Act on the Accrediting of Japanese-Language Educational Institutes to Ensure Appropriate and Reliable Implementation of Japanese-Language Education

In order to ensure the quality of Japanese language education and better serve the increasing number of foreign nationals residing in Japan, a new law, the Act on the Accrediting of Japanese-Language Educational Institutes to Ensure Appropriate and Reliable Implementation of Japanese-Language Education (hereinafter referred to as "the Act"), will go into effect in April 2024. The Act establishes a system for accrediting Japanese language educational institutes that meet certain requirements as Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions. The Act also creates a certification system for Nationally Registered Japanese Language Teachers to provide instruction at such institutions.

Introduction

The number of foreign residents and Japanese language learners in Japan is on the rise. In 2022, the number of foreign nationals residing in Japan exceeded three million for the first time. The number of Japanese language learners studying at Japanese language schools and other institutions reached a record high of about 280,000 in 2019, and although it temporarily declined shortly thereafter due to the impact of COVID-19, it began to increase again in 2022.

While the demand for Japanese language education is growing, issues have been identified in the provision of such education. These include the lack of adequate mechanisms to ensure the quality of education provided at the various Japanese language educational institutions, the difficulty Japanese language learners face with obtaining accurate information about educational standards when selecting a Japanese language educational institution, and the inadequate availability of professional Japanese language instructors in terms of quality and quantity.

To address these issues, the Government of Japan, in accordance with the Act, will accredit Japanese language educational institutions that have ensured a certain level of quality, and nationally certified Japanese language teachers will provide Japanese language instruction in accredited institutions.

Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions

The Government of Japan will accredit as Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions those establishments that meet accreditation standards in terms of faculty, facilities and equipment, curriculum, etc. Accreditation standards are determined for each of the following three categories tailored to the purpose of Japanese language learning: Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions for Study in Japan, Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions for Workplace, and Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions for Daily Life. Accredited institutions will be required to provide educational programs that enable students to achieve a certain level of Japanese language proficiency, depending on the category.

Accreditation of Japanese language educational institutions is scheduled to take place after October 2024, following an accreditation review by the national government.

Nationally Registered Japanese Language Teachers

In principle, only teachers who hold a certificate as a Nationally Registered Japanese Language Teacher, as newly provided for by the Act, may teach Japanese language at Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions. To be certified as a Nationally Registered Japanese Language Teacher, candidates must pass the Japanese Language Teacher Examination, a national exam that evaluates whether they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to teach Japanese. They must also complete a practical training course in which they practice teaching in a Japanese language classroom.

Dissemination of information by the Government of Japan

The Government of Japan plans to disseminate information on Nationally Accredited Japanese Language Educational Institutions in multiple languages via the Internet. The dissemination of multilingual information will begin around October 2024, after the accreditation of Japanese language educational institutions takes place.

Conclusion

By establishing an accreditation system for Japanese language educational institutions based on the Act, the Government of Japan will promote the development of an environment in which foreign nationals residing in Japan can live in harmony with its people in their public and private lives.