Atsuko again.
Although the Nakayoshi Club, which supported children with international roots at the YWCA, ended last year, it seems that a new Japanese Support Club is now beginning.
The club supports international students, their families, researchers, university professors, and their families and also Japanese residents each other.
Over this past 10 years, the number of international schools and international communities in Kumamoto has grown considerably. However, we still need many more international communities and places for connection.
It would be so reassuring to have more places where people can casually drop by and easily connect with others anytime.٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و♪

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☕ 【The First “Nihongo Café” Was Held!】
Kumamoto YWCA recently held its very first “Nihongo Café” event.
This time, five international students and working adults from China and Taiwan, along with four Japanese participants, joined us for a fun 90-minute gathering 😊
We talked about favorite karaoke songs, enjoyed delicious dumplings made by Kou from Taiwan, and shared a warm and friendly time together.
The international students told us they had only been studying Japanese for about one and a half to three years, but everyone spoke so fluently — we were amazed!
Whenever someone didn’t understand a word, the students helped one another, and Kou, who lives in Japan, kindly supported the conversations so everyone could understand and connect together.
Since this was our first event, there were probably many things we could improve, but thanks to everyone who participated, it became a truly enjoyable time.
Some people said, “I’ve never made takoyaki before!” so we are now planning our next event in July:
🐙✨ “Nihongo Café @ Takoyaki Party”
We hope you’ll come join us again!