First Research Meeting of FY2025 Held for the “Project to Establish a Hub for Promoting Japanese Language Teacher Training and Development (Chubu Block – Kanazawa University)”

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On July 13, the School of International Studies, College of Human and Social Sciences, held the first research meeting of the 2025 academic year at Kakuma Campus as part of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology’s “Project to Establish a Hub for Promoting Japanese Language Teacher Training and Development (Chubu Block – Kanazawa University).” The meeting was titled “School Education × Japanese Language Education: Possibilities and Challenges in Supporting Children with Foreign Backgrounds.”

Following an opening statement by Professor Noriko Ichishima from the School of International Studies, College of Human and Social Sciences, Chikako Nishiumi from the Compulsory Education Division of the Fukui Prefectural Board of Education presented on “Support Projects for Foreign Children in Fukui Prefecture.” Toshinori Nishimura, Section Chief of the Personnel Division at the Ishikawa Prefectural Board of Education, reported on “Support for Foreign Students at Prefectural High Schools.” Next, part-time lecturers Ikuko Okumura and Chihiro Nakao from Kanazawa Tatsumioka High School, along with Ruri Bessho from the School of International Studies, College of Human and Social Sciences, and Mai Yoshikawa from the Graduate School of Human and Socio-Environmental Studies, presented on “Insights from the Field of Japanese Language Support – Case Study from Tatsumioka High School.” They shared the current state of support for students with foreign backgrounds, identified challenges, and offered recommendations. The meeting concluded with a Q&A session and a general discussion.

The event attracted a large number of participants from both within and outside the Hokuriku region, with 41 attending in person and approximately 80 joining online. There was active engagement, including many questions directed to the presenters. The meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of collaboration among individuals and institutions involved in various forms of support for children with foreign backgrounds.

*Website: https://jlt.w3.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/

• Nishiumi explains about the Foreign Student Support Program
• Nishimura explains about the project to support foreign students at high schools
• Bessho explains the support at Kanazawa Tatsumigaoka High School
• Q&A and general discussion