Welcome from the Community
Japanese Language Class

October 10, 2014

In this series of publications, we will have foreigners who are learning Japanese across the country and are active in their respective communities talking about the charms of their region, the language, the culture, and learning the Japanese language. We hope to shed some light on how people of various backgrounds learn Japanese and experience life within Japanese society.

< Fukuoka City, Fukuoka Prefecture >

Hanik Utami Morise,
Fukuoka Masjid volunteer,
Japanese Language Class coordinator

1. Nice to meet you

I came to Japan in May 2002 from Java Island, Indonesia. This is because I married Takumi Morise, who is responsible for candidate foreign exchange students as a staff member of the Aiwa Language Institute Japanese Language Course.

Currently, I work with my husband handling candidate foreign exchange students at the Aiwa Language Institute Japanese Language Course, as well as being the coordinator and manager of education for the Japanese Language Classes at the Fukuoka Masjid. Masjid means a place of worship in Arabic, and is more generally known as a mosque in Japan.

2. A Muslim in Fukuoka City

There are about 1500 Muslims (people who believe in Islam) in Fukuoka City. The Masjid, located in Hakozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City, is a hub for Muslims from all over the world living in Fukuoka City. It was opened in this community to serve as a place for exchange and interaction.

According to religious precepts, Muslims cannot eat meat or drink alcohol. Therefore, Muslims cannot eat anything, including condiments and snacks, without knowing what is inside. Even if they wanted to eat tempura, they may not be able to because there is alcohol in the sauce, or they may not be able to take medication because animal-based proteins could be found in the capsules of some medicines. Not knowing, not being able to read, and not understanding the language can lead to an anxiety-filled life.

Many families of students, especially those wishing to study at Kyushu University, come to Fukuoka City from all over the world. Although the students can learn Japanese at the university, caregivers and family members also need a place to learn practical Japanese in order to go about their day.

3. Japanese Language Education Program for "Foreigners Living in Japan" by the Agency for Cultural Affairs

The Aiwa Language Institute heard the cries of struggling Muslims and began the "Survival Japanese Lecture Series for Muslims" in 2011 and 2012. A Japanese language educational program was developed to address the issues faced by Muslims living in Fukuoka City. I am the Japanese language class coordinator, overseeing candidate students, and providing administrative support.

At first the lectures were held at the institute, but starting this year they are being held at the Masjid, so that it is easier for the students to attend. It also provides an opportunity for supporters to learn about Muslims.

4. On becoming a Japanese language class coordinator

I understood the hardships of students and families that just moved to Japan as I experienced similar things, trying to live in a country where I did not speak the language and trying to learn the language at the same time. I also understood the concerns and hardships faced by Muslims living in Japan.

I think I was able to bridge the gap between Japanese and Muslims from my position as a Japanese language class coordinator, by communicating my experience to students and supporters, as well as being aware of the cultural and habitual differences between the Muslim community and Japan.

I have had the following feedback from Muslim students:

• - I was able to make Japanese friends and interacted with them well
• - I can't speak Japanese very well, but I gained the confidence to continue interacting with them
• - It was very helpful for me, as the lectures were very practical and useful for daily living

I am honored and happy to have received this type of feedback.

5. Fukuoka Masjid volunteer Japanese language class

After the "Survival Japanese Lecture Series for Muslims" in 2011 and 2012, the "Volunteer Japanese language class for Muslims" began at the Fukuoka Masjid, which represents the heart of the Muslim community. We continue to work hard with help from lecturer s who try to understand Muslims through these opportunities.

I plan to continue bridging the language and cultural gaps between Muslims and Japanese. Please come visit Fukuoka Masjid!