AJALT Objectives
In the 1970's, Japan was progressing undauntedly towards economic growth. During that period, interested individuals believing confidently that the day will come very near in the future when people all over the world aspire in learning the Japanese language got together and set off searching the venue of Japanese language education research. Thus mark the dawn of the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching.
Language is the culture itself of a nation, but at the same time, it serves as a means of international communication. The role of Japanese language instructors is expanding even more these days. The instructors teach Japanese so that people around the globe will be able to have an accurate understanding of our country, our culture, and our people. They teach so permanent residents from abroad can adapt themselves to society as quickly as possible through their knowledge of the Japanese language.
Our association, by analyzing the individual needs of the students and developing teaching materials to meet those requirements, practices effective Japanese language education. We are also making every effort to promote global understanding as well as realizing domestic internationalization.
A. Sekiguchi
Chair
A brief History of AJALT
Apr. 1970
Nishio Group, the Japanese Language Teaching Institute (predecessor of the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching, AJALT) was founded.
Feb. 1977
The group was authorized by the Ministry of Education as an incorporated association and renamed the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching.
Oct. 1977
The first AJALT Public Lecture Series was held, and became an annual event for the next seven years.
May. 1978
The first issue of "AJALT" magazine was published.
Feb. 1980
Program to teach Japanese to Indo-Chinese refugees was initiated as commissioned by a Japanese government foundation.
July. 1981
A training course for Japanese language teaching was designed at the request of Ishikawa Prefecture. Thereafter, AJALT has continued to cooperate with local and overseas organizations to create various training courses for Japanese language instructors.
Apr. 1984
Published "Japanese for Busy People 1"through Kodansha International.
June. 1985
The first AJALT public symposium for Japanese instructors was held, and has since become an annual June event.
Sep. 1990
More classrooms were added to improve AJALT's program and to accommodate expanded activities.
Oct. 1991
Published "Jissen Nihongo-Gijutsu-Kenshu-Hen" to provide introductory-level language instruction for technical trainees.
Jan. 1991
Published "READING JAPANESE FINANCIAL NEWSPAPERS" through Kodansha International.
Mar. 1992
AJALT was asked to direct the Japanese instruction program for technical trainees by JITCO(Japan International Training Cooperation Organization).
Oct. 1992
AJALT was awarded "The Japan Foundation Special Prize," acknowledging its excellence in creating unique Japanese language programs for foreign students.
Dec. 1994
Published revised versions of "Japanese for Busy People,Vol.1,2 and 3."
Aug. 1996
AJALT's office moved to Kamiyacho.
Mar. 1998
Published "JAPANESE FOR PROFESSIONALS" through Kodansha International.
Aug. 1998
Published "JAPANESE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE I Student Book", "JAPANESE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE I kana Workbook" through Kodansha International.
Nov. 1998
AJALT was awarded the Hakuho Award in recognition of extensive Japanese language education activities to promote global understanding.
Oct. 1999
Published a new Kanji workbook for children "KANJI DAISUKI I".
Apr. 2004
Worked with Kokushikan University to develop its Japanese language program for foreign students at the School of Asia 21.
May. 2007
Produced a DVD instruction material, titled, “Welcome to Sakura Elementary School – We’re All Friends!”
July. 2010
AJALT becomes a public interest corporation in compliance with the Act on Authorization of Public Interest Incorporated Associations and Public Interest Incorporated Foundation.
2F Toranomon ES Bldg.
3-25-2 Toranomon Minato-ku,
Tokyo 105-0001, Japan
