What Kind of Job is a Japanese Language Teacher? How Can You Become One? Event Held to Promote the "Registered Japanese Language Teacher" National Qualification!

Ikaros Publishing Ltd. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoichi Tsuchida), which handles media businesses in fields such as aviation and railways within the Impress Group, will hold the "First Step Fair for Becoming a Japanese Language Teacher" on July 25, 2026 (Sat) to commemorate the release of the mook "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027" (Book to Become a Japanese Language Teacher 2027).

The event will feature talk sessions with distinguished guests, lectures and mock classes by Japanese language teacher training programs, and a consultation booth for enrollment. Participation is free. We encourage anyone who wants to know more about being a Japanese language teacher or is interested in the profession to attend!

"Japanese Language Teacher": A Profession with Growing Expectations in the Coming Era

A "Japanese language teacher" is someone who teaches the Japanese language to non-native speakers.

The national qualification "Registered Japanese Language Teacher" was established in 2024, with qualification exams held every autumn. Japanese language teachers work in various settings, including Japanese language schools, elementary and junior high schools, community Japanese language classes, and corporate Japanese language courses. Their role is becoming increasingly important in Japanese society, an era where foreign talent is playing a more active role.

Ikaros Publishing has been publishing mook books for aspiring Japanese language teachers for many years.

To commemorate the release of the latest edition, "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027," we are holding a hybrid event (in-person and online streaming) for those who want to learn about the profession and aspire to become Japanese language teachers.

Highlight Point 1: Special Talk Session with Distinguished Guests!

Emiko Kawamura of the comedy duo "Tanpopo" x Hiroko Kitamura, Writer and Japanese Language Teacher

"The Reason I Aspire to Be a Japanese Language Teacher"

Emiko Kawamura, active in various variety shows as part of the comedy duo "Tanpopo," is currently attending a Japanese language teacher training program and studying to become one. She will discuss the reasons she decided to become a Japanese language teacher and the interesting and challenging aspects of the Japanese language she has discovered through her studies, alongside Hiroko Kitamura, a current Japanese language teacher and author of "Nihongo Kyoshi, Gaikokujin ni Nihongo o Manabu" (Shogakukan Shinsho).

This talk session is a must-see for anyone interested in becoming a Japanese language teacher and wanting to start studying!

[Speakers]

Emiko Kawamura (Tanpopo)

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture. Active in many variety shows as part of the comedy duo "Tanpopo." Her major appearances include NTV's "Sekai no Hate Made Itte Q!," Fuji TV's "Mecha x 2 Iketeru!," and Tokai TV's "Switch!". Her YouTube channel "Okappa Channel" showcases a diverse range of content, including stationery and ASMR, gaining popularity. Her hobbies and skills include writing picture books, collecting Kokeshi dolls (she's an expert!), serving as a Miura City Tourism Ambassador, holding a Level 3 Night View Convention qualification, researching World Heritage Sites, and being a Hot Spring Sommelier Ambassador. She began attending a Japanese language teacher training program in April 2026.

Hiroko Kitamura

Japanese language teacher and writer. Worked as a contract announcer for FM Yokohama for over 20 years, introducing over 2,000 books on the program "books A to Z." Since 2009, she has also built a career as a Japanese language teacher, instructing learners of all ages, from international students to elementary school children, businessmen, and diplomats. She also contributes book reviews and author interviews to magazines and newspapers as a book critic. Her published works include "Nihongo Kyoshi, Gaikokujin ni Nihongo o Manabu" (Shogakukan Shinsho).

Highlight Point 2: Learn Everything About "Japanese Language Teacher Training Programs"!

Participation in mock classes to experience actual lessons is also possible.

Two training schools that have produced many Japanese language teachers over the years will present detailed information about their programs. Those who apply for "In-person attendance + Mock Class participation (limited to 25 people)" via the application page can attend a mock class (approx. 60 minutes) on the day of the event to experience the atmosphere of an actual course.

Additionally, a "Consultation Booth" will be set up for direct questions and consultations with representatives from the training schools. This is a unique opportunity to gather information from multiple schools in one day.

[Participating Schools]

Alpha International Institute

TCJ Japanese Teacher Training Course

Highlight Point 3: All In-Person Attendees Will Receive the E-book Version of "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027"!

All attendees who register for "In-person attendance" and come to the venue on the day of the event will receive the e-book version of the latest edition, "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027," scheduled for release on July 21. With a total limit of 70 people, please apply early!

"Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027" (Scheduled for release on July 21, 2026)

Event Overview

Event Name: [Commemorating the Release of "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon 2027"] First Step Fair for Becoming a Japanese Language Teacher

Organizer: Ikaros Publishing Ltd.

Date & Time: July 25, 2026 (Sat) 15:00 - 18:30

Location: Jinbocho Mitsui Building 23F (1-10-5 Kanda Jinbocho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo)

Capacity: 70 people in-person, 200 people via streaming

Participation Fee: Free (※Advance registration required)

Registration Page (Peatix): https://nihongo2607.peatix.com

Sponsors: Alpha International Institute, TCJ Japanese Teacher Training Course

Program

14:30 Doors open (Participant entry begins)

1. 15:00 - 15:45 Emiko Kawamura x Hiroko Kitamura Talk Session: "The Reason I Aspire to Be a Japanese Language Teacher"

2. 15:55 - 16:10 Training Program Lecture: Alpha International Institute

3. 16:10 - 17:25 Training Program Lecture: TCJ Japanese Teacher Training Course

4. 16:25 - 16:40 Japanese Teacher Qualification Exam Q&A

5. 16:50 - 17:50 Japanese Language Teacher Training School Mock Class (※For registered participants only)

*From 16:40 to 18:30, a consultation booth will be available for direct questions and consultations with representatives from each training school.

*Programs for streaming will be 1 to 4. For those who wish to participate in 5 and the consultation booth, please consider attending in person.

[Ikaros Publishing Ltd.] https://www.ikaros.jp/

Engaged in publishing activities in the aviation, railway, military, and rescue fields, primarily with "Monthly Airline." Also publishes a wide range of works in travel, interpretation/translation, and lifestyle fields.

[Impress Group] https://www.impressholdings.com/

A media group headed by Impress Holdings, Inc. (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Yuki Tsukamoto). It develops highly specialized media & services and solutions businesses with core themes in "IT/Design," "Music," "Mountains/Nature," "Aviation/Railways," "Mobile Services," and "Academic/Science & Engineering." It also handles the development and operation of content business platforms.

[Contact for Inquiries Regarding This Matter]

Ikaros Publishing Ltd. "Nihongo Kyoshi ni Naru Hon" Editorial Department

E-mail: nihongo@ikaros.co.jp