PHOTO:Presentation of the Activities of the “Iroha Center” on the Facebook page of the Japan Foundation
Armenia, located in the Caucasus, is a small country with a population of about 3 million, yet it has around 250 learners of Japanese. Japanese can be studied at three universities, and a Japanese language specialist from the Japan Foundation is dispatched to Brusov State University. As a university specializing in foreign language education, it has a long history, and in September 2024, a specialized Japanese language program was newly established. In addition, the university hosts a speech contest organized by the Armenian Association of Japanese Language Teachers, and the winner is awarded a two-week trip to Japan by the Embassy of Japan in Armenia. Many students also study at private language schools. One of them, the Iroha Center, is jointly operated by the president of the Armenian Association of Japanese Language Teachers, Ruzan Khojikyan, and a Japanese instructor. Learners of various levels study Japanese there, ranging from beginners inspired by anime and manga to those who have passed the highest level (N1) of the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). Although there are no direct flights between Japan and Armenia, and it is not financially easy for Armenian learners of Japanese to travel to Japan, teachers support their desire to “connect with Japan” by organizin events and cultural experiences.
Spring flower viewing (hanami), nagashi sōmen (flowing noodles) and yukata walks during summer festivals, calligraphy classes, kimono dressing demonstrations, as well as activities such as origami and “suikawari” (watermelon-splitting game) held in refugee camps with the participation of children displaced from the conflict zone of Artsakh—these activities are highly diverse.
Since the number of Japanese people living in Armenia is not large, opportunities to interact with them are limited. With its mild climate and warm people, charming Armenia warmly invites you—why not come and visit as well?
For information about Japanese language education in Armenia, please see here.
the material is taken from Japan Foundation 国際交流基金
