FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

AATJ NEWSLETTER
全米日本語教育学会 American Association of Teachers of Japanese
Greetings for 2024! I am Yoshiko Morifrom Georgetown University, serving as
the 2024 AATJ President. I am thrilled tobe part of the Executive Board of AATJ, anational organization comprising over
1,500
educators
andadministrators
affiliated
with
26
local
teacher
associations. My goal is to assist Japanese
language and culture teachers andcommunities in the best way possible bycollaborating
with
AATJ
Officers,
Directors, and Members who diligently
work to enhance Japanese language andcultural education in the United States.

In this issue...

OFFICERMESSAGESAATJ SPRINGCONFERENCE
ICJLECONFERENCECATJ 30
CONFERENCENENGAJOCONTESTRESULTS
JR. JAPAN BOWL
NJE
INFORMATION
AND MORE!

Messagefrom thePresident The beginning of this year in Japan seems

YOSHIKO MORI to symbolize the challenging times we arefacing. On New Year's Day, I experienced
a Magnitude 4 earthquake in Nagoya and witnessed continuous
media reports filled with warnings, evacuation advisories, andearthquake updates. Additionally, I came across tragic news
about a plane crash while heading to Hokkaido and faced aconsiderable flight delay from Shin-Chitose to Haneda on myway back. Observing phrases like "にげて" and "にげろ" displayedon the TV screen prompted me to reflect on various aspects ofmy profession, including the significance of teaching Japanese in
the United States, the types of language knowledge and skills weshould pass on to the next generations, and the future ofJapanese language and culture education. In light of thesereflections, I would like to express my deepest sympathies to thedisaster victims and those diligently working on relief efforts inthe affected areas.
I began teaching Japanese in 1989 when I enrolled in a master's
program in Applied Linguistics at Ohio University. Prior to that, Itaught English at high schools in Okazaki, Aichi Prefecture, andlater in Tokyo. As a result, I have been immersed in language
education for almost 40 years now. My specialization lies insecond language acquisition from a psycholinguistic perspective,
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I am keenly interested in the challenges and potentials of so-called “heritage speakers,”
drawing insights from my experience of raising bilingual children in the United States. At
Georgetown University, my primary role involves coordinating the Japanese language
program and instructing advanced Japanese and linguistics courses.
In addition to being part of AATJ, I have been actively involved in various language-related
work and activities, such as AP Japanese Language and Culture, the Japanese Language
Proficiency Test (JLPT), the Mid-Atlantic Association of Teachers of Japanese (MAATJ),
editorial boards of academic journals like Foreign Language Annals, and councils forvarious Japanese language events, including the National Japan Bowl. Since last year, I
have been serving as the Chief Reader of AP Japanese. All these experiences haveprovided me with a new perspective on world language education beyond the college leveland offered a rare opportunity to work with, and learn immensely from, younger
multilingual learners and language professionals in secondary education.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, pickleball, knitting, doing handicrafts, andcooking. Even though I do these activities for fun, I've realized that getting good at them,whether it's sports or creating things, requires the ability to properly understand thecurrent situation, set up problems to be solved correctly, and find solutions from multiple
points of view. I think this has a lot in common with teaching Japanese language andculture.
We have numerous exciting events and activities planned for this year. In January, theDiversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Conversation took place, hosted by DEI
Co-directors Yasuko Takada Rallings sensei and William Matsuzaki sensei. This event
aimed to share insights into the challenges of integrating diversity and inclusion into daily
teaching. The results of the Nengajo Contest, led by Nengajo Directors Andy Scott sensei
and Mako Nozu sensei, are announced in this issue. Additionally, it is the season for the
National Japanese Exam (NJE), and thanks to the dedicated efforts of NJE Director
Tomomi Sato sensei and her team of teachers, we successfully conduct the exam again thisyear.
In February, the Joint National Committee for Languages - National Council for Languages
and International Studies (JNCL-NCLIS) Language Advocacy Day will take place, and I,
along with representatives from national and regional organizations of language
professionals, including Japanese and other languages, will participate. This event offers
language educators an opportunity to advocate for the importance of language education
to legislators.
Come March, under the leadership of Professional Development Director Yoshiko AbbottSaito sensei, and with the support and cooperation of the Japan Foundation Los Angeles
Center for Japanese Language and Culture (JFLA), we will host a Leadership Training
Follow-up Meeting for Japanese language education leaders from across the United State.
Instead of the AATJ Spring Conference in March, the International Conference on
Japanese Language Education (ICJLE) will be held at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
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in August. The organizing committee, led by Junko Mori sensei, has been working hard to ensure
the success of the conference. Registration started on February 19. This provides an excellent
opportunity to connect with Japanese language educators from around the world, so please plan toattend. Looking ahead, the AATJ Fall Conference will take place in conjunction with ACTFL in
November in Philadelphia. I look forward to seeing you at these conferences.
The AATJ Board warmly welcomes the newly elected President-Elect, Nobuko Chikamatsu sensei,
and Vice President, Stephen Luft sensei, forming the AATJ Board of Directors for this year,
comprising six members: Past President, Shingo Satsutani sensei; Vice President, Mieko Avellosensei; and Executive Director, Susan Schmidt. Additionally, all of the Directors will play aleadership role in AATJ's core activities. The success of AATJ relies on the active participation andcooperation of its members. We eagerly anticipate your ongoing support and collaboration with
AATJ. よろしくお願いします。

Message from theVice Presidents

MIEKO AVELLO
K-12

STEPHEN LUFT
POST-SECONDARY

２０２４年より副会長職がPost SecondaryとK−12の２名となりました。Post Secondaryからは新規にピッツバーグ大学の スティーブン・ラフト 、K−12からは昨年同様マイアミパルメット高校のアベロ美恵子が勤めさせていただきます。二人で力を合わせて会長のサポートをしていく所存です。
今年度も全米の各教師会との連携と教師会同士の横の繋がりの強化を推進していきたいと思います。先ずは２月１０日にアフィリエイトのズームミーティングを行います。今回は国際交流基金ロサンゼルス(JFLA)から村田メーガンさんにご参加いただき、グラント等の有益な情報等をご説明いただくと共に参加者同士でお互いの現状や問題点について話し合う機会も設けます。
２０２４年度も昨年同様全米日本語教育学会最優秀教師賞( AATJ Teacher Awards)の選考を行います。各地で数多くの先生方が多方面において教育現場や各コミュニティでご活躍なさっています。この機会に是非推薦していただければ幸甚です。
いろいろな形で会員の皆様のお役に立てるように努力していきたいと思っておりますのでご協力の程よろしくお願いいたします。
As of 2024, the role of Vice President will be filled by two individuals, representing K-12 andpost-secondary education respectively. The post-secondary position will be filled by Stephen
Luft of the University of Pittsburgh, who is newly appointed this year. The K-12 position will
be filled by Mieko Avello, of Miami Palmetto Senior High School, who is continuing her service
as Vice President. We hope that through our combined efforts we will be able to provide
effective support for the President.
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This year, we will continue to promote collaboration with other teachers' associations acrossthe U.S. and strengthen horizontal ties among teachers' associations. The first event of 2024
will be an affiliate Zoom meeting, held on February 10th. Megan Matsuda from The JapanFoundation, Los Angeles will provide useful information about grants and other topics, as wellas an opportunity for participants to discuss their current teaching and any issues they are
dealing with.
This year we will again hold the AATJ Teacher Awards. With such a large number of teachers
actively engaging with their communities in many different ways and locations, we hope thatmany of you will consider applying for these awards.
We look forward to supporting and working with and for each of you this year.

新年あけましておめでとうございます。2023年12月をもって会長の任期を満了し今年は前会長として森美子会長を支える形で貢献していきたいと思いますので引き続きよろしくお願い申し上げます。今年は元日早々、能登半島地震、二日目には羽田空港での航空機衝突事故という悲報に心痛の極みでした。しかしここから昇龍のごとく全米日本語教育学会の会員の皆様をはじめ関係者の方々にとって最高の年になりますようお祈り申し上げます。

Message fromthe Immediate
Past President

SHINGOSATSUTANIA Happy New Year! As my term as President expired in
December 2023, I would like to continue to contribute to
AATJ by supporting President Yoshiko Mori as theformer President this year. First of all, I was deeply
saddened by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake on New
Year's Day, followed by the tragic news of the planecrash at Haneda International Airport on the second dayof the year. I wish, however, just like the rising dragon,
all the members of the AATJ as well as all those involved
the very best for the year of the Dragon.
今年は例年の春の学会はありませんが、8月最初の3日間、ウィスコンシン大学マジソン校にて日本語教育国際研究大会を共催しますので是非、お越しください。 特にK-12の先生方のためのワークショップやパネルも準備しています。レジストレーションの際には奨学金の申し込みもお忘れなく。4月20日（土曜日）にシカゴのDePaul大学で「第30回中部日本語教師会連合学会」（通称CATJ）が開催されます。地元の僕や高校の先生も発表しますが、日本からの発表者も予定されて
おり、活気のある学会となりそうです。すでにプログラムも発表されていますので是非足をお運び下さい。お会いできるのを楽しみにしています。
This year we will not have our usual spring conference, but we will be co-hosting theInternational Conference on Japanese Language Education at the University of WisconsinMadison for the first three days of August, so please don't let this opportunity pass you by.
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We are preparing workshops and panels especially for K-12 teachers. Don't forget toapply for a scholarship for this conference when you complete your registration on line.
On Saturday, April 20, the 30th Annual Conference of the Central Association ofTeachers of Japanese (CATJ), will be held at DePaul University in Chicago. Local highschool teachers and I will be presenting, and there will also be presenters from Japan, so
it should be a very lively conference. The program has already been announced, so pleasecome and visit us. I look forward to seeing you there.
日常生活では、物価の急激な上昇などが暗い影を落としていると思いますが、その反面、驚異的な円安の進行で生徒や学生を日本へ引率しやすい状況が続いています。京都出身の僕は過去25年間に渡って延べ1000人近くの学生を引率してきましたが今年の日本研修も定員に達しています。この機会に生徒を日本へ引率してみませんか。ご相談にも乗りますよ。いつでも、連絡ください。
satsutan@cod.eduまで。
In daily life, the rapid rise in prices and other factors are casting a dark shadow over ourlives. On the other hand, the yen's tremendous depreciation has made it easier for us tobring our students to Japan. As a Kyoto native, I myself have led nearly 1,000 students toJapan over the past 25 years. Why don't you take this opportunity to lead your students
to Japan? I may be able to assist your planning. Please contact me anytime atsatsutan@cod.edu.
今年もよろしくお願い申し上げます。

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AATJ Officers, Directors and Staff
Officers
President: Yoshiko Mori (Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.)
President Elect: Nobuko Chikamatsu (DePaul University, IL)
Immediate Past President: Shingo Satsutani (College of DuPage, IL)
Vice Presidents: Mieko Avello (Miami Palmetto Senior High School, FL), Stephen Luft (Univ. of
Pittsburgh, PA)

Directors
Global Network: Junko Mori (University of Wisconsin, Madison)
Newsletter: Ellen Bearn (World of Learning, IU 8, PA)
Professional Development: Yoshiko Saito-Abbott (California State University, Monterey Bay)
Advocacy Co-directors: Junko Tokuda Simpson (University of California, San Diego), Patricia
Breun (Madison Country Day School, WI)
Diversity and Inclusion Co-directors: Will Matsuzaki (All Saints Episcopal School, TX), Yasuko
Takata Rallings (Wake Forest University, NC)
Nengajo Contest: Andy Scott (Kamehameha High School, HI), Mako Nozu (University of South
Florida, Tampa)
Japanese National Honor Society: Kumi Kobayashi (Los Gatos High School, CA), Yayoi Takeuchi,(University of North Texas, Denton)
National Japanese Exam: Tomomi Sato (University of Virginia)
Fall Conference (ACTFL-affiliated): Nobuaki Takahashi (Elizabethtown College, PA), Yuko Prefume(Baylor University, TX), Jaime Tateyama Gusman (Moanalua High School, HI)
Spring Conference (AAS-affiliated): Jae DiBello Takeuchi (Clemson University, SC), Yoshihiro
Mochizuki (University of Michigan)

Staff
JLPT Assistant: Yoshie Arima
Membership Assistant: Maiko T. Bacha
JLPT Coordinator: Michiyo Colclasure
Executive Director: Susan Schmidt

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AATJ at the 2024 Association for
Asian Studies Conference

SUSAN SCHMIDTEXECUTIVE DIRECTORThis year AATJ is not holding its usual full-day Spring Conference in conjunction with the annual
Association for Asian Studies (AAS) conference, because in August we will be co-hosting theInternational Conference on Japanese Language Education (ICJLE 2024) in Madison, WI. (Seerelated article in this issue of the newsletter for ICJLE updates.)
If you are attending the AAS Conference in Seattle, March 14-17, however, please note two special
roundtable sessions that are sponsored by AATJ:
Round Table 1:“Why Retranslate?”
Saturday, March 16, 4:00 – 5:30 PM
Panelists:
J. Keith Vincent, Boston University (Chair)Rebecca Copeland, Washington University in St. LouisTorquil Duthis, UCLA
Anna Zielinska-Elliott, Boston University
Meredith McKinney, Australian National University

Some works of Japanese literature are retranslated repeatedly; others are not. Is this a good thing, orshould translators focus their energies on introducing as-yet untranslated works to English-language
readers? While we certainly want more new Japanese literature on the American market,
retranslation seems to be a good thing: it makes readers aware of translation itself, and makes them
appreciate its importance.
How does it get decided what gets retranslated? Is it up to publishers? Is there a logic to it? Does it
have to do with copyright? Why have The Tale of Genji or Basho’s haiku been translated so manytimes and most of Kawabata or Mishima’s works only once? Do we tend to retranslate oldmasterpieces more than contemporary works? Is it true that translations age and originals do not?
That each generation needs a new translation? Will some books need to be retranslated to respondto new sensibilities and sensitivities?
This roundtable discusses trends in retranslation of Japanese literature and tries to address theabove questions by discussing different aspects of retranslation and some fascinating trends, suchas the sudden popularity of Dazai Osamu accompanying the publication of the manga series Bungo
Stray Dogs. The panelists will touch on translations of difficult subjects, or texts that may now seem
offensive, such as the story “Shiiku” by Ōe Kenzaburo. They will also talk about what should be
retranslated and will hope to involve the audience in a discussion of the full range of issues related tothe question of retranslation.
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Round Table 2:
The Place of “Language“ in Japan Studies/Research
Thursday, March 14, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Panelists:
Yukiko Hanawa, New York University (Chair)
Davinder Bhowmik, University of Washington
Christopher Lowy, Carnegie Mellon University
Laura Miller, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Christina Yi, University of British Columbia

Given that language and language studies are a significant aspect of our training, teaching, andongoing research, this roundtable focuses on our current engagements with and observations of
the place of “language” in Japan Studies humanities research and education. As scholars andpractitioners, we highlight how we learn and think about the language and its impact on
determining how we form our research questions, and our scholarly and teaching praxis. This
roundtable brings together scholars in the field of history, linguistic anthropology, literature, postcolonial research, feminist research, and queer research.
We focus on several questions: How might we give more thought to the formation of modern
spoken Japanese, its historicism, and its historicity in practice? How might we speak to theintersections of Japan Studies and Japanese language studies, with a strong humanities focus?
How do contemporary approaches to “language” studies and teaching practice lead towards anational language “Japanese” that is devoid of historical formation, particularly in the modern
period? We discuss what it would mean to give attention to the “language” itself, in the “training”
of scholars in Japan Studies and Japanese language teachers. This last question is particularly
urgent as discussions focused on language teaching for temporary workers and migrants, withactive government participation, at times operate in the intersection of linguistic nationalism andnational identity.
The diverse engagement with the question of “language” in Japan Studies humanities researchin this roundtable discussion highlights gendered linguistic performances, folklinguistic theories,
the role of written language in Japanese literature, postcoloniality, language politics, andgeopolitical issues such as military basetown literature, among other interrelated themes.

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

The 30th Central Association of Teachers ofJapanese Conference
NOBUKO CHIKAMATSU
PRESIDENT-ELECT
The 30th Central Association of Teachers of Japanese (CATJ 30) will be jointly hosted by
DePaul University and Purdue University on Saturday, April 20, 2024. This in-person
conference will take place at DePaul's Lincoln Park Campus, situated in the heart of Chicago's
culture and academic scenes. The conference theme is "Collaboration across Interdisciplinary,Communities, Borders, and Languages," aiming to bring together Japanese language
professionals from the Midwest region and beyond- including the United States and Japan. Dr.
Yoshiko Mori, Professor of Japanese at Georgetown University and President of the American
Association of Teachers of Japanese, will be a plenary speaker and is scheduled to deliver the
keynote speech entitled “Beyond Borders: Shaping the Future of Japanese Language
Education in the Era of Diversity and Collaboration.” Please register at the conference site,
https://go.depaul.edu/catj-conference. A $25 registration fee for faculty or $20 for students isdue by Sunday, March 31, 2024, 11:59PM (CST).

9FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Updates for ICJLE 2024, August 1-3
JUNKO MORIGLOBAL NETWORK DIRECTOR
ICJLE 2024 ORGANIZING COMMITTEE CHAIR
The preparation for this summer’s International Conference on Japanese Language Education(ICJLE 2024) is in full swing, thanks to the contributions of dedicated organizing committee
members. In the recent weeks, the conference website has been updated by adding information
regarding registration, lodging & transportation, the schedule at a glance, and more. Pleasecheck them out and consider attending the conference.
The registration has opened on February 19th and the Early Bird Registration period will end on
April 30. There is a limited number of scholarships available for full-time K-12 teachers. If you areinterested, please apply by February 28 by filling out this form.
In addition to the three keynote speakers, Patricia Duff, Yo Azama, and Ginny Tapley Takemori,whom I introduced in the December issue, the conference will be joined by the following six
speakers who will participate in the two symposiums.

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What are the Untapped Potentialities of the Place of In-Person Learning?

Deborah P. Britzman

Yuri Kumagai

Cody Poulton

York University

Smith College

Kyoto Consortium forJapanese Studies

Cultivating the Next Generation of Educators

Noriko Iwasaki

Ikuko Nakane

Motoko Tabuse

Nanzan University

University of Melbourne

Middlebury College
Eastern Michigan University

Furthermore, we will have three 3-hour workshops arranged by the organizing committee, as well
as approximately 150 individual papers, 30 interactive workshops, and 80 poster presentations,selected from submissions we received from around the world. We aim to make the final programavailable by May.
We are looking forward to welcoming you to Madison, Wisconsin!
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日本語教師不足のアンケート調査結果
日米教育に関する政策対話共同声明への架け橋に

TOMOKO MARSHALL
MAATJ PAST PRESIDENT

MAATJは昨年の10月に米国の日本語教師不足についてのアンケートを実施しました。これは、日本語教師の高齢化の現状を把握し、高齢化による次世代の日本語教師人材不足の可能性が高いことを実証する目的で行われたものです。AATJのご協力により、米国26の教師会に拡散した結果、調査期間が一週間未満という緊急調査だったにも関わらず、日本語教師の方々300名
以上がそのアンケートに回答してくださいました。昨年10月FLAVA秋季学会で行われた
MAATJ総会で、そして11月にシカゴで行われたAATJ総会でも、これ関連の報告がありました
ので、記憶に新しい方も多いかと思います。
大使館からの依頼が引き金となり実施することになったこのアンケート調査ですが、MAATJは大使館に今回の調査結果レポートを共有し、こちらのMAATJのHPにも掲載いたしました。その後、この調査結果を国務省に提示することができたことにより、「国務省も日本語教育を巡る課題を初めて認識いただき、将来の日本語教育の見通しへに危機感をもっていただくことができました。」と大使館より報告を受けました。更には、先月12月に日米教育における政策対話に関する共同声明が公表されました。今後、日米間において日本語教師不足の課題解決へ向けての議論が続けられるようですが、政府や企業からの更なる協力や支援を期待したいところです。
以下、今回の日米共同声明の内容と関連報道記事をご一読ください。
今回のアンケート調査にあたり、予想以上の進展を得ることができましたのも、AATJ役員の皆様、アンケートに回答してくださった全米に渡る地域教師会の方々、MAATJメンバーの方々、
日本語教育を支えてくださっている皆様の多大なるご支援ご協力のおかげです。そしてこれは、大使館関係者の方々のご尽力の賜物でもあります。皆様に心より感謝申し上げます。
今後とも産学官連携を維持促進する努力をしてまいりますので、引き続きご協力のほどよろし
くお願いいたします。
MAATJ役員一同

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

第1回日米教育における協力覚書に基づく政策対話共同声明（１）全文 joint statement (mext.go.jp)（２）関係部分抜粋

The U.S. and Japan recognized the importance of enhancing Japanese and English language education,
especially at the compulsory education level. The two sides also discussed the state of Japanese
language study in the United States, including Japanese language course availability and the decline inlicensed Japanese teachers.
In the year to come, the officials confirmed to:Continue efforts to promote student exchange through implementing ongoing programs such as theInter-University exchange project and scholarships;
Expand exchange opportunities in STEM fields, specifically through JUSEC scholarships forJapanese Fulbright participants;
Increase opportunities for Japanese students to explore study abroad options through student fairs totake place in Japan;
Launch the first courses under a pilot English Language Specialist program with Kumamoto University
to support the university’s new workforce development curriculum for semiconductors;
Cooperate on ways to support Japanese language study in the United States by strengthening
pathways for Japanese teachers, including maximizing exchange opportunities at the K-12 level,mapping transferability of Japanese teaching licenses to the U.S., prioritizing Japanese as a criticallanguage, and expanding various successful programs, such as J-LEAP, Fulbright Teaching AssistantProgram, and calling for the expansion of private initiatives such as ALLEX; andReaffirm the importance of cooperation on pursuing increased exchanges for K-12 Japanese
language teaching in the United States, including enhanced opportunities for Japanese language
teachers to build on their knowledge and skillsets via practical experience in the United States.

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関連報道(1) 日本語教師不足を「緩和」へ

日米両政府が合意文書で最終調整（地上波）(2) 日本語教師不足を解決 アメリカで日本人教員免許所持者に要件”緩和”へ（ネット版）(3) 米の日本語教員、人材不足の懸念

中高年多く若手の確保課題（共同通信) Yahoo!ニュース(4) 米国で日本語教育を後押し

両政府合意、国際人材強化へ(5) Japan, U.S. Craft Measures to step up co-operation in education

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2024 Year of the Dragon
Nengajo Contest Results
Total Teacher Participants
By Local Affiliates
AFFILIATETOTALTEACHERPARTICIPANTS

TOTAL
WINNING
CARDS

AFTJ

9

4

AITJ

3

1

AKATJ

2

0

ATJO

9

0

CAJLT

23

8

CJLEA

3

0

GATJ

1

1

HATJ

5

1

IATJ

4

0

No Affiliate

7

2

JLCTIA

1

0

JTAT

23

6

JTAM

3

0

KAJLT

6

1

MAATJ

29

7

MATJ

1

0

MCTJ

2

0

NCATJ

9

1

NECTJ

18

3

NJATJ

9

OATJ

ANDREW SCOTTNENGAJO CONTEST DIRECTOR

Congratulations and thank you to all the student andteacher participants in the 2024 AATJ Nengajo Contest. The
judges and I were excited to see the creativity and talent
the students demonstrated in addition to their passion for
the Japanese language and culture!!! As the Nengajo
Director, I would like to congratulate you on yourparticipation and thank you for all of the patience you
showed us!
With this in mind, we had 474 judged cards, with 55, 104,
299, and 13 from elementary, middle, high school, andcollege respectively. This does not count those cards(approximately 100) that were disqualified for thefollowing reasons: submitted late, naming conventions notfollowed, member submitted too many cards, did notcomply to the rules in the specific category. The eligible
cards were judged by 8 professionals, who were not given
any information about student/school/teacher names.
None of these professionals participated in the contest
this year.
The cards selected represent the best of the best eligible
cards and reflect a great deal of talent, creativity, andeffort. All of the student-participants will receive
participation certificates, and students with winning cards
will receive certificates, in addition to online Amazon giftcards as prizes (end of February). Congratulations! Below,
you will find the winners listed with their teachers andschool (italicized). Thank you sincerely for your patienceand participation!!!! I hope you have a wonderful Year of
the Dragon.

Total Cards Submitted Per Level
ES

MS

HS

CL

TOTAL

2024

55

104

299

13

474

1

2023

87

119

407

33

646

3

0

2022

94

157

465

40

756

UATJ

1

1

2021

119

100

288

14

472

WATJ

23

11

2020

101

138

440

37

730

WiATJ

1

0

Note: For 2024, there were approximately 100 cards that were disqualified prior to judging.

15

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Nengajo Contest Results
GRADE LEVEL / PLACEARTISTIC

COMICAL

Lower Elementary
1stMiki Kehn
Kimie Matsumoto
Southeast Gakuen

Philip Sacaguti
Sandra Mizuno
Eastlake ES

2nd

Umi Hines
Akana Shirata
Keisho Center

Grayson Aoki-Kilgore
Sachiko Iwami
Orange Coast Gakuen

3rd

Aadvika Punyapu
Ayaka Monheim
Great Falls Elementary

Honor Herbert
Emiko FuruyaSouth Acad. of Int’l
Languages

Upper Elementary
1stMathilda Tamasese
Fumi Masuda
Sacred Hearts Acad.

Lazlo Marton
Cynthia Rinehart
Great Falls ES

2ndMaia Mouri
Masahiro Tanaka
UN Int’l School

Momoka Kitahara
Kaori Iwai
Keisho Center

3rd

Mikayla Lee
Kimie Matsumoto
Southeast Gakuen

Katelyn Suekawa
Kimie Matsumoto
Southeast Gakuen

Middle School
1st

Maya Welle
Ava Tachiki
Gulliver Prep

Paxton Denato
Miyuki Johnson
Elkin’s Point

Daelen Stevenson
Kumiko Gale
Brandon MS

Anju Fukudome
Takako Reckinger
Hamilton

2nd

Iris Oberlander
Takako Reckinger
Hamilton

Hina Lew
Kimie Matsumoto
Southeast Gakuen

Ari Esperum
Takako Reckinger
Hamilton

Hana Smith
Ava Tachiki
Gulliver Prep

3rd

Moe HoKimie Matsumoto
Southeast Gakuen

Bryan Boyd
Mari Peterson
Jessie Clark

Nico Kodama
Akiko Yoshioka (Hubbell)
Issaquah

Sarah Ohta
Takako Reckinger
Hamilton

High School
1st

Alyssa Gans
Yoko Eshita
Maggie L. Walker

Kameya Dement
Marissa Bellini
American Fork HS

Jasmin Velazquez
Hiromi Hollett
Elkhart HS

Luke Saalfield
Stephanie GlennCharles Wright Acad.

2nd

Kiet Huynh
Ramona Hutchinson
Silver Creek

Yui Nakanishi
Michiko Yu
Palos Verdes Peninsula

Rein Zhang
Hiroki Danshita
Issaquah

Sammy Vu
Bellaire
Satoko Shou

3rd

Kyra Kanai
Sandra Mizuno
Eastlake

Valentina Valencia
Sachiko Nourishirazi
W. Boca Raton

Sophia Minakakis
Kei Tsukamaki
Juanita HS

Bianca Stojanoff
Hiroki Danshita
IssaquahCollege
1st

Meryl Jiang
Ryosuke Sano
University of Texas

Keila Cooke
Jing Liu
UC Berkeley

Colin Giles
Jinhwa Chang
Mount Holyoke College

Naghi Nemoto
Shinji Shimomura
Coll. of William & Mary

2nd

Bryce Williams
Shinji Shimomura
Coll. of William & Mary

Luisa Buerno
Sinyoung Evans
Champlain

3rd

Thu-Minh Duong
Ritsuko Larson
Macalester College

Sara Nguyen
Kyoko Blanchard
Univ. Central Florida

16

CGI

ENCOURAGEMENT

Jennifer Stouffer
Noriko Otsuka
Fox Mills ES

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Nengajo Showcase - Elementary Winners

See Chart on Page 15 for teacher and school information

Miki Kehn
Lower Elementary
Artistic - 1st

Philip Sacaguti
Lower Elementary
Comical - 1st

Mathilda Tamasese
Upper Elementary
Artistic - 1stLaszlo Marton
Upper Elementary
Comical - 1st

Jennifer Stouffer
Upper Elementary
CGI - 1st

Umi Hines
Lower Elementary
Artistic - 2nd

Grayson Aoki-Kilgore
Lower Elementary
Comical - 2ndMaia Mouri
Upper Elementary
Artistic - 2nd

Momoka Kitahara
Upper Elementary
Comical - 2nd

Aadvika Punyapu
Lower Elementary
Artistic - 3rd

Honor Herbert
Lower Elementary
Comical - 3rd

Mikayla Lee
Upper Elementary
Artistic - 3rd

Katelyn Suekawa
Upper Elementary
Comical - 3rd

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Nengajo Showcase - Middle School Winners

See Chart on Page 15 for teacher and school information

Maya Welle
Artistic - 1st

Paxton Denato
Comical - 1stDaelen Stevenson
CGI - 1st

Anju Fukudome
Encouragement - 1st

Iris Oberlander
Artistic - 2ndHina Lew
Comical - 2nd

Ari Esperum
CGI - 2nd

Hana Smith
Encouragement - 2nd

Moe HoArtistic - 3rd

Bryan Boyd
Comical - 3rd

Nico Kodama
CGI - 3rd

Sarah Ohta
Encouragement - 3rd18

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Nengajo Showcase - High School Winners

See Chart on Page 15 for teacher and school information

Alyssa Gans
Artistic - 1st

Kameya Dement
Comical - 1st

Jasmin Velazquez
CGI - 1st

Luke Saalfeld
Encouragement - 1st

Kiet Huynh
Artistic - 2nd

Yui Nakanishi
Comical - 2ndRein Zhang
CGI - 2nd

Sammy Vu
Encouragement - 2nd

Kyra Kanai
Artistic - 3rd

Valentina Valencia
Comical - 3rd

Sophia Minakakis
CGI - 3rd

Bianca Stojanoff
Encouragement - 3rd

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Nengajo Showcase - College Winners

See Chart on Page 15 for teacher and school information

Meryl Jiang
Artistic - 1st

Keila Cooke
Comical - 1st

Bryce Willams
Artistic - 2nd

Luisa Bueno
CGI - 2nd

Thu-Minh DuongArtistic - 3rd

Sara Nguyen
Comical - 3rd

Colin Giles
CGI - 1st20

Naghi Nemoto
Encouragement - 1st

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

February 1, 2024
Invitation to the 8th Annual Junior Japan Bowl Competition
Dear Educators, Parents, and Supporters of Japanese Language Programs,
J-LEARN (Japanese Language Education and Resource Network) cordially invites students in Grades one
through eight (Gr. 1-8) who are interested in Japan to compete in the eighth annual Junior Japan Bowl
(J2B) competition. The competition, which is provided free of charge to all students, will be held virtually
on Friday, April 26, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Junior Japan Bowl is a team-based academic competition modeled after the National Japan Bowl hosted
by the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC, where elementary and middle school students answer
questions about the Japanese language, history, and culture in a quiz-bowl format. In 2023, 380 students
from California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Illinois, Georgia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Virginia competed.
Click HERE to see how much fun we had. We expect students from new states to join us in 2024!
Competition Information
Who: All elementary and middle school students, including Japanese heritage students, are eligible tocompete as long as they have not attended a school in Japan where Japanese is the primary language of
instruction for more than two academic years after age six.
What: A free academic competition on the Japanese language, history, and culture.
When:
Competition: Friday, April 26, 2024 (Registration)
Study Session: Sunday, March 17 (Registration)
Software Practice: Sunday, April 21 (Registration)
Why: It’s fun and easy to prepare for J2B. All questions for J2B come from the official J2B Study Guide,
which J-LEARN develops. The J2B2024 Study Guide and other study resources (self-paced and classroom
enrichment) can be accessed at our WEBSITE. Teachers can also contact J-LEARN (admin@jcc-gfes.org)
to access a list of links to Quizlet and Kahoot games designed for use by teachers in classrooms.
How: Create a team of 2-3 students from the same competition level and choose a team name that
includes your school initials. Every student must register by March 31, 2024.
Other: We have a T-shirt sale fundraiser from February 15 to March 15. All funds will support the Jr.
Japan Bowl. The original design is only available for a limited time.

★
★
★

Resources
Jr. Japan Guide Book for Students (NEW! in manga style introduction)
Important Date Flyer (NEW! Study session, Software practice registration link included)
All About Jr. Japan Bowl for Teachers (Tips and Information)
About Jr. Japan Bowl for Administrators and Parents
If you are new to J2B or want to learn more, please contact Yuka Ohta at admin@jcc-gfes.org.
21

Invitation to the 8th Annual Junior Japan Bowl Competition

年月日

2024 2 1

日本語教育関係者の皆様、第８回ジュニアジャパンボウルについて下記の通り最新情報をご案内申し上げます。
記
大会日時：2024年4月26日（EDT 5:30pm-9:00 pm）
登録受付：2024年1月1日～3月31日 登録費無料
登録フォーム勉強会：2024年3月17日 (EDT 5pm-7:45pm レベルごとに異なります）
登録フォームソフトウェア練習：2024年4月21日（EDT 5:00pm-6:30pm)
登録フォームファンドレイズT-shirtセール：2024年2月15日ー3月15日
申し込みウェブサイト
最新フライヤー：Important Dates Flyer（上記すべての情報とリンクを含む）
生徒用資料
J-LEARN Website
Jr.Japan Bowl Guidebook（漫画で紹介）
先生用資料
教師用Google Sheet：登録用リンクや教室でKahootをホストできるリンク、トピックに準じたNHK
Worldのビデオリンク等が含まれます。
注：こちらのSheetは生徒さんへの共有はお控えください。
All About Jr. Japan Bowl for Teachers (大会や登録時の注意点等の説明)
About Jr. Japan Bowl for Administrators and Parents（学校や保護者への紹介）
J-LEARN Website

連絡先
J-LEARN代表 太田由佳 admin@jcc-gfes.org
2024年大会トピック
言語：挨拶・教室で使う表現、擬音語・擬態語・諺、漢字
地理：日本の基本的な情報、都道府県、山、川、湖、島
歴史：室町、安土・桃山・江戸時代・戦国時代スペシャル（忍者・武士・城）
文化：歌舞伎・浮世絵・和菓子・季節の行事
今年も日本語プログラムの発展と生徒たちの日本理解を深める機会を楽しく作り上げていきたいと思いますので、何卒よろしくお願いいたします。
ご質問等はいつでもお気軽にご連絡ください。
大塚紀子
Fox Mill Elementary School, VA
日本語イマージョンプログラム教員

NLVANKEUREN@fcps.edu

22Competition Day
April 26, 2024
Level 1: 5:00-6:00 pm EDT
Level 2: 6:15-7:15 pm EDT
Level 3: 7:30-8:30 pm EDT

Registration
Register by
March 31, 2024
Click HERE
to register

Jr. Japan Bowl Guidebook forstudents (Click the image)

Example: School - Star Elementary School (SES)
Nickname - Ninja
Team Name - Sakura

Nickname: SES Ninja
Team Name: SES Sakura

Nickname Start with the school initials (15 spaces)

Team Name Start with the school initials (15 spaces)

Benkyokai
Study Session

Selfiesubmission

SoftwarePractice

March 17, 2024

Submit by March 31

April 21, 2024

Level 1: 5:00-5:45 pm EDT

Submit selfies of students who will

All Levels : 5:00-6:30 pm EDT

Level 2: 6:00-6:45 pm EDT
Level 3: 7:00-7:45 pm EDT

Register by March 15
An opportunity for students
to practice Kahoot! Gamesand to practice with otherstudents who will becompeting on April 28.

Click HERE to registercompete in Junior Japan Bowl by
March 31, 2024.
Selfies can be of an individual
student or a group team photo.
File names must begin with thecompetition Level(Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3).
Individual photos should include
students' names.

Group team photos should
include team names.

Click HERE to submit

23

Register by April 19
J-LEARN will host an optional
software practice session tofamiliarize parents and students
with the technology platforms thatwill be used at J2B. No technology
help will be available during thecompetition, so if you have any
doubts, we strongly
encourage you to attend.

Click HERE to register

Competition Day
April 26, 2024
Level 1: 5:00-6:00 pm EDT
Level 2: 6:15-7:15 pm EDT
Level 3: 7:30-8:30 pm EDT

Registration
Register by
March 31, 2024
Click HERE
to register

Jr. Japan Bowl Guidebook forstudents (Click the image)

Example: School - Star Elementary School (SES)
Nickname - Ninja
Team Name - Sakura

Nickname: SES Ninja
Team Name: SES Sakura

Nickname Start with the school initials (15 spaces)

Team Name Start with the school initials (15 spaces)

Benkyokai
Study Session

Selfiesubmission

SoftwarePractice

March 17, 2024

Submit by March 31

April 21, 2024

Level 1: 5:00-5:45 pm EDT

Submit selfies of students who will

All Levels : 5:00-6:30 pm EDT

Level 2: 6:00-6:45 pm EDT
Level 3: 7:00-7:45 pm EDT

Register by March 15
An opportunity for students
to practice Kahoot! Gamesand to practice with otherstudents who will becompeting on April 28.

Click HERE to registercompete in Junior Japan Bowl by
March 31, 2024.
Selfies can be of an individual
student or a group team photo.
File names must begin with thecompetition Level(Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3).
Individual photos should include
students' names.

Group team photos should
include team names.

Click HERE to submit

Register by April 19
J-LEARN will host an optional
software practice session tofamiliarize parents and students
with the technology platforms thatwill be used at J2B. No technology
help will be available during thecompetition, so if you have any
doubts, we strongly
encourage you to attend.

Click HERE to registerDoylea ou lovraboning e
Jap utan?

Heystudents!

Then you should
get ready for
Junior JapanBowl!

Do you loveplaying games
and winning
prizes?

Junior Japan Bowl is anational, team-based
academic competition that ishosted virtually every year by
J-LEARN.

Let's
LEARN
ABOUT IT!

The competition
is FREE forstudents Grades
1-8!

Students are separated into
three competition levels,and there are 2-3 students
in a team.

Learn about
one of themostfascinating
countries in
the World!

and with yourteam, you get to
do many things!
IT's FUN!

Compete ina GameBased
Competition
againstteams fromacross theUnitedStates!

DEVELOPTEAMWORKI
NG SKILLS
AND win fun
PRIZES!

IT's EXCITING!

IT's REWARDING!

Here, you’ll find official J2B
study materials and practicequestions.

So How do you
prepare?

THIRD, Make a team with one or twoof your friends from the same
competition level...

FIRST, go to the
J-LEARN website!

...AND Ask your teacher orparents for help to register at
the J-LEARN Website!
That's It! You areset for J2B!

Next, Participate in the J2BBenkyokai (Study Session)!

test yourknowledge,
meet yourcompetition, andpracticeusing yoursoftware!

Have funlearningwith yourfriends!!

See you atthe next
J2B!

LIMITED TIME OFFER

ORIGINAL

JAPAN BOWL

T-SHIRT SALE!

ORDER FEB 15-MARCH 15, 2024

THIS IS A FUNDRAISER
100% OF FUNDS GO DIRECTLY TO JUNIOR JAPAN BOWL

Click HERE to purchaseContact
Yuka Ohta: admin@jcc-gfes.org
T-shirt StoreJ-LEARN, part of the Japanese Cultural Committee of Great Falls Elementary School,organizes the Junior Japan Bowl. Japan Bowl is a registered trademark of
the Japan-America Society of Washington, DC.

J-LEARN Website

F E B R U AA RP YR .2 200
22
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L .L .1 2
3 0| N O . 1

29

F E B R U AA RP YR .2 200
22
4 0| |V V
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L .L .1 2
3 0| N O . 1

Bridging Scholarships are Open for2024-25SUSAN SCHMIDTEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

If your students plan to study abroad in Japan during the 2024-25 academic year (fallsemester, spring semester, or academic year), encourage them to apply for a Bridging
Scholarship.
The application window is open until March 15. Students planning to study in Japan during
the Fall 2024 semester, the Spring 2025 semester, or the 2024-25 academic year should
apply during this window.
Bridging Scholarships are funded by the US-Japan Bridging Foundation and the program isadministered by AATJ.
The link to information and to apply: https://www.aatj.org/japan-bridging-scholarships/

30

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

New Officers Elected for 2024
Thanks to all the members who voted in AATJ’s recent election of a new President-Elect and a
new Vice President (college level). For the first time ever, with a slate of outstanding candidates,
the election went to a run-off for both officer positions.
The newly elected officers for 2024 are:President-Elect: Nobuko Chikamatsu (DePaul University)
Vice President (college level): Stephen Luft (University of Pittsburgh)
The two new officers will join the following continuing officers to make up AATJ’s five-member
decision-making leadership group:
President: Yoshiko Mori (Georgetown University)
Immediate Past President: Shingo Satsutani (College of DuPage)
Vice President (K-12): Mieko Avello (Miami Palmetto Senior High School)
Please see the following web page for a complete list of Officers, Directors, and staff members:
https://www.aatj.org/aatj/people/

Membership for 2024
To the hundreds of members who have renewed their AATJ membership for 2024 in thepast few weeks – we appreciate you!
If you have not renewed your membership for 2024, please take a moment to do so now.
Renew online at https://www.aatj.org/membership/. Don’t miss out on professional
development opportunities for yourself and activities for your students like the Japanese
National Honor Society, the National Japanese Exam, and the Nengajo Contest.
Stay Up to Date with Your Regional AffiliateYour AATJ membership includes membership in one of two dozen state and regional affiliateorganizations. When you renew your membership for 2024 you selected an affiliate, which
will receive a portion of your annual membership dues. You can contact your affiliate’s
officers and learn more about its activities by clicking on its link in the list at
https://www.aatj.org/affiliates/.

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

2024 Japan-America Grassroots Summit Invites Participation
The Japan-America Grassroots Summit is an annual gathering of Japanese and American
citizens, held alternately in Japan and America. It celebrates the historic friendship between
Nakahama Manjiro and Captain William Whitfield. Manjiro was a 14-year-old fisherman
when he was marooned off Japan’s coast. Whitfield rescued the young Manjiro, brought him
back with him to the United States and shared his own home with him there. Years later,
because of his rare command of English and unmatched experience in America, Manjiro
played a pivotal role in the newly forming relationship between Japan and the United States.
Every year since 1991, some 100 to 200 people have traveled across the Pacific to take partin the annual Grassroots Summit. Japanese prefectures and American states alternate as
host regions for about one week, with locals sharing their homes and the unique features of
their communities and guests enjoying sight-seeing, cultural activities, receptions, andhomestays with them. More than 50,000 people have participated in the Grassroots
Summits over the course of almost three decades.
This year’s Summit will be in Wakayama Prefecture, rich with history (Koyasan temple),
culture (Kumano path), and nature.
The Summit in Japan is an exceptional opportunity for family members of students who go
to Japan on study abroad. They can see what their sons/daughters/siblings are so attracted
to and to comprehend the Japan experience first-hand.
It is also a great opportunity for teachers of Japanese who have not had much community
experience in Japan. They will have excellent networking opportunities both with city
officials and citizens of varying ages within the community.
For detailed information on the program and on applying to participate, please go to theprogram website: http://www.manjiro.or.jp/e/about/. For information on registering, see
http://www.manjiro.or.jp/e/activities/index.html. The Early Bird discount registration
deadline is February 29.

32

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

Call for Proposals – Japanese Language
Teachers Association of New England (JLTANE)

The 37th Annual Conference of the Japanese Language
Teachers’ Association of New England (JLTANE) will be held
virtually on Saturday, May 11, 2024, hosted by the Wesleyan
University’s College of East Asian Studies. This full-day event willbe the 37th JLTANE conference. Presentations will be live via
Zoom.
We invite abstracts for presentations on topics related to Japanese language and culture
education (e.g., linguistics, second language acquisition, pedagogical innovations, K-12
Japanese language education, heritage language education, literature, history, anime, andpop culture, among others). The deadline for receipt of abstracts is Saturday, March 9.
Visit
the
conference
websiteforhttps://jltane.conference.wesleyan.edu/

detailsandtosubmita

proposal:

The conference keynote will be delivered by Professor Takako Aikawa from MIT, who will
speak on “The Role of AI in Language Education: Call for Perspective-Shift.” Conference
registration will open in mid-February.

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FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

JNHS Applications Being AcceptedJapanese
National
Honor
Society

The Japanese National Honor Society (JNHS) is accepting
applications from teachers wishing to recognize theiroutstanding students, to encourage them to continue in the
study of Japanese, and to promote activities that give
students ways to use their language skills.

For information about establishing a chapter, nominating students, sponsoring activities,
andreceivingcertificates
and
honor
cords
for
graduation,
visit
https://www.aatj.org/students/japanese-national-honor-society/.
Teacher nominations should be sent to AATJ four weeks before spring recognition
ceremonies are planned, and by May 1 if at all possible. Questions? Write to jnhs@aatj.org.

34

FEBRUARY 2024 | VOL. 13 | NO. 1

University of Pittsburgh
SEALS(Summer East Asian Language Studies)

2024 Learn a Year’s Worth ofJapanese this Summer!
and Go to Japan!
Instruction: May 6–July 12, 2023
Trip: July 13-July 27, 2024
(estimated; exact travel dates TBA)

Scholarships Available!

Questions? Please contact: Stephen Luft (luft@pitt.edu(412) 648-0848

35

Share your Japanese Program news via social media!
Contact our social media director, Junko Tokuda Simpson HERE!

American Association ofTeachers of Japanese, Inc.
Campus Box 366
University of Colorado
Boulder, CO 80309-0366