ABOUT ALA
A word from the principle
Japan opened its door to materials and information from the outside world by lifting its self-imposed isolation at the end of the Edo era. Subsequent, financial deregulation opened door economically as well. In the 21st century, Japan continues to liberalize in terms of finance, trade, and the exchange of information. A declining birthrate and increase in the proportion of elderly has lead to an overall decrease in the population of Japan. To address this problem, the door is being opened more and more widely to foreigners interested in studying and working here. Globalization has brought an interest in Japanese language and culture to students all over the world. At ALA we aim to provide these students with the knowledge and ability to use Japanese effectively as a communication tool. Countries all over the world, including Japan, are becoming multi-cultural societies. This development will lead greater richness and renewed growth for all societies involved. At ALA, we hope to facilitate this change by providing effective instruction in Japanese language and communication.
Academy of Language Arts / ALA Japanese language school, Principle, Ohinata Wachio
History of school
1984. Established as a conversational Japanese language school for students from English-speaking countries.
1987. The Japanese University Preparatory Course opened for students from Kanji-using countries.
1988. Authorized as a proxy visa application institute by Ministry of Justice, Immigration Bureau.
1990. Authorized as an institute of Japanese language education by Association For The Promotion of Japanese Language Education (Nihongo Kyoiku Shinko Kyokai)
2000.Japanese teacher-training course was designated as Educational Training Benefit Program by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
2002. Capacity of school was increased to 222 pre-college students by expansion of facilities.
School identity
Students from over 20 countries are studying in a homelike atmosphere in ALA that generously provides them with counseling for their lives and careers in Japan. Through classes in ALA and extra lessons outside of school, students can deepen exchange with Japanese people and other students from all over the world by learning not only Japanese language but also its society, culture and customs.
In addition, ALA supports students' aims such as going on to higher education and working in Japan.
Credentials
ALA is a member of-
-Association For The Promotion of Japanese Language Education
-Business Nihongo Association sponsored by JETRO
-Japan Immigration Association
-Private organization "Network of Japanese language schools"
ALA is authorized as a proxy visa application institute by Ministry of Justice, Immigration Bureau.
Japanese teacher-training course ALA offers is designated as an Educational Training Benefit Program by Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare.
Study / Research
Granted Project by Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology for "Research and Developments of Materials".
"Research and Analysis of Japanese required for college entrance examination"
"Basic research on a new formulated guideline for measure of the Japanese ability needed for college enrollment"
"Actual condition survey on troubles that Japanese language learners face and responses made by school personnel"
"Investigative research on Japanese ability required for pre-college / college students after returning to their countries" (Collaborative research)
"Regarding self-directive Japanese learning ability after entering college" (Collaborative research)
Publication
Academy of Language Arts and other, "Nihonryuugakushiken taisakumonndaisyuu hai reberu tyoukai・tyoudokkai"
Academy of Language Arts and other, "Nihonryuugakushiken taisakumonndaisyuu hai reberu dokkai + sougoukamoku"
Atsumi Kazue, Takahashi Chikako and Oyanagi Noboru, "Pointo seiri nihongobunpou"
Sasaki Noriko and Matsumoto Noriko, "Nihongo soumatome mondaisyu"
Other
Cooperate with Ask Co. Ltd publishing a number of books relating to Japanese language education.
