a guide to start teaching japanese language in
higher institutions in india
Why start a Japanese language course in your institution?
In India, a person with Japanese language skills is in demand because:
Ÿ Bilateral relations between India and Japan are good, as our prime minsters meet every year.
Ÿ Better economic relations, with more Japanese companies investing in India.
Ÿ The number of Japanese companies in India has increased to 1,369 in 2017. Since 2006, there has been a 500% increase as shown in the graph.
Japan has also been supporting development in India
Ÿ Delhi Metro is one of the many projects, supported by the Japanese government over the years.
Ÿ High Speed Rail Project is also a mark of close cooperation between the two countries.
Ÿ As Japan’s contribution to development in India grows, there will be an increase in employment in India, with more and more skilled and Japanese speaking persons being sought after
Popularity of Japanese culture, ethics and its economic power
Anime (animations) and Manga (comics), together with Japanese food are vastly popular in India. Features that are specific to Japanese culture, such as human respect, cleanliness, and traditions of the country are attracting more and more Indians to explore Japanese culture and way of life.
More institutions of higher education in India are expected to start the Japanese language course
In the Japan-India Joint Statement issued on September 14, 2017, the two governments announced as following:
“The two Prime Ministers recognised the importance of expanding Japanese language education in India, for achieving wider and closer industrial cooperation. In this regard, they decided to endeavour towards establishing Japanese language certificate courses at 100 higher educational institutions in India as well as training 1,000 Japanese language teachers, over the next five years.”
Japanese Language Teachers’ Training Centre was established as a collaborative project by both Indian and Japanese governments to increase the number of teachers of Japanese language in India.
The Japan Foundation, New Delhi is the supporter of this project, and our language advisors teach the courses.
More Japanese teachers will be trained and made available as part of this collaborative project.
Mechanism of the Japanese Language Training Centre
What is the merit of learning Japanese?
In this age of globalisation, people knowing Japanese language, together with some skills are in demand（e.g. Japanese plus management skill, IT skills, etc.）
What does a Japanese language course in the higher institutions look like?
It depends on the institutions. Different courses can be designed according to the needs of each institution. Here is an example of some of the courses.
Model for a three-year course
1 Week = 1 Class (90 min)
1 Semester = 22.5 hrs (15 weeks)
1 Year = 45 hrs
3 Years = 135 hrs
After the three-year course students will be able to:
Communicate independently and fluently on familiar subjects
Understand Japanese manners and Japanese way of thinking which is useful when contacting or meeting Japanese people
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should an institution do to introduce Japanese course?
First step would be to come up with the kind of class you would like to start. Then, you need to look for a teacher
2. Is it possible to get support from the Japan Foundation?
Of course. The Japan Foundation, New Delhi is ready to support your teachers with a variety of support programs.
3. How much money would each institution need to start the Japanese language program?
It really depends on the kind of course, for example, for one course of 6 months (150 hours), INR 2 lakh is required as honorarium for the teacher and textbooks etc. You can charge your students a fee, if your institution cannot make it part of the curriculum.
