It’s a little around this time of the month when we started planning out our little adventure last year to the Tohoku area. We were giddy since my friend and I both knew that the trip would be a departure from our past trips that mostly revolved in visiting shrines and temples, museums, and famous tourist spots. This time we’ve decided to see the three big summer festivals Tohoku boasts of, the 竿燈祭り(Kanto Matsuri) in Akita, the ねぶた祭り(Nebuta Matsuri) in Aomori and the 七夕祭り(Tanabata Matsuri) in Miyagi. Choosing our summer destination was fairly easy, but it was rather difficult to decide where we should first head off. The festivals were held at three separate locations across three different prefectures at overlapping dates so prudent planning was crucial since we were traveling on a 青春18きっぷ(Seishun 18-kippu), which is very cheap and cheap entails time consuming train rides (this trip took about 60 hours if you calculate the rides collectively). We did our research and figured that it was most convenient to go to Akita, then Aomori, and finally to Sendai. We’ve purchased train tickets, made hotel reservations, printed out maps and train schedules. We also checked out blogs for previous travelers’ advice for satisfying gastronomic experiences and what to expect during the festivals. With all these planned out, we were definitely set!

With almost a week’s worth of clothes and high hopes packed, we left Hiroshima at past 6:00 a.m. to start our extremely long trip. The cool northeastern wind welcomed us the following day as we headed to where the “Kanto Matsuri” was to be held. I didn’t exactly know what to expect from the festival because as honest as I can be, it was the “Nebuta Matsuri” that I really had my eye on. Actually, to be more honest, I didn’t think I’d enjoy the performances. I didn’t think there would be anything special with balancing bamboo poles adorned with lit up paper lanterns. However, as the parade climaxed, even the cynic in me was amazed with the audacious and yet graceful techniques the performers displayed. Making a 12-meter long adjoined bamboo pole with 46 lanterns roughly weighing 50 kilograms stand on different parts of your body, was just beyond imagination not to mention the hazard of setting the lanterns into a bonfire bonanza. Well, set aside awkward and dragging pre-parade dance performances and the redundancy of the “Kanto” performances, the festival itself was nevertheless entertaining and exciting.

Still exhausted, we unwillingly regained our pace and headed farther north for the much-awaited “Nebuta Matsuri.” A woman on the train next to me struck up a casual conversation. She said that she’s traveling by herself from Yokohama and that she’s been to the “Nebuta Matsuri” the previous day. She enthusiastically talked about the parade and openly gave her opinions on it. We found out that the floats had to be wrapped in plastic so the very delicate 和紙(washi) that makes up the float doesn’t get damaged from the rain. I asked where the best view of the parade was and she knowingly gave us an advice plus a mat we could use to sit on to view the parade. We talked on and on until she had to get off at the station where her hotel was.It was a nice encounter. With a few more hours left, we rested and closed our eyes and silently wished for a fair weather.

As we got closer and closer to Aomori, the train got crowded and crowded that suggested the grandness of the festival. We reached Aomori early leaving us enough time to have a taste of their fresh三色丼 (sanshokudon: rice topped with ikura, hotate, and uni) and to take a closer glimpse of each float.  

There were 20 entries, all carefully crafted to perfection with some taking up almost an entire year to complete. The size, colors, theme, intricacy all contribute to the majestic composition of each float. Just before dusk the parade starts and the floats, all lit-up, are wheeled and moved around. The entire town already enveloped in a festive mood transported around 1 million visitors into a dreamy world where mystic creatures and legendary heroes came to life with the merry sound of 太鼓“taiko” and 尺八“shakuhachi”. Visitors were encouraged to join the parade by putting on a “haneto” costume but we decided to take up on the role of audiences to be awed and overwhelmed by the magnificence of the shimmering giant lanterns.

I wished for the parade to never end but then all good things come to an end, the town went still, the lanterns were kept again for the following day and the lights glimmered on at the back of my mind as memories. Without a hotel to pass the night, we spent a few hours at a karaoke by the station and waited for the very first train out. Hesitant to leave the cool summer and incredibly sweet sea urchins and scallops of Aomori, we headed for the nearest bathing house to get us set for the next festival.

It was rainy, too humid and too crowded in Miyagi. I wanted to stay locked up in the hotel to keep myself from the musty air outside that was heavy with languor but the thought of having 牛タン“gyutan (ox tongue)” got me up and about. We decided to go to the商店街 “shotengai(bookstores)” that were lavishly decorated with 3-5-meter long multi-colored “washi” streamers that symbolize the “Tanabata Matsuri.”

This festival was different from the other two since there were neither musicians nor dancers to grace the festivity. It would be proper then to describe it as an art appreciation journey. I did enjoy the spectacular ornaments that resembled oversized army of piñatas hang closely together that seemed to direct everyone towards a path to another world, perhaps enlightenment.

The path apparently led to forever and we were ready to give up from exhaustion. We were just not quite patient enough. We wrapped up the day and treated ourselves to a “gyutan” meal and some ずんだ餅“zunda-mochi(mashed green soybeans rice)” for dessert. The meal was more than just satisfying. It was incredibly good and I came to love Miyagi for it. After completing all three festivals we made a side trip to Kusatsu to dip our weary bones and then headed back to Hiroshima.

Contributor: Nina Arteliz Gallego

a graduate of  The Philippine Institute of Japanese Language and Culture

Currently a Phd student at Hiroshima University (under Monbukagakusho scholarship)

March 14 is White Day! It began as the day when marshmallows, candies and white chocolates were given by the guys to the ladies in return for the chocolates they received during Valentines day. This used to be a uniquely Japanese holiday but I read somewhere that it is now observed in Korea and Taiwan as well.

In the mid 1970s, it was observed that guys who received chocolates on Valentines day began “returning the favor” by giving cookies, candies or marshmallows.

The confectionery industry took note of that and in 1978 decided to create a “Candy day”. It took 2 years for the assigned committee to prepare for a national campaign, and finally in 1980, they launched the “White day” campaign. “White” because the sugar used in these sweets is color white. It also denotes the purity and freshness of young love.

The reason for the date, March 14, goes back to the history of Valentine’s day. Its believed that in the year 269, on February 14, a priest by the name of Valentine was executed for continuing to marry a couple despite the order by the Roman emperor for single soldiers to not wed. A month after the death of Valentine, the couple vowed their undying love.

Now, the guys who received honmei-choco or giri-choco during Valentine’s day are expected to return the favor. Aside from giving sweets to the ladies, some magazines began promoting that the value of the gifts must be sanbai gaeshi (三倍返し), which means it should be 3x what the they received. So aside from chocolates (チョコレート), cookies (クッキー), and candies (キャンディー), guys give white lingerie (ランジェリー) and jewelry (アクセサリー) as a gift.

You can’t ignore White Day in Japan since it is given as much attention as Valentine’s Day in the retail world. Department stores and smaller shops would have some kind of event or promotions starting a few days after February 14 up to March 14. This year in particular may be a great year to be in Japan since they are celebrating the 30th anniversary (30周年記念) of White Day!

Godiva and Suehiro has a tie-up promotion. A K10 pink gold sapphire (September birthstone) pendant necklace (heart motif) with Godiva sweets (http://item.rakuten.co.jp/jewelry-suehiro/m104-04001009-g/). You can actually choose the birthstone of the person you are giving it to. Sweet! Some other suggested items would be a Tiffany open heart pendant necklace or a Samantha Thavasa (one of my favorite brand!) ribbon motif necklace.

I found a website with White Day gift recommendation. They recommend the following: Nintendo DSI (pink), PSP (white), DVDs and CDs, jewelry and fashion items. Mitsukoshi Department store is once again giving amazing options for gift givers who wants to stay true to why White day was made: Sweets (http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp/whiteday/)　While going through the many sweets options, I found this super cute crystal bear pendant teddy bear. I want one!!! Another cute idea for a gift is this petite sweets phone strap!

Sooo kawaii (かわいい)!

But if all these suggestions are too overwhelming, and decide on a simple candy instead, be prepared. In my personal opinion and observation, there are probably more than a million kinds of candies to choose from! One of the most beautiful candies I have seen is from Japan. Its called kyo ame (京飴). Let the picture speak for itself. These are the creation of Ayanokōji (http://www.ayanokouji.co.jp/ ), now in its 134th year. Yes, 134th year! Truly a masterpiece.

Lastly, let me share with you the White Day limited edition products from the newest addition to Japan’s contribution to the confectionery world, Royce. They came up with the Royce White Day box, Royce Sweet Selection (White Day), Royce Collection (White Day) and the Royce Nama Strawberry. Yummy!!! I wonder if its available in Manila…

All these gift ideas made me want to go to Japan on Valentine’s day and give out chocolates to all my friends, clients, and former colleagues. Even a 500 yen chocolate will come back to me in the form of a 1500 yen gift! And for the ladies who did gave away chocolates last month, make sure the guys you gave to reads this blog. Then March 14 would be like Christmas!!!

Contributor: Ms. Yumi Calderon - Japanese interpreter, trainer and consultant

It’s the month of February and you can expect Japanese to  be making the most out of this season of Love.   In Japan, whether you are single or a couple, everyone, particularly the ladies celebrate Valentine’s day.

Japanese ladies give chocolates to most of the men in their lives.  From their colleagues to friends to family.  There are 2 types of chocolates they give.  The GIRI CHOCO（義理チョコ）which is an obligatory chocolate which is   often given to their superiors, co-workers and friends.  The second type is the HOMMEI CHOCO （本命チョコ）which is the chocolate given to the guy she really really likes.  This could be for a boyfriend, husband or someone she has a crush on.  The Giri Choco are usually the inexpensive chocolates while the Hommei Choco are those that are a bit more pricey.  The Hommei Choco could come with a gift for the gentleman.  It is not surprising to see women buying 20 to 30 chocolates during Valentine’s and retail stores take full advantage of this season.  Some ladies would actually make a Hommei Choco to give to the man they care about.

The most recent addition to the types of chocolates are the TOMO CHOCO （友チョコ）, GYAKU CHOCO（逆チョコ）, FAMI CHOCO（ファミチョコ）, SEWA CHOCO（世話チョコ）, JIBUN CHOCO（自分チョコ） or MY CHOCO（マイチョコ）.　Tomo Choco are what girls give to each other.  Gyaku Choco what the guys give the girls.  Fami Choco is for the family.  Sewa Choco is for those who has taken care of you, and Jibun Choco or My Choco is for yourself.  It is said that 20% of the annual chocolate consumption in Japan happens during this season.

The stores look like a Valentine’s version of Christmas in the Philippines.  It is like a festival of hearts.  Chocolates are the highlights of the stores, but you will definitely see many promotions even in stores that do not sell sweets.

One example I found is the promotion of CROCS Japan last year.  Crocs Japan had a Valentine’s Campaign where they gave away an original gift bag for their retails stores and the online store for a purchase of Crocs shoes.  Aside from the gift giveaway, they had a special Valentine’s window display and had the Cocoa aroma in their stores.  Not only that! They even had a chocolate fondue on February 14 for all the customers who will drop by their flagship store in Aoyama and their newest branch in Jiyuu ga oka.  On their website, they promoted crocs with chocolate colors together with their mobile phone case, also with a chocolate color. (crocs press release: http://www.atpress.ne.jp/view/10183; crocs promotion: http://crocs.co.jp/special/valentine_2009)

Check out the website of one of the top department stores in Japan, Mitsukoshi.  There are 31 high-end brand of chocolates that are promoted on their online store.  They have chocolates made by world famous pâtissier from their world famous restaurants.  They even categorized which chocolate is for which purpose (Hommei, Giri) and they have an explanation!

Price range is from ¥525 ~ ¥28350.  with many of the them less than ¥2100.  I am lost for words for the selection of chocolates they have.  Amazing! Awesome! Unbelievable! Looks soooooo yummy! Check it out for yourself at http://www.mitsukoshi.co.jp/valentine/. And that’s just one department store.  Just imagine that each department store has their own Valentine’s chocolate promotion, and every store has some kind of Valentine’s promotions.

One of the most popular entertainment management company, Johnnys used to receive trucks and trucks of chocolates from fans from all over Japan.  Johnnys manages most of the top Japanese male talents like SMAP, TOKIO, ARASHI, KAT-TUN, Hey! Say! JUMP, etc.  But now, they had to disallow such gifts to be sent to their artists.

Maybe some of you are thinking that its quite unfair since only the ladies are putting so much effort on Valentine’s day.  Not to worry.  Men will have an opportunity to give back! Will write about that next time!

Contributor: Ms. Yumi Calderon - Japanese interpreter, trainer and consultant

メリークリスマス！！！

December 25 is not a national holiday in Japan.  If its on a weekday, there is work and school on Christmas day.  And although Japanese are mostly Shinto (神道) and Buddhist (仏教 ), many actually celebrate Christmas, but it’s a different Christmas compared to how Christians celebrate it.

Its more of a commercialized celebration, like  birthday and Valentine’s day combined.  Among family members, Christmas is celebrated more for the children than for the entire family.  Parents with really young children give gifts to them as the tradition of Santa Claus (サンタクロース ) is practiced in may homes.  That means that when the child stops believing in Santa, the gift giving stops.  Homes may have Christmas trees and decors influenced by the image of Christmas in western countries.

For the older couples, they would attend a very pricey “dinner show” (ディナーショー) in hotels featuring famous performance artists,  Japanese and foreign acts.  You’ll be surprised to see some really famous American performers headlining these dinner shows.

Friends would exchange gifts and have a party, although its not really a Christmas party.  They call it “Bonenkai” (忘年会), its more like an “end of year party” where most just get drunk.  (looking at Wiki for “Bonenkai”, this is the photo they used which pretty much explains what its all about).  Companies and organizations (schools, sports, hobby, etc.) would also have their Bonenkai.  With so many of this going on, its interesting to see the contrasts of one of the most breathtaking Christmas decors all over the city and the many, many intoxicated people of various degrees all over the city, on the streets, subways and trains.

One unique tradition in Japanese Christmas, whether with family, colleagues or friends, is that they must eat a Christmas cake (クリスマスケーキ ) on Christmas eve.  Every cake shop would sell a Christmas-themed cake, and in my opinion, one of the best looking and best tasting cakes you’ll ever encounter.  These Christmas cakes will have a drastic discount on the 25th for cake shops to get rid of all the cakes before the 26th.  This practice as resulted in young girls being called a “Christmas cake” which means that they are marriageable until they are 25 years old, but require heavy discount after that! (link: Daimaru Department Store accepting Christmas cake reservations and delivery as gift. They have different cake choices depending on which brand you are ordering from!( www.daimaru.jp/d/christmas-cake.html)

There is a lot of shopping and gift-giving during Christmas too.  Parents finding the best gift for their children.  A man may be scrambling to find that perfect gift that his girlfriend or the woman he’s interested in is expecting, like a Dior wallet, Channel bag, Tiffany or 4C accessories, Prada stilettos, Bulgari watch, etc.  A woman would be doing the same, buying mostly branded wallet by Gucci, bag by Paul Smith, accessories by Garni, watch by Omega, or she would be making something special for her man.  One thing that may be uniquely Japan is the giving of “oseibo” (お歳暮) or an “end of the year” gift, usually given to people whom you feel indebted to. (link: Takashimaya Department Store online store with its vast selection of suggested Oseibo gifts. http://www.takashimaya.co.jp/shopping/wintergift/index.html）

But more than spending it with family and friends, Christmas is for the lovey-dovey couples.  Christmas in Japan is an eve of romance and more romance.  A haiku (俳句) I saw online expressed the sentiments of many women during this season: 『今の彼　クリスマスまで　もたせなきゃ』　（ｂｙ　ゆきこ、仲畑貴志編：万能川柳名作濃縮版上下（毎日新聞社、２０００）.  It would be impossible to make last minute reservations in restaurants and overnight booking at hotels on Christmas eve （クリスマスイブ）. Particularly for the women, where, with whom, how you spend Christmas eve is very critical.  The ideal Christmas eve would be something very gorgeously romantic with an awesome gift from your romantic partner, something that is picture perfect.  Those with boyfriends would be really showing off the fact that they are in a relationship or that they have a date that night.  Those without one would probably be in hiding.

If you plan to spend Christmas in Japan, it would be memorable to get into how they really celebrate it.  It will certainly be a multi-sensory experience.  You will smell the various Christmas-themed scents and also the smell of alcohol.  You will hear the Christmas carols sang in English and in Japanese as well as Christmas-themed J-Pop music which are sentimental and coll (link: Tatsuro Yamashita, one of my favorite singer’s “Christmas Eve” http://www.imeem.com/people/bdum-go/music/UKdYzcuJ/tatsuro-yamashita-christmas-eve/)

You will taste all the appetizing dishes that are best eaten during the winter months. And yes, remember to have yourself a slice of that delicious and fancy Christmas cake!  You will see everything “kawaii”, creative and uniquely Japanese everywhere you look and I mean everywhere.  Shutterbugs will have a blast!  With all that and more, just imagine how wonderful you would feel.

Now, who wants to go to Japan and celebrate クリスマス with me?

Contributor:

Ms. Yumi Calderon , Japanese interpreter, trainer and consultant

It’s that time of the year again, when there’s a chill in the air, a tense anticipation gripping everyone you meet, people are already rushing to make their preparations for the big event, and the countdown begins…

No, I’m not talking about Christmas. But the Mt. Everest, Holy Grail and Olympics combined for Nihongo students….the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test)!

People are once again visiting the Japan Foundation in droves, lining up in front of the overworked photocopying machine, getting their hands on anything and everything related to the JLPT.

But why not save yourself the Hassle, the Money, and a few Trees by taking a couple of these study suggestions?

KARAOKE Yes, you read that right! Learn by Karaoke. You know the lyrics by heart. You sang them over and over again when the music plays. Why not know the kanji as well?  And there’s no need to spend bucks on Music21. All you have to do is surf on over to You Tube.

Why not go a step further and TRANSLATE lyrics? There are a bunch of songs waiting for you to practice on at animelyrics.com.  And they have both kanji and romaji versions.

MANGA A friend of a friend told me that she passed the 2kyuu by reading Manga only.  She didn’t take classes, didn’t open Kanzen Master, didn’t even take a single mock exam.  For myself, a phrase I found in a manga bugged me so much that I kept thinking about it.  The following week, it was one of the questions that appeared in a mock exam.  One day, I was showing a page to someone who has studied nihongo for many many years than I have.  She pointed to a kanji and wondered what it was.  I replied readily, “Sugoi”. And I could only do that because it always appears in Manga.

There’s no reason either to spend too much in ordering volumes from Japan.  The internet is full of FREE scanned manga.  Even better, why not join a Scanlation Group? These are groups made up of fans which translate and edit Japanese Manga and turn it into an English version.  You can study AND be known world-wide.  There is nothing like the feeling of making someone happy only because you translated it into something they can understand.

GAMES Just a month to go to the JLPT and I’m telling you to play games? YOU BET!  With the advent of the Nintendo Dual Screen (NDS, DS) getting hold of Japanese games has never been easier.  (There are also Play Station games available in Japanese.)  And the best part about it is each Japanese game usually has an English version.  You can switch between versions and learn what the Japanese means without even resorting to a dictionary.

You could just be a kanji away from saving a kingdom or winning the love of your life.  And pass the JLPT while you’re at it.

But I still need mock exams! Say no more. This site has all JLPT exams since 1991 to 2006.  Including the Listening part!  You can’t photocopy that at the Japan Foundation.

Listening part: http://www.ngoilaibennhau.net/jatest/ Vocab & Grammar here: http://www.ngoilaibennhau.net/jatest/index_4.php

But I don’t have time for any of that! How do I find out the minimum I need to know for my level?

Why don’t you VISIT - http://www.mlcjapanese.co.jp/Download.htm Meguro Language Center has kindly compiled all necessary vocabulary for each level and offered it free to download on their site.  And if you need flashcards, there’s no need to buy 700 pesos sets from Fully Booked.  You can get it all here - http://jlpt-kanji.com

I wish review classes didn’t meet just once a week. You can sit in on free Japanese online classes at http://edufire.com .  And with the JLPT so near, a lot of review classes have sprouted up.  You can get your class fix at any time of the week without going anywhere.

I just can’t seem to be able to memorize anything! Why not try - http://smart.fm ? It has various courses for studying different nihongo-related topics.  From popular culture (not only anime but also Jpop songs!) to various JLPT levels.  Including even Grammar.  How does it work?  Each course has its own study list.

Click on “Start” to begin “I know!” Items from the study list will be shown one by one; including sentence examples, audio samples and even pictures to help you remember.   Then it tests you 3 times about a certain word.  Its meaning, how is it spelled, and what does its kanji looks like.  Fail once then you’ll have to go through it all over again.  And you can’t proceed to the next item until you get the first ones right.

And if you’re feeling Super-Confident,  you can try the ultra-fast Brain Speed Game.  The object of the game is to select the correct answer between 2 choices as fast as you can.  And the faster you become, the shorter the time limit becomes.  Your score is compared with other game takers, and the one who gets the Highest Score is shown for everyone to see.

But if going through the study list item 3X each time is too tedious,  you can just cut to the chase and go to - http://renshuu.org

My sensei told me to watch NHK for prctice, but I don’t have cable…  Not a problem!  http://nhk.or.jp streams it online, for FREE!

This is the first time I’ve heard of Japanese Language Proficiency Test…what is it? The JLPT is administered once a year - worldwide, by the Japan Foundation in cooperation with other cultural exchange/ educational institutions, in order to evaluate and certify the Japanese language proficiency of non-native speakers.  The test comprises of 4 levels:

Level 4 : (lowest level) one should have at least 150 hours of Japanese study

Level 3 : at least 300 hours of Japanese study

Level 2 : at least 600 hours of Japanese study

Level 1 : (highest level) at least 900 hours of Japanese study

Where do I begin? You have to start with a VERY GOOD Nihongo school.  It is best to have a solid foundation in Basic Nihongo before you can climb up the ladder of JLPT.  And WE can help you with that FIRST STEP!  The NIHONGO CENTER FOUNDATION, INC. prides itself with the most effective curriculum, Fun & Innovative teaching methods and Professional language instructors.  Our Nihongo courses are from Basic to Advanced (which is the JLPT Review) —- for working professionals, students, teachers, nurses, caregivers and even for kids!  We teach Real and Useable nihongo.  Don’t just take our world for it, you can call the Embassy of Japan and inquire for a Japanese language school — and they will give you this number: 735-3179.

YOU: (dialing 735-3179….. ringing)

735-3179: Konnichiwa.  This is the Nihongo Center, How may I help you?

I don’t need any of those.  I have my own resources. Awesome! Why don’t you let us know all about it?  Your idea could be the next blog entry here.

contributor: Angela Monica de Guzman,     (Miki no A.D. sensei) Faculty Member She handles Elementary Japanese 1, 2 & 3 classes at the Nihongo Center Foundation, Inc.  A PIJLC  proud alumna, having JLPT Level 2 under her belt, she’s preparing for JLPT Level 1 this December. You will definitely see her at DLSU for the JLPT on Dec. 6

ようこそ！as they say in Nihongo. 新しいウェッブサイトができました！We have been patiently waiting for the new & improved website to come out and here it is! “Oh boy, are we celebrating!”

We now have several pages to fill up regularly in addition to the usual “Schedule of Classes” and “Photo Gallery”. It is hoped that this Blog page will provide you guys a more PERSONAL glimpse to WHO we are, WHAT we offer and HOW you can “partake” of the “たのしい Nihongo learning experience” which our students often talk about .

WHO we are: The Nihongo Center Foundation (NCF) and The Philippine Institute of Japanese Language & Culture (PIJLC) are actually sister schools. NCF used to be known as JICC Nihongo Gakko of the Embassy of Japan, while PIJLC was established by the late Amb. Jose S. Laurel (Philippine ambassador to Japan from 1966 to 1972) in 1992. A common question from 1^st time enrollees: in which school should I enroll?

PIJLC offers Intensive Nihongo Course, which is a Monday to Friday class from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM and runs for more or less 9 months. Now you know why it is called the INTENSIVE course J. The objective is to PASS the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 2 conducted worldwide by Japan Foundation every 1^st Sunday of December. Applicants for the course should have passed, at least, JLPT Level 4 or its equivalent. Application starts as early as November while qualifying examinations and interviews are held in February of the following year. Classes start in mid-March .

Under the Kenjiro Ogata Scholarship, PIJLC awards a total of P120,000 to Intensive Nihongo Course students who excel during the first semester.

The rest of the courses offered at PIJLC are Advanced level courses, meaning one should be, at least, a JLPT Level 2 passer in order to qualify. These are: Translation Course, Advanced Business Japanese , JLPT 1-kyuu Review class, and for Japanese nationals, the Teacher – Training Course.

NCF, in the tradition of JICC Nihongo Gakko, accepts all those interested in learning the Japanese language regardless of creed or nationality. At present, we have students from Taiwan, Iran, Vietnam, and Japan. In the past, we had students from Jordan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Hongkong, Korea, Thailand, Dominican Republic, England, and mainland China.

NCF has courses for the young and the not so young, daytime and evening schedules, and Saturday classes for those who are busy.

Among the schools (universities included) offering Japanese language courses, NCF has the most varied and the most number of courses, namely, Regular Courses (reading and writing) from Elementary 1~ Elementary 4, Intermediate 1~

Intermediate 4, Advanced 2-kyuu Review, 3-kyuu review and Conversational Courses: Kaiwa 1, Kaiwa 2, Elementary Kaiwa, and Elementary Business Kaiwa. In addition Special Courses are also offered, viz., Nihongo for Caregivers, Survival Japanese, Tourism and Hotel Management Nihongo, Teacher-Training Course for Filipinos and Children’s Nihongo.

(Please refer to the Course Guidelines for the scope of each course/level)

NCF and PIJLC take pride in their “dedication to providing quality Nihongo education”. Periodic examinations are conducted to evaluate students’ Nihongo comprehension and students’ suggestions are always welcome. Moreover, innovative approaches to teaching are continuously developed.

And now for the FUN! FUN! part, we plan to share the Blog-writing with our students & teachers. They will be presented as “Blog Contributors” sharing their own Nihongo Learning Experience or Nihongo Teaching Episodes. So what are you waiting for? The Tanoshii Nihongo Learning Experience awaits YOU!