A highlight of Japanese culture in the heart of the old town.

Launched in 2016, the free Terakoya Japanese language class for children has become an interesting highlight in Hoi An. Beyond teaching the language, it also fosters a desire to explore Japanese culture and strengthens friendship between the two countries.

Summary of 10 years of Terakoya Japanese Language Class for children in Hoi An. Photo: VINH LOC

Although it's been almost two years since she left the Terakoya class, Tran Nguyen Minh Chau (a second-year International Studies student at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City) still vividly remembers her first days in class. Having loved Japanese culture since childhood, Chau always dreamed of exploring this land. It wasn't until her 11th grade year that she had the opportunity when she enrolled in the Terakoya class.

"Initially, the studies were very difficult, but with the enthusiasm of the teachers, especially the Japanese teachers, my classmates and I quickly grasped the material. Perhaps this was the first stepping stone for me to pursue International Studies as I do now," Minh Chau shared.

Minh Châu isn't the only one; many students in Hoi An have found a special interest in Japanese through this class. Besides the language, students also learn about Japan and its people through folk games and participation in cultural festivals.

Occasionally, the class welcomes Japanese delegations for exchange programs, helping students hone their practical communication skills. Nguyen Binh Khanh Thi, an 8th-grade student at Nguyen Binh Khiem Secondary School (Hoi An Tay ward), considers the Terakoya class her "second home," filled with laughter. Here, students learn how to fold origami, participate in quizzes with prizes, and more. Thanks to participating since the 3rd grade, Khanh Thi's Japanese language skills have improved dramatically. She hopes to continue studying long-term to better understand Japan and its people.

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Oanh, the teacher and class manager, there are currently about 30 students enrolled, divided into small groups (4-9 students). Classes run from Monday to Thursday every week. On Saturdays, the class is dedicated to teaching folk singing and dancing or Japanese culture.

The idea of ​​opening a Terakoya class originated in 2015, when the Tokyo Sirubakai Art Troupe (Japan) participated in the "13th Hoi An - Japan Cultural Exchange" event.

With a special affection for Hoi An, Mr. Hirohata Takeshi, then head of the art troupe, proposed organizing a free Japanese language class to foster language skills and strengthen friendship. The class officially commenced on October 24, 2016.

Over the past 10 years, with the dedicated support of Vietnamese and Japanese teachers (such as Mr. Abe Toru, Mr. Suzuki, etc.), the class has trained more than 300 students. Approximately 80% of students have completed the beginner and basic communication program.

Students practice writing Japanese calligraphy. Photo: VINH LOC

The Terakoya class also aims to educate students on ethics and etiquette through posture training, calligraphy, origami folding, and folk singing and dancing.

At the closing ceremony of the 10th anniversary class held last weekend, Ms. Truong Thi Ngoc Cam, Deputy Director of the Hoi An World Cultural Heritage Conservation Center, affirmed that the establishment of the Terakoya class is a continuation of the more than 400-year historical connection between Hoi An and Japan.

"Teaching Japanese language, ethics, and etiquette in Hoi An today is our way of preserving and promoting the historical connection of our ancestors. The past 10 years are vivid proof of the strong friendship between Vietnam and Japan," Ms. Cam emphasized.

Agreeing with this perspective, Ms. Mochizuki, Deputy Consul General of Japan in Da Nang, highly appreciated the role of Terakoya, the only Japanese language class in Hoi An currently. Ms. Mochizuki stated that the Consulate General will continue to support the class; and will research and discuss with local education authorities to implement Japanese language teaching in high schools in Hoi An and surrounding areas in the near future.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/diem-nhan-van-hoa-nhat-ban-giua-long-pho-co-3338079.html