ASU launches Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme for Northeast
Assam Skill University (ASU), in collaboration with The Japan Foundation (JF) and the Indo-Japan Business Council (IJBC), on Wednesday launched the Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme - Northeast India, an initiative aimed at strengthening Japanese language education and creating a skilled pool of language teachers across the region.
The programme was inaugurated at the university’s City Campus in Birubari, Guwahati, by Assam’s Skill, Employment and Entrepreneurship Minister, Biswajit Daimary, in the presence of senior officials from the university, The Japan Foundation and the Indo-Japan Business Council.
Addressing the gathering, Daimary said language should never be a barrier to education or learning and noted that proficiency in Japanese could open new avenues in education, cultural exchange and global employment.
He described the initiative as a significant step towards enhancing India-Japan cooperation while creating opportunities for skill development and employment in the Northeast.
The minister said participants completing the programme would be equipped to teach Japanese, helping expand the network of Japanese language education across the region.
He added that the initiative would contribute to building a skilled workforce and support economic growth through stronger international collaboration.
The Japanese Language Teacher Development Programme has been introduced to address the growing demand for qualified Japanese language educators while creating greater opportunities for young people in education, skill development, employment and cultural exchange with Japan.
Speaking on the occasion, Hanif Noorani, Registrar of Assam Skill University, said the programme had been designed to develop a strong pool of trained Japanese language teachers across Assam and the Northeast.
He said the initiative would not only strengthen language education but also open pathways to global career opportunities for the region’s youth.
The programme is being implemented through a partnership between Assam Skill University, The Japan Foundation and the Indo Japan Business Council. While The Japan Foundation will provide expertise in Japanese language teaching and methodology, Assam Skill University will serve as the implementing institution, and the Indo Japan Business Council will facilitate coordination and promote India-Japan collaboration.
Structured as an intensive classroom-based course, the programme will provide participants with Japanese language proficiency, communication skills, cultural understanding and teaching methodologies. The curriculum also includes classroom practice, self-learning modules and periodic assessments to prepare participants to teach beginner-level Japanese learners effectively.
Koji Sato, Director General of The Japan Foundation, expressed appreciation for the warm response received in Northeast India and welcomed the growing interest in Japanese language and culture among young people in the region. He said the participation of learners from different Northeastern states reflected increasing enthusiasm for Japanese language education.
The initiative aligns with Assam Skill University’s broader vision of promoting industry-oriented, skill-based and globally relevant education. By developing local teaching capacity, the university aims to establish a sustainable Japanese language ecosystem in Northeast India and enable more youth to access opportunities in higher education, international employment and global collaboration.
