Japanese language is a field of study that is increasingly in demand in this era of globalization. With the growing public interest in Japanese culture, the demand for learning Japanese is increasing. Amid the need for practical and relevant learning, Japanese Language Education at Ganesha University of Education (Undiksha) has taken a step forward by implementing the latest Japanese language textbooks, namely the “Marugoto” series, starting from Odd Semester 2023/2024.

The Japan Foundation introduced the “Marugoto” textbook series, a useful and comprehensive innovation in the field of Japanese language education, which is now a part of our curriculum. This series not only offers comprehensive learning materials but also enriches students’ learning experience by emphasizing direct Japanese cultural interactions. Its practical approach has made ‘Marugoto’ the main choice for teaching Japanese in various educational institutions around the world.

In the Undiksha Japanese Language Education environment, the implementation of the ‘Marugoto’ textbook has become an integral part of efforts to improve the quality of learning. This step is not only supported by a quality curriculum and the qualifications of skilled and experienced teachers, but also by the Japan Foundation. Their support, including related training held in Japan, is an important step in ensuring the success of this implementation.

The Japan Foundation holds training in Japan to encourage Japanese language teachers and build Japanese language education capacity in the Southeast Asia region. The training is called “Japanese Language Education Capacity Building Southeast Asian Teachers’ Training College Course in Japan..”

The Japan Foundation has been organizing this training since 2014. The training participants are lecturers and students from the Japanese Language, Japanese Literature, and Japanese Language Education Study Program at various universities in Indonesia. The Japan Foundation carries out an internal selection, and participants who pass the selection can take part in training in Japan for six weeks (1.5 months).

The Undiksha Faculty of Language and Arts, through the Japanese Language Education Study Program, has sent representatives of lecturers and students to participate in this training. Representatives of lecturers and students, including Gede Satya Hermawan, S.S., M.Si., and Novi Kusuma Dewi in 2014, I Wayan Sadyana, S.S., M.Si., and I Gusti Ayu Made Intan Novitasari in 2016, Ni Nengah Suartini, S.S., M.A., Ph.D, and Ni Luh Putu Dwi Agustini in 2017, followed by Yeni, S.Pd., M.Pd. and Ni Luh Vini Anggariana Dewi in 2019.

Apart from the training in Japan, the Faculty of Language and Arts Undiksha also sent representatives of lecturers from the Japanese Language Education Study Program, namely I Kadek Antarctica, S.S., and M.Hum. to take part in a three-week online Marugoto Intermediate Level (B1) teaching training organized by The Japan Foundation.

By participating in this training, lecturers and students can deepen their understanding of Japanese culture and expand their knowledge of Japanese language teaching. Japanese language teaching is focused on using Marugoto textbooks, which emphasize JF Standard-based Japanese language teaching.

As part of its commitment to continuing to innovate in Japanese language learning, Undiksha Japanese Language Education will continue to update the curriculum and teaching methods in accordance with the latest developments in the field. In this way, students can gain a deeper understanding of the Japanese language and culture and be ready to face challenges in an increasingly complex era of globalization.