Fukuoka Tests Remote Japanese Classes for Foreign Students

The Fukuoka Municipal Board of Education in Japan began piloting a remote Japanese language program in early 2026, linking four elementary schools and offering classes to students from China, Korea, and Indonesia. The initiative aims to address challenges faced by foreign students needing Japanese instruction, particularly the logistical difficulties of attending classes at designated schools and the fluctuating number of students arriving throughout the year.

Currently, the system assigns one teacher for every 18 students needing instruction, but transporting students to schools with available teachers can be burdensome for families. The trial program involved ten 45-minute lessons for two age groups, leveraging technology like large screens and design tools to maintain student engagement.

Educators observed that while online classes present unique difficulties, such as maintaining eye contact and keeping younger students focused. They also offer benefits like peer interaction and the potential to reduce regional disparities in access to instruction. The Board will use findings from the trial to fully implement the program in 2026, initially focusing on “survival Japanese” and eventually expanding to include subject-specific language skills, alongside incorporating students’ native languages with the help of AI translation devices.