Development of Japanese Language Support System in Akita

Abstract

“Akita City Japanese Language Class” is a Japanese language class for foreign residents of Akita City in Japan, run by the Akita city government. With the increasingly diverse backgrounds and needs of students, the operation of this language class requires further reforms. This paper provides an overview of the development of the Japanese language support system in Akita and an analysis of its development in three periods: 1) from the 1980s, the period of support system by volunteer supporters, 2) from 1995, the period of local government initiative, and 3) from 2016, the period of increase in short-term residents. Empirical data led us to change our teaching practices and revise our understanding of the role of Japanese language classes run by local governments.