Development and Latest Reforms in Japanese Language Teacher Qualifications

In Japan, there is a clear distinction between teachers who teach Japanese to native speakers and those who teach Japanese to foreigners.

Teachers who instruct Japanese to native speakers primarily work in domestic elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as higher education institutions, following the national curriculum to teach Japanese language and literature.

In contrast, teachers who instruct Japanese to non-native speakers focus on Japanese language education for non-native speakers, requiring specialised language teaching skills and cross-cultural communication abilities.

This article details the history and latest reforms in qualifications for teachers of Japanese as a foreign language.

1. Qualification System Before the Introduction of the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" System

Before the introduction of the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" system, there was no unified national standard for Japanese language teacher qualifications in Japan. Various qualification systems and certification pathways coexisted, including:

Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test

Administered by the Japan Educational Exchanges and Services (JEES), this test is one of the primary means to evaluate the professional knowledge and teaching ability of Japanese language teachers. Teachers who pass this test are considered to have a certain level of teaching competence.

University and Professional School Programs

Completing a specialised course in Japanese language education at a university or professional school, particularly obtaining a degree in education or linguistics, is also recognised as a qualification for teaching Japanese.

Japanese Language Teacher Training Programs

The Japanese government, through the Agency for Cultural Affairs, accredits Japanese language teacher training programs. These programs must meet the standards set by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, requiring over 420 hours of training covering theoretical and practical aspects of linguistics, education, and teaching methodology, along with a specified number of supervised teaching practice hours. The Agency for Cultural Affairs specifies the training content and standards to ensure the quality of the programs and the professional level of the teachers.

Self-Certification

Some institutions and schools accept self-certification, assessing the teaching ability of teachers through internal evaluations or interviews. This method is more flexible but also results in inconsistent qualification standards.

2. Introduction of the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" System

In 2019, the Japanese government introduced the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" system to unify the qualification standards for Japanese language teachers and improve teaching quality and professional standards. Key features of this new system include:

Qualification Pathways

• University Professional Courses: Completing an accredited university or graduate school program in Japanese language education and obtaining the corresponding degree. These courses must cover the standard educational content set by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

• Japanese Language Teacher Training Programs: Completing an accredited Japanese language teacher training program of over 420 hours that covers the standard educational content set by the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

• Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test: Passing the Japanese Language Teaching Competency Test and completing the supplementary courses or practical training prescribed by the government.

After meeting one of the above conditions, applicants need to complete the following steps:

1. Submit Application: Submit a qualification review application to the relevant educational institution, along with proof of academic qualifications and test results.

2. Qualification Review: The educational institution will conduct a review to ensure the applicant meets the requirements.

3. Registration and Approval: Upon passing the review, the applicant will be granted the "Registered Japanese Language Teacher" qualification and registered in the teacher directory.

Transitional Measures

For current Japanese language teachers, the government provides special transitional measures that allow them to apply for the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" qualification under specific conditions.

Implementation Timeline

The full implementation of the new system is expected by 2024. By then, all applicants will need to meet the new standards and requirements, pass the practical exam, and complete practical training to obtain the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" qualification.

3. Impact of the System Changes

Improving Teaching Quality

Unified qualification standards and rigorous review processes ensure that Japanese language teachers possess high levels of professional knowledge and teaching ability.

Enhancing Teacher Status

Teachers who obtain the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" qualification will have greater competitiveness in the job market and more opportunities to find employment in public schools, specialised language schools, and international educational institutions.

Promoting Japanese Language Education

With the global increase in demand for Japanese language learning, the implementation of the new system will help promote the spread of Japanese internationally and enhance the influence of Japanese culture.

Conclusion

The introduction of the "Certified Japanese Language Teacher" system marks a significant reform in the Japanese language teacher qualification system. By unifying standards and strengthening qualification reviews, the reform enhances the professional level and teaching quality of Japanese language teachers. These changes not only promote the development of Japanese language education but also elevate the professional status of Japanese language teachers, positively impacting Japanese language education worldwide.