Japan Foundation 'Japanese Language Partners' Ambassador Appointment Ceremony Participation Report
I attended the appointment ceremony for the ambassador of the 'Japanese Language Partners' dispatch program, which is conducted by the Japan Foundation.
Date and Time: Monday, July 6, 2026
Venue: Comore Yotsuya Tower Conference (Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo)
The Japan Foundation is the publisher of our Japanese language textbook 'Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture', and they develop various projects in the field of Japanese language education. This time, it was announced that actor and artist Win Morisaki would be appointed as an ambassador as part of the publicity for the 'Japanese Language Partners' program, which supports Japanese language teachers in their classrooms and promotes cultural exchange.
Announcement Details
'Japanese Language Partners' is a Japan Foundation program where participants dispatched to junior high and high schools in various Asian countries support classes as assistants to local Japanese language teachers and introduce Japanese culture. It is implemented with the goal of not only Japanese language education but also interpersonal exchange and mutual understanding.
At the press conference, in addition to the presentation of the ambassador appointment certificate to Win Morisaki, a talk session was held with two former Japanese Language Partners. Drawing on his experience of having roots in Myanmar and growing up exposed to the cultures of both Japan and Myanmar, Morisaki expressed his ambition, saying, 'I want to convey the appeal of Japanese Language Partners to as many people as possible.'
In the talk session, Fuyuko Oshige, who stayed in Laos, shared how a short-term stay in Laos due to her interest in Buddhism and Buddha statues led her to encounter the wonderful people of Laos and participate in the Japanese Language Partners program. She also introduced her experience of giving a lecture on the 'junihitoe' (twelve-layered ceremonial kimono) during the period of her dispatch, which coincided with Princess Aiko's visit to Laos. Tsubasa Suzuki, whose roots include the Philippines, the country where she was dispatched, spoke about her struggles with language acquisition in Japan and episodes where she felt the differences in food culture in the Philippines. Morisaki, who has had similar experiences, nodded deeply at the difficulties of learning Japanese, and his eager posture as he drew out their stories showed his kind and sincere nature.
At this announcement ceremony, the aspect of 'international exchange that connects people' was strongly emphasized, rather than just Japanese language education itself. It was a bright and warm event where one could feel the hope for a better future through the various experiences that both the two former Japanese Language Partners and Mr. Morisaki have actually had between Japan and their respective countries.