About the Japanese Language Education Digital Innovation Center

What is the Japanese Language Education Digital Innovation Center?

TUFS Japanese Language Education Digital Innovation Center is a national center for Japanese language education, designated in July 2023 by the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology as an “Academic Japanese Language Education DX Joint Utilization Base.” It inherits the functions related to academic Japanese language education from the university’s Japanese Language Center for International Students, which has accumulated over half a century of experience in teaching Japanese to international students and has operated under the designation as an Educational Joint Utilization Base for International Student Support Facilities.
Under the three initiatives of (1) Japanese Language Learning Materials Development, (2) Japanese Language Education Practice, and (3) Japanese Language Test Development, the Center broadly provides online Japanese learning opportunities to international students studying in Japan and overseas learners planning to study in Japan. It will strongly support Japanese language education at universities, graduate schools, and research institutions nationwide. Furthermore, it aims to expand its scope to include courses for working adults and corporate training, supporting Japanese language education both domestically and internationally, and pursuing new developments.

History of Japanese Language Education at TUFS

Since initiating preparatory education for government-sponsored international students in AY 1970, Tokyo University of Foreign Studies has continuously evolved as a specialized institution for Japanese language education, adapting to diverse learning needs alongside societal changes. Building on expertise in language education and a spirit of international understanding, we have served as a bridge connecting the world and Japan through Japanese language education for over half a century.

Message from the Director

Against the backdrop of accelerating population decline, Japan is increasingly accepting foreign workers. The number of international students at Japanese universities and other institutions is also rising, reaching a record high in 2024. Due to a rapidly advancing multicultural society, social demand for Japanese language education is higher than ever before. TUFS Japanese Language Education Digital Innovation Center aims to contribute by providing diverse resources for Japanese language education.
Going forward, Japanese language education will need to reach an even more diverse range of learners than before. For some learners, the traditional method of gathering in a classroom on fixed days and times to study with a teacher and classmates may become difficult. Some may benefit from learning Japanese earlier, before coming to Japan or entering university. Others, aiming for long-term employment and life in Japan, may need not only language learning but also education about Japan itself, or the ability to continue Japanese learning over an extended period. This Center intends to support Japanese learners’ understanding of Japan and their Japanese language learning using online education methods.

Director, Japanese Language Education Digital Innovation Center,
Tokyo University of Foreign Studies
OTSU Tomomi