with access to technology, at least. As more and more aspects of our lives are conducted virtually, we are, at the same time, presented with various
opportunities. The remote conduct of this year’s PNTF is just the
beginning of the many more possibilities for Japanese language
education as we are freer in terms of physical distance and space.
No need for long waits at airport and bus terminals. No need tobrave Metro Manila traffic.
初心忘るべからず（しょしんわするべからず）*(1) Don’t lose the humble and tense feeling you had when you
started learning.
(2) Don’t forget your original intention for doing something.

Ms. Cunanan is from the UP Diliman Department of Linguistics. Learning Japanese opened up a lot of doors for her, including the path she is in right now.

3

もっと知ろう JFT-Basic

About JFT-Basic TeamThe JFT-Basic (Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese) team isappointed with the mission to support Japanese-language education
mainly for those who are aiming to obtain the residency status of“Specified Skilled Workers” and to disseminate information regarding
the JFT-Basic and its corresponding teaching material, “Irodori: Japanesefor Life in Japan”.
Their tasks are networking with organizations involved inJapanese-language education and providing necessary support.
Since November 2019, team members Mr. TAKEI Yasujiro (Japanese
Language Education Adviser), Ms. MATSUSHITA Kayo (“Japanese forlife in Japan” coordinator), and Ms. KIMURA Megumi (“Japanese forlife in Japan” coordinator) have visited over 30 organizations in 10

cities nationwide. Various encounters with enthusiastic Japaneselanguage lecturers and highly motivated students greatly inspired
and allowed the team to deeply consider ways of supporting
Japanese-language education in the Philippines.
The team also conducts seminars for those who are interested
in the JFT-Basic and the coursebook “Irodori”. Since 2019, the JFT-BasicTeam has already held (3) JFT-Basic seminars and (3) “Irodori” introduction
seminars in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao and is very pleased to see akeen interest in these topics.
This year, the JFT-Basic Team has started holding seminars online
due to the Public Health Emergency. Keep safe, keep well. We hope to
see everyone face-to-face soon.

Support Program for Organizations Providing
Japanese-Language Education for Living and Working

Grant Program
Application Period
Website (English)
https://bit.ly/LWSupportProgram
https://bit.ly/LWSupportProgram

October 2019
～March 2021

This grant partially covers the cost of purchasing teaching materials,

Teaching Material
supplementary materials that can be used in Japanese-language education
Purchase Grant for purposeof living and working in Japan.

Conference
Grant

This grant partially covers the cost involved in holding meetings such as
seminars, workshops, symposia, training sessions and meeting forJapanese language teachers who are scheduled to engage in Japaneselanguage teaching for purpose of living and working in Japan.

Publication
Grant

This grant partially covers the cost involved in preparing and publishing thenecessary curriculum and teaching materials required for JFT-Basic or forJapanese-language education for purpose of living and working in Japan.

Other
Original
ProposalThis grant partially covers the cost involved in implementing projects
planned by the applicant that aim to promote Japanese-language
education for purpose of living and working in Japan or boost interest insuch Japanese-language education, and also projects required to train
Japanese language teachers.

Eligible Applicants
Organizations or groups that areproviding Japanese-language
education to persons, including those
whoplanplantotocome
go totoJapan
who
Japanunder
underthethe“Specified Skills” residence status
system.

4

Organizations or groups mustpossess a bank account capable ofreceiving the remittance of grant
funds, or must be able to establish
such an account prior to the
disbursement of funds.

もっと知ろう JFT-Basic

What is the JFT-BASIC?
The Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese test
aims to measure test takers' Japanese proficiency tocertify that they have fulfilled the Japanese
language requirement for the Specified Skilled
Worker (i) visa. This test is conducted via Computer
Based Testing and held every two months.

https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/e/index.html

The JFT-Basic test will be held every 2 months!

*for specific dates, please refer to https://www.jpf.go.jp/jft-basic/e/schedule/index.html

MANILA
PHJ01
MANILA
PHJ02
CEBU
PHJ03

2/F Ateneo de Manila University, 130 HV Dela Costa St.,
Salcedo Village, Makati CityMD BUNCIO UPSKILLS OPC. 4th floor PhilDaf Building,407 Sen. Gil J. Puyat Ave, Makati, Metro Manila.

DAVAO
PHJ04

Horizon Psychological and Testing Center, Inc Att Commercial
Complex,D-4B Avancena, St., Cor J Camus Ext, Barangay 9-A

TRAIN,EDUC & DEV CONS INC. SUITE 308
Centro Maximo D Jakosalem St.

REGISTERSCHEDULE
Register and get an ID
Choose yourat the Prometric website schedule andtest center

Prometric Center

PAYMENTRESERVE

Testing Fee: PHP1,500
Payment Methods:- Pay in cash at testing
center- Credit card payment at
the website

Frequently Asked
Questions:

You will receive a voucher
code to input online andreserve your test date.
Check Prometric Center
for accepted IDs to bringon test day

Hints for Learning
Find resources such as sample
questions or textbooks you canstudy to pass the test!

http://ac.prometric-jp.com/
testlist/jfe/index.html

https://www.jpf.go.jp/jftbasic/e/faq/index.html

https://www.jpf.go.jp/jftbasic/e/support/index.html

5ひろがれ！ CJH: Course on Japan for High School

About CJH TeamThe Course on Japan for High School (CJH) program was created by the Japan Foundation,
Manila in response to the Department of Education, Bureau of Secondary Education Memorandum No. 560, s. 2008, for the implementation of the Special Program in Foreign Language (SPFL),
where Nihongo is one of the languages being offered in the program. The CJH program has two
distinct features which are the various teacher trainings for high school teachers and creation of
enTREE, “Halina Be a Nihongojin”, a set of teaching materials exclusively designed for Filipino HighSchool students. There are currently 57 high schools offering Nihongo all over the Philippines.

Special Online Visitor Session with Nihongo Partners Batch 6

CJH Online
NihongoCourse2020

6Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao Batch 5 teachers’ completion for the Online Nihongo Course 2020

The CJH Online Nihongo course 2020 is an alternative self-based learning system
for all CJH teachers in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao with the support of the JapanFoundation, Manila’s CJH advisers. This aims to continue the learning process of eachteacher regarding the Japanese language by navigating through the course online.
The course lasted from April 15 to May 28, 2020 via video meetings and has been
completed by the active participation of 24 teachers from Luzon and 20 teachers from
Visayas and Mindanao.
A daily task was given by accessing the learning materials in the Google site.These
learning materials were composed of Marugoto lessons 3-18, and the daily listening
exercises that were personally recorded by the CJH advisers.
Everyone joined the Online Homeroom session as well where they did a minigrammar lecture to review all lessons. There was also a special Online Visitor session, where
the teachers were given a chance to utilize their knowledge and practice by applying it instarting a conversation with the special invited guests from Japan.
The active support of the CJH teachers is highly appreciated to bring about
improvements and progress in the implementation of Japanese language in the education
system.

ひろがれ！ CJH: Course on Japan for High School

1st day’s Fellowship hour fashion show with their national costumes

Japanese
Speakers’
Forum
Philippines
2020

The Japanese Speakers’ Forum (JS Forum) is an initiative by the Japan Foundation and
the Kamenori Foundation in order to create a model of the Japanese language education,
to develop a network of Japanese Speakers in secondary education and to promote mutual
understanding among youths in Asia. The JS Forum provides both learners and teachers aplatform to interact and share each other’s experiences in studying the Japanese-language
and to further enhance 21st century skills – abilities to learn and grow independently, tothink independently, and to achieve collaborative presentation skills.
In echoing with the objectives, the JS Forum Philippines 2020 provided theopportunity for students and teachers to interact and discuss local as well as global issues
and to communicate using their common languages - Filipino, English and Japanese.
With this year’s theme of the student program focusing on the “plastic reduction”, theparticipants brainstormed ideas to think of a solution by using a problem-solving method
based on the lectures and fieldwork conducted in the said event. At the end of the forum,
they were given time for the skit presentation on their suggested solutions for the problems
and issues they have found out.
This year, the said event was held last January 29-31, 2020 at Eurotel Hotel North
Edsa in Quezon City. There were 30 Filipino high school students from different regions
in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who belong to the SPFL-Nihongo class that studies theJapanese language. They were also joined by 12 Japanese high school students who took
their time to visit in the Philippines.
In line with the program, four Philippine representatives from Davao City National
High School, Abellana National School, Valenzuela School of Mathematics and Science,and Compostela National High School were selected among the students to participate in
the Japanese Speakers’ International Forum 2020 in Bangkok, Thailand. Unfortunately,
due to travel restrictions imposed as a countermeasure against COVID-19, this event has
been cancelled for this year.
7

夢に向かって Nihongo Partners

The blossoming of Nihongojin
with the Nihongo Partners Program!
Established in 2014, the Japan Foundation Asia Center has been dispatching
Nihongo Partners to 10 Southeast Asian
countries for six years as of date. Since
its foundation, a total of 67 NihongoPartners have been dispatched to thePhilippines. The Nihongo Partners livein the Philippines for about nine months
as teaching assistants for SPFL-Nihongoclasses at public high schools and universities.
During the Nihongo classes, Nihongo Partners teach not only the Japanese
language but also share about Japaneseculture, history, and more. Besides being
able to reflect on their own roots to rediscover the good things about Japan, at thesame time they also learn about Filipino
culture from their counterpart teachers.
Through this exchange, Filipino students
may also rediscover their traditional Filipino culture through their communication with the Nihongo Partners.
By deepening the interaction between the Filipino learners and the Japanese Nihongo Partners, they both learn
about each other’s countries. It therefore
becomes an opportunity for both groups
to understand their own identities. The
program not only teaches the language- it also connects the learners and thepartners together and helps them see eachother’s good points. Through the Nihongo Partner program, we connect Filipino

students and teachers with the Partners,
creating relationships that respect one another’s country.
The Filipino high school students
who learned Nihongo with the first batchof Nihongo Partners dispatched to thePhilippines are now about to graduatehigh school and start their next journeyin life. We are pleased to know that they
carry fruitful memories brought about by
the Nihongo Partners’ awareness of thestudents’ global career path. Many seeds
planted by this program during these six
years are gradually coming into fruition.
We cannot be happier to witness the blossoming of the Global Youth Nihongojin
with the Nihongo Partners Program!

A memorable birthday celebration of a
Nihongo Partner with Nihongojin students

Joint Training for Counterpart CJH teachers and Nihongo Partners Batch 6

8Nihongojin students trying Japanese tea ceremony

JFM Events

Oshaberi Salon
おしゃべりサロン“Oshaberi Salon” is a free event for Nihon
enthusiasts held at the Japan Foundation,
Manila. During each session the participants try to complete a task on their own
or collaborate with others using Nihongo.
The participants not only discover something new about Nihon or Nihongo, butthey can also try their Nihongo, get a lot of
inspiration, and form a new network. If you
know someone who is a Nihon enthusiast,“Oshaberi Salon” might be ideal! For more
information, please visit the JFM website.

Title: 書道 Calligraphy
Date: 10 January 2020 (Friday)
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: The Japan Foundation, Manila

Participants presenting their theme for year 2020
through Japanese calligraphy ‘Shodou’

Sensei no Wa
先生の輪

先生の輪は日本語教師の交流の場です。もっと楽しく、もっと面白く一緒に日本語教育について勉強しましょう!

Mr. Ide starting the session with a question for the participants

Title: How to Write Japanese Characters Neatly「きれいな字の書き方、教え方」
Date: 24 January 2020 (Friday)
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Venue: The Japan Foundation, Manila
Speaker: Mr. IDE Gohei (Japanese Language Education Adviser, JFM)

“Sensei no Wa” is open to both experienced and neophyte Japaneselanguage teachers, and offers a platform for information exchangewith one’s peers. It is for the further encouragement of Japanese Language Education and aims to support professional enrichment andnetwork expansion through interactive learning.
Let’s join Sensei no Wa!

Seminar/Workshop

Nihon Bunka-bu x The Japan Foundation Manila
Title: Introduction to the Japanese Language (Seminar + Workshop)
Date: 6 March 2020 (Friday)
Time: 11:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Venue: De La Salle College of Saint Benilde
Speakers: Ms. FURUKAWA Yoshiko (Senior Japanese Language
Education Adviser, JFM)
Ms. Carmencita Biscarra (Program Coordinator, JFM)

Ms. Furukawa and Ms. Biscarra receiving their certificates from Nihon
Bunka-bu representatives (photo © 2020 Nihon Bunka-bu)

9Hello and Goodbye • JPEPAHELLO!

MATSUDAOBINATASASAGAWA

MATSUDA Ryoko

OBINATA Haruna

SASAGAWA Fumie

みなさん、はじめまして。松田涼子（まつだりょうこ）です。フィリピンでたくさんの人に会えることを楽しみにしています。
私を見かけたら、気軽に声をかけてくだ
さい。よろしくお願いします。

みなさん、はじめまして！大日方春菜（
おびなた はるな）です。マニラに行くのをとても楽しみにしています。フィリピンの文化や言葉を勉強したいと思っています。みなさん、いろいろ教えてください。どうぞ、よろしくお願いします。

はじめまして。笹川史絵（ささがわふみえ）です。フィリピンで日本語をいっしょ
うけんめい勉強しているみなさんを手伝いたいと思っています。いっしょにがんばりましょう！旅行が好きなので、フィリピンのいろいろなところに行きたいです。おすすめの場所を教えてください
ね。どうぞよろしくお願いします。

goodbye

IKEZU Joji
3年間大変お世話になりました。
JPEPAでの仕事は私にとっては大きなチャレンジで、たくさん勉強しなければならないことがありました。でも、大勢の仲間といい仕事をすることができて大変よかったと思っています。また皆さんとどこかで会えるといいなと思います。皆様お元気で。
OGAWA Yasuko

IKEZU

OGAWA

3年間、本当にお世話になりました。
JPEPA、マニラ日本文化センターでは、素敵なチームの中でたくさんのことを学びました。どうもありがとうございます。そしてフィリピンの明るい太陽と緑、たくさんの笑顔に囲まれてのあっという間の3年間でした。また世界のどこかでお会いしましょう！Maraming salamat sa lahat.

JPEPA
JPEPA is an acronym for the
EconomicPartnership
Agreement
between the Philippines and Japan. Thisis a program where Filipino nurses andcare-givers study for state examinations
while working in Japan and become fully
employed in Japanese medical and caregiving institutions.
In JPEPA’s Pre-Arrival JapaneseLanguage Training which takes place at the
TESDA, candidates learn basic Japanesecommunication skills, details about
Japanese society and Japanese culture,so that they can easily adjust to studying
Japanese and daily life in Japan.
Moreover, after undergoing further
Japanese language training in Japan,
candidates are assigned to various
10Group Recitation: The candidates performed “The Fall of Freddie, the Leaf” and “The Cat that Lived aMillion Times” on the stage as a class. They practiced hard for the performance.

institutions and are required to study forstate examinations by themselves. Therefore,
learning how to study autonomously andestablishing a studying routine are also partof the objectives.
This year, 340 candidates have beenpart of the program since November of lastyear, but only half of the program has been
completed due to the COVID-19 situation.
It is hoped that the candidates can departfor Japan safely, pass the exam and do wellat their assigned institutions.

Grant Programs

Japanese Teaching Methods Program for Teachersof Specified Skilled Worker Candidates 2019-2020
海外日本語教師 特定技能制度による来日希望者のための日本語教授法研修
1ST BATCH
November 19 ~ December 18, 2019
Vianca Ramirez
Nihongo Center Foundation Inc.
Jay Galvez
Phil Nippon Technical College
Edmon Hernandez
Manila Kokusai Academy
Ma. Angela Santos Reynante
Personal Ability Development
Foundation, Inc.
(did not join)
2ND BATCH
January 7 ~ February 6, 2020
Joenel Emilia
Power Foundation, Inc.
Corazon Shobiri
Saijyou International Training Center

During the Completion Ceremony of the 2nd Batch

Junilo Espiritu
Department of Linguistics
University of the Philippines Diliman
Edgar Romero
Sakura Japanese Language School Inc.
Rowena Okabe
The Blue Files Language
and Training Center

Arnel Gadlan Fabellar
Frontline Nihongo Studio
Lanie Garcia
JET Japanese English Language
Tutorial Service
Eisuke Kojima
One World Japanese Language Center INC.
Monica Fabro
PJ Link Language Center Inc.

Basic Training Program for Teachersof the Japanese-Language
海外日本語教師 基礎研修 • September 3, 2019 – February 28, 2020

基礎研修:

A JOURNEY
OF A LIFETIME
by Almaluna C. Lumapac
Possessing a limited knowledge in thefield of teaching Nihongo bounded mycapacity and confidence as Nihongo teacher.
This challenge pushed me to endeavor
for growth in the said field. Through thebridging assistance of the Japan Foundation,
Manila, I was given the chance to participate
in the 2019-2020 Basic Training Program
for Teachers of Japanese Language sponsoredby the Japan Foundation, Japanese Language
Institute – Urawa.
I participated in the training withthe sole purpose and that was to equip
myself with enough knowledge in Japanese
language. However, the training formed me
beyond the intellectual aspects.

Ms. Lumapac (left) doing 書道 (Shodou) orJapanese Calligraphy

The courses 文法 (Bunpou), 読解(Dokkai), 総合日本語 (Sougou
Nihongo), 映像視聴
(Eizoushichou),
実用文(Jitsuyoubun) and 自立学
習 (Jiritsugakushuu) dressed me with
substantial understanding of the language
in both structural and practical Nihongo.
Apart from the academics, appreciationof Japanese culture and society had been
deepened through firsthand experiencesfrom different exposures such as 文化紹介
(Bunkashoukai), ホームステイ (Homestay),
交流会 (Kouryuukai) and 地方研修

(Chihou kenshuu). Moreover, my views
and understanding towards the Japanese
Education had been redefined by the learning
opportunities I had during the Senior HighSchool and Elementary School Visit.
My pedagogical understanding was being
polished in the Teaching Methodology
class wherein I gained priceless insights
particularly in the concept of Second
Language Acquisition. I came across different
teaching strategies particularly in teaching
vocabulary, communication and culture.
All these had paved the way not only
to acquisition of knowledge, but also to
the development skills, not only the skill ofteaching but also the skill of understanding
and adapting to the culture and society
not only of the host country but as well, tothe 43 diverse cultures of the participating
countries across the globe.
The camaraderie I established among
friends was untradeable, the literacy and thelife skills I gained were invaluable, and theexperiences I bagged were priceless. It was
indeed, a journey of a lifetime.

Ms. Lumapac is currently connected with the Department of Education as Filipino and Nihongo teacher of the Junior High School Department and presently
stationed at Abellana National School. Prior to her government service, she was connected with The Sisters of Mary – Girlstown (Cebu) as a classroom teacher. She
attended this training program with Ms. Mary Rose B. Antonio from Nihongo Center Foundation Inc.

11

JF e-Learning
Sites and Apps

Director’s
message

As face-to-face classes are put on hold due to the threat of COVID-19,
JFM recently featured the Japan Foundation’s
free e-learning websites and applications in aseries of Facebook posts. Japanese language
learners, with or without prior knowledge, canaccess these references intended for various
purposes.
To see the complete list of JF J-learning
websites and applications, please go to:https://www.jpf.go.jp/e/project/japanese/education/resource/or scan the QR code.

Greetings!
There is a serious impact in our daily lives andworks due to the long Community Quarantine
caused by COVID-19. Our flexible response isneeded in accordance with the situation since
we are also facing some challenges in JapaneseLanguage Education ( JLE).
Despite this situation, I am pleased to announce
that JFM has come up with a new newsletter, the“NIHONGOJIN CONNECT!”. I hope that thisserves as a big assistance in enhancing your teachingskills and receiving updated information on JLE.
The Japan Foundation, Manila works to create
and enhance JLE through various activities suchas 1) Teacher Training and Language Courses, 2)
CJH (Course on Japan for High School), 3) JFTBasic ( Japan Foundation Test for Basic Japanese),
4) Japanese Language Training in JPEPA ( JapanPhilippine Economic Partnership Agreement),
and 5) NP (NIHONGO Partners Program).
In addition, we have the Grant Programs, andconduct the JLPT, etc. In this newsletter, we will
provide you with information about our activities
and updates on the latest JLE situation. Thus, as
the newsletter title “NIHONGOJIN CONNECT!”
conveys, we hope to see our growth together with
the Japanese-language teachers in the Philippines.
Let us work together toward a better mutual
understanding and friendship between thePhilippines and Japan.
ALL NIHONGOJIN, LET’S CONNECT!
UESUGI Hiroaki
Director
The Japan Foundation, Manila

JLPT & JFM Courses and Workshops
For updates on JLPT and JFM courses & workshops
please visit the JFM website: https://jfmo.org.ph/Philippines-Japan
Friendship Month
Japan Film Week is back ONLINE this July 22-26, 2020featuring 6 unique Japanese films for free!
The Japan Foundation, Manila, in partnership with Solar
Pictures, Inc., Sinag Maynila and the Film Development Councilof the Philippines, is launching an online edition of the Japan Film
Week for the first time.
This online film screening is on a FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED
basis, subject to limited slot availability. Viewers may access the films
through the following link: https://bit.ly/Japan_Film_Week
JFM would also like to announce that the 23rd Japanese Film
Festival (JFF) will be postponed to a later date due to the COVID-19
pandemic.
For further announcements, please refer to our official website(www.jfmo.org.ph) & social media pages (https://www.facebook.com/
jfmanila) & https://www.facebook.com/eigasaiPH).

EDITORIAL STAFF
Angela Legaspi
FURUKAWA Yoshiko
Keli Biscarra
IMAMURA Michiko
C.E.J. AQUINONARITOMI Taro

Published by The Japan Foundation, Manila (JFM)
Located at the 23rd floor Pacific Star Building, Sen.
Gil Puyat Ave., Cor. Makati Ave., Makati City 1226
with telephone numbers (632) 8811-6155 to 58,
FAX number (632) 8811-6153 and email address isemail@jfmo.org.ph • www.jfmo.org.ph