Deadline July 6: Join the 4th Round of 'Japanese Language Talk Sessions' – Cross-Cultural Exchange with Participants from 7 Countries Including Cambodia!

You can now commonly see foreign workers in Japan—at izakayas, convenience stores, hotels, and construction sites.

And for good reason: in 2024, the number of foreign workers reached a record high of 2.3 million, nearly tripling over the past decade. Projections suggest that Japan will face a labor shortage of up to 11 million people within 15 years, meaning foreign workers are essential to sustaining Japanese society. Many also send remittances back to their home countries.

However, these individuals face three major challenges while living in a foreign country.

The first and biggest is the 'language barrier.' In Japan, few people speak languages other than Japanese.

The second is the 'barrier to relationships.' While this may not matter during travel, living as a resident significantly raises the social hurdle. Understanding subtle nuances of Japanese society—such as 'reading the air'—is not easy.

The third is the 'barrier to making friends.' Japanese people tend to keep greater social distance compared to other nations. In rural areas without communities from their home countries, foreigners often feel isolated and struggle to integrate.

Conversely, when people from the same country form tight-knit communities (sometimes called 'foreign cocooning'), cultural misunderstandings with local Japanese residents can lead to conflicts.

These 'barriers' stem from 'communication breakdowns.' When language and customs differ, misunderstandings are inevitable. We hope the 'Japanese Language Talk Session' can help reduce such issues.

Individuals from developing countries often express a desire to 'speak fluent Japanese' and 'learn more about Japan,' but they lack conversation partners. Despite studying Japanese, many have no one to practice with. Why not engage in frequent Japanese conversations with them and become a bridge across cultures? We believe this has significant social value.

There are also many benefits for Japanese participants. You can talk in Japanese with people from countries you're interested in, deepen your knowledge of their societies, cultures, cuisines, and music, and enjoy language exchange by learning greetings or scripts in your buddy's native language.

The key feature of this program is that participants are not 'teachers' but 'conversation partners.'

Instead of a hierarchical teacher-student relationship, we aim for a more equal, peer-to-peer connection. By showing genuine interest in your buddy's home country, you can boost their self-esteem.

In this 4th round of the 'Japanese Language Talk Session,' 12 participants from Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Cambodia, and Colombia are ready and waiting for you.

All participants can already hold basic conversations in Japanese on everyday topics (approximately JLPT N3 level). Once comfortable with daily conversation, you can move on to more natural, native-like Japanese.

Each 'Japanese Language Talk Session' consists of a 40-minute, one-on-one online conversation via Zoom, held once a week for 10 sessions. Location is not an issue, and being able to see each other's faces and use gestures enhances communication.

The first session includes a lecture on 'Easy Japanese'—a simplified way of speaking that's helpful when communicating with foreigners. This is a lifelong skill you can continue using beyond the program.

Beyond the talk sessions, we also plan in-person meetups and online gatherings to deepen connections. Why not become a 'little diplomat'?

【5 Things You Can Achieve Through the Japanese Language Talk Session】

1) Improve your Japanese Practicing conversation in Japanese helps build essential language skills for daily life in Japan.

2) Clarify questions about Japanese society People from developing countries may not understand what Japanese consider 'normal.' Answering their questions helps them understand Japanese customs and feel more secure.

3) Reduce feelings of discrimination Even long-term foreign residents are often assumed not to speak Japanese. They may experience microaggressions—unintentional discrimination—such as being stared at or subtly avoided. Share insights about Japanese social habits.

4) Understand customs and manners for smoother relationships Knowing that Japanese people tend to avoid directness (using indirect expressions) and value formality and obligation can help build smoother relationships in Japan.

5) Lighten everyday burdens Concerns about work or health can feel heavier in a distant foreign country. Even if you can't solve their problems, just listening can be a great support.

【Buddies from 7 Countries!】

* Please indicate up to three preferred conversation partners (buddies) in the application form: https://forms.gle/6hHFiH3YTAFDpFHx9 * Your buddy will be assigned after payment.

【Program Period】

July 11, 2026 (Sat) – October 17, 2026 (Sat)

- 'Easy Japanese' Lecture: July 11, 2026 (Sat), 8:00 PM, online (recording planned) - Japanese Language Talk Sessions: 10 sessions between July 12 (Sun) and October 17 (Sat), once per week - Mid-program online meetup (July 25, 8:30 PM), and post-program in-person lunch meetup (October 25) - Final feedback survey required

【Participation Fee】

- ganas Supporters Club members (Partner/Supporter): ¥2,000 - General participants: ¥4,000

* Special supporter pricing applies even with same-day membership sign-up (we appreciate your support for ganas, which operates various initiatives on a voluntary or near-voluntary basis). Limited to the first 6 applicants. * Participants from developing countries can join free of charge. * Registration is complete upon payment, and your conversation partner (buddy) will be assigned.

【How to Apply】

Please apply via the form below: https://forms.gle/QQHTLRnDcZG2etNa8

* For confirmation, please also email us: j.talkexchange.ganas@gmail.com

【Capacity and Deadline】

12 participants (Myanmar, Sri Lanka, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Cambodia, Colombia)

* Deadline: July 6, 2026 (Mon) * Buddy matching is on a first-come, first-served basis

【Testimonials from Japanese Participants】

- We discussed a wide range of topics: music, tourist spots, traditional clothing, customs, and social issues. - Learning about cultural differences between our countries was fascinating. - It was great to learn about aspects not covered in the news. - I used 'Easy Japanese' with a nearby international student and was thanked for being clear and understandable. - It was helpful to learn what 'Easy Japanese' actually means. - This fulfilled my desire to experience another culture. - My buddy seemed to gain confidence in speaking Japanese, and we both had a great time. - This inspired me to start hosting homestays and international exchanges, applying what I learned to connect with people from various countries.