Japanese Language School Teacher Makes First Appearance at the International Red and White Singing Festival
2025/02/21 07:31
Japanese Language School Teacher Makes First Appearance at the International Red and White Singing Festival
An interview was conducted with Ms. Michiko Sawai of Osaka Minami Japanese Language School,[*1] who participated as a contestant in the International Red and White Singing Festival in ARIO Yao.
She is a Japanese language school teacher, will participate as a performer for the first time.
She is also known for her unique approach of incorporating songs into Japanese language education to deepen connections with her students.
Utilizing Songs in the Classroom
Ms. Sawai creates an enjoyable environment for students to learn Japanese by using Japanese songs in her lessons. She explained that this approach comes from her own experiences:
“I love singing in foreign languages, and even when I couldn’t speak Korean or Chinese in Korea or China, I was able to connect with local people through singing. That experience inspired me to incorporate songs into my classes.”
She added,
“We also have class-wide song presentations during the school’s speech contest held in March, so everyone learns Japanese songs with clear goals and has fun.”
Furthermore, Osaka Minami Japanese Language School has established a “Japanese Songs Course” as an elective in the final semester before graduation. Students practice Japanese songs and study lyrics three times a week as part of a school-wide initiative.
What songs are popular in class now?
Ms. Sawai shared:
“Songs like ‘Blue Bird’ from the anime Naruto and YOASOBI’s ‘Idol’ are popular among students. Angela Aki’s ‘Tegami’ is also well-liked because the lyrics are easy to understand, and many students have learned it in their home countries, making it a hit at karaoke as well.”
International Exchange Through Music
The International Red and White Singing Festival aims to foster mutual cultural exchange through music. By having foreigners sing in Japanese and Japanese participants sing in foreign languages, the event deepens understanding of each other’s cultures. Ms. Sawai also agreed, saying that knowing just one Japanese song can create opportunities for conversation and friendship with Japanese people.
This year, Ms. Sawai will represent Osaka Minami Japanese Language School at the International Red and White Singing Festival held at Ario Yao on March 8 and 9, sharing her determination to inspire her students through her participation.
About 70% of the participants were foreigners when the festival began. Now, in its 13th year, the number of Japanese applicants greatly exceeds that of foreign applicants, demonstrating the event’s expanding reach.
We hope that at the 13th International Red and White Singing Festival, to be held at the Osaka-Kansai Expo on September 19, even more students and teachers from Japanese language schools will join, making it a place where the power of international exchange and music can be truly felt
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