The Embassy of Japan in the Philippines welcomed the 12th batch of Nihongo Partners on Friday, marking another year of cultural exchange through the Japan Foundation’s flagship language and culture program.

In a news release, the Embassy said 19 Japanese language teachers paid a courtesy visit to Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya before starting their assignments in various schools across the country.

They were accompanied by Japan Foundation Manila Director Suzuki Ben.

The Nihongo Partners Program aims to strengthen Japanese language education in Asia by sending native speakers to assist local teachers, introduce Japanese culture, and foster mutual understanding.

While their main role is to support classroom learning, participants are also encouraged to immerse themselves in local communities—learning the language, customs, and traditions of their host country.

Ambassador Endo expressed hope that the new batch will help deepen cultural ties.

Their efforts to introduce Japanese language and culture, as well as their initiatives to understand Filipino culture, will further promote cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the Philippines, he said.

For the next six months to a year, the 12th batch will be deployed to schools in Benguet, Pangasinan, Bulacan, the National Capital Region, Laguna, Batangas, Cebu, Bohol, and Davao, supporting both language learning and cultural activities.

Since its launch, the program has provided Japanese teachers with valuable opportunities for cross-cultural engagement while giving Filipino students direct exposure to authentic Japanese language and traditions. (PNA)