Sunday, September 11, 2022

Japan Foundation launches language, cultural courses

CEBU - The Japan Foundation has launched a six-month Nihongo language and cultural courses for Nikkeijins or Japanese descendants in the Philippines.

The project is in partnership with the Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai. At least 21 Nikkeijins were selected from Cebu, Bacolod, Palawan, Davao, General Santos, Cotabato, Iloilo and Metro Manila.

Nikkeijins are descendants of Japanese nationals who migrated to the Philippines during the pre-war period for work or business and eventually settled in the country.

“With the aims of expanding employment opportunities in and outside the Philippines and strengthening the network of Nikkeijin communities across the country, the course will provide online Japanese language and cultural lessons for twice a week for a period of six months starting from September 2022 to March 2023," the Japan Foundation said Saturday.

The opening ceremony was attended by Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa and Philippine Nikkei Jin Kai Rengokai president Ines Yamanouchi Mallari.

In Davao, the Nikkeijin history dates back to 1903 when Japanese Suda Ryosuke brought in the first batch of Japanese nationals to engage in abaca production in the province. (Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

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