[Ukyo in Action] Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School
Interviewers/Authors: Ayane Maekawa, Hina Yamanaka
Mr. Naoki Ueda (Vice Chairman)
Mr. Taiji Matsuno (International Department Manager)
Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School is a Japanese language and culture school that offers courses to students from various countries. “Min” means “exchanges between people” and “Minsai” refers to the “interaction between people from different cultures”. The school values people-to-people exchanges through education in language and culture, and it strives to nurture international people who can play an active role in the world, while contributing to world peace. In this interview, Mr. Ueda, Vice Chairman, and Mr. Matsuno, International Department Manager, shared with us the main activities and philosophy of Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School.
― How long have you both been working at Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School, (hereinafter referred to as Kyoto Minsai).
Mr. Ueda: Before, I was working for a resource development company, but I wanted to work in management. I heard about this job at Kyoto Minsai, and I joined the company in October 2019.
Mr. Matsuno: I have been working since 2009, after completing the 3-month Japanese language teacher training course offered by Kyoto Minsai.
― What are your main jobs and roles in Kyoto Minsai?
Mr. Ueda: We aim to create a school that is needed by both the local and international communities, and we are working to create a workplace where teachers and staff can work together with a sense of satisfaction.
Mr. Matsuno: I do a variety of things related to sales and promotion, such as holding interviews overseas to bring in foreign students and assisting applicants in the application process for the visa required for studying in Japan.
― What kind of jobs and activities do you do every day or week for Kyoto Minsai?
Mr. Ueda: In the teaching department, we instruct students about Japanese language, Japanese culture, and career paths. Regarding administrative jobs, we manage the school and students, and communicate with various government officials regarding our students. The online business division, which began last year, also provides online lessons and information via SNS.
Mr. Matsuno: Our school has four entries a year, so I’m usually very busy assisting foreign students with their visa applications when they apply to Kyoto Minsai. I am also in charge of school promotions to meet with prospective students and study abroad agencies.
― For the students studying Japanese at Kyoto Minsai, what are their main goals?
Mr. Matsuno: There are two courses at our school. The Long-Term Course prepares students to enter a Japanese vocational school, university, or graduate school. The Short-Term Course is for those who want to work in Japan or work in their home country using Japanese.
― What part of your job at Kyoto Minsai is most rewarding for you?
Mr. Ueda: I feel rewarded when I see the growth of students, teachers and staff members through their everyday efforts. It’s even better if I have been involved in the process of their growth.
Mr. Matsuno: I get involved with the students early on at the interview stage, so watching their growth through their studies is extremely rewarding. At first, they can’t speak Japanese at all, but as I see them gradually learning Japanese and using the language for conversation, I become satisfied with my work.
― Why did you choose to establish Kyoto Minsai Japanese Language School in Ukyo Ward?
Mr. Ueda: Kyoto is famous for its history, culture, tradition, and art. It also puts a lot of effort and support into education and tourism, so I thought it was the best place for foreign students to learn about Japan. Within Kyoto, Ukyo Ward has a quiet and calm environment that is good for students, and I also thought it was easily accessible to various areas as it is in the center of Kyoto.
― As a Japanese language school in Ukyo Ward, what kind of relationships have you developed with the local community?
Mr. Matsuno: We were asked by the Ukyo Police Station to record announcements in five languages to use at some tourist destinations. The announcements made by the students at that time are still being used in the bamboo grove of Arashiyama.
― What is the most impressive thing about Kyoto Minsai for both of you?
Mr. Ueda: As the COVID-19 pandemic has continued, it has been difficult for some students to live comfortably. Residents and entrepreneurs donated food and other resources to support the students. I was most impressed and even cried when seeing our students’ smiles when I was able to distribute these donated goods. This motivated me to work even harder for them.
Mr. Matsuno: I remember a student who I taught Japanese at a university in Indonesia for three years. At that time, she could not speak Japanese at all, but after she graduated from university, she came to study at our school and after that she passed the N1 level of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test. Furthermore, she was able to work for a company in Japan.
― What are your plans for Kyoto Minsai in playing a greater role in the community in the future?
Mr. Ueda: I hope we can introduce more technology into our education programs and continue to work with local people to address local issues concerning our school and students.
Mr. Matsuno: In particular, many students from Southeast Asia are interested in becoming caregivers in Japan, so I hope that we can better match healthcare employers with students who want to become caregivers.
― Finally, what do you think is the most important thing about Kyoto Minsai?
Mr. Ueda: Our educational philosophy is “Through the education of Japanese culture, we aim at fostering global citizens who understand, accept, and love the ideas of others and cultures of different countries and regions. Not by means of interaction between a country and a country, but by having interaction between people and people with Japanese language and culture as the catalyst, we cultivate the mindset of mutual understanding, and we believe these efforts lead to world peace.” I hope we can share this with people in the local community and work together towards the same goal.
