Japanese language education in Australia is said to date back to 1906.
Although it came to a halt when the Japan-Australia diplomatic relationship was shattered during World War II, Japanese education in Australia resumed in the 1960s when the Economic and Trade Agreement between the two countries was made in1957. The numbers rapidly increased in the 70s when the White Australia Policy was abandoned.
According to a 2018 survey published by Japan Foundation last year, Australia ranks 4th in the world in terms of number of Japanese language learners, and this has remained the same since the last survey in 2015. (1st China, 2nd Indonesia, 3rd Korea)
In this global survey, the most common reasons for learning Japanese were "interest in manga, anime, JPOP, fashion, etc.", followed by "interest in the Japanese language itself", and "interest in history, literature, art, etc." showing that interest in overall Japanese culture is a drive for people to learn Japanese.
Miyuki Kruse, founder of Brisbane Japanese Language and Culture School (BJLC), believes that "language is something that is closely connected to our lives," and learning a language is about understanding the people, their way of life, values and customs.
BJLC provides practical Japanese language education while introducing a wide range of Japanese culture, from annual events such as Tanabata to traditions such as taiko drumming and calligraphy.
James has been studying Japanese since Junior High School.
He says learning the language while been exposed to the Japanese culture, such as proverbs, meaning behind Kanji characters, and the Matsuri festivals, has been enjoyable, almost like a "lesson from another world".
James began learning Japanese in high school, as this was the only secondary language offered at his school. But as he learned more about the language, his interest in Japan grew, that he spent his University years in Japan as an exchange student.
James Millward has been learning Japanese since high school and has lived in Japan as a student as well Source: James Millward
Juro who lived in Japan 25 years ago, has been attending BJLC for the past three years to maintain the language. He also hopes to have deeper conversation with the Japanese people.
For James and Yuro, learning the many thousand Kanji is a challenge.
Juro Zbrika who lived in Japan 25 years ago, has been learning at BJLC to maintain the language Source: Juro Zbrika
Miyuki says that this is universal among the many students who have no background in Kanji, and says that the vast number and complexity of Kanji often deters her students at a first glance. However, she tries to teach in a creative way, to convey the idea that kanji is composed of meanings and that "it is actually fun!".
"It is important not to be tied to stereotypes, but have the flexibility to experience the Japanese language from various perspectives"
"Hopefully through that, one can feel the uniqueness of Japan and its people, and the diversity of the Japanese culture"
Source: BJLC School
