About Us
About Us
Idobata's "Let's Talk in Japanese" started in 2009, with the aim of supporting foreigners living in the Kawasaki area. Idobata aims to provide a safe space as well as a space for informational exchange for foreigners encountering the language barrier or with no one to speak with.
Rather than teachers and students, everyone here is friends.
The concept that Idobata particularly places importance on is the creation of a community of friends. Idobata is not a Japanese classroom, meaning that there are no textbooks and no teacher. If we were to use a text, it could lengthen the time spent by Japanese participants explaining language, and take away time from foreign participants to speak.
Therefore, we opted to create a community where people can talk freely and consult with one another, learning Japanese within a comfortable atmosphere.
We conduct our activities not only to promote Japanese language learning, but also for encouraging learning about many aspects of Japan and making foreigners glad that they live here.
Here at Idobata, we have three principles.
1. All of our members are our friends!
Idobata is not a place where teachers evaluate students, but rather a place for friends to gather.
We aim for a community in which people of various nationalities can talk and get along as equals.
2. We don't force anything (coming late or taking days off are okay)
Every member has their own work or schoolwork; forcing participation at their expense will not make for a lasting community.
In addition, foreigners in particular experience a language handicap, which puts them under much stress in Japan.
Please do not hesitate to take a break when you are busy, when it is inconvenient, or if you are unwell.
3. Creating a relaxing space
Idobata respects the independence of each individual, and without creating rules, aims to create a space where everyone can have fun and relax regardless of nationality.
If we can be compassionate toward others and understand what to avoid saying or doing, there is no need for rules.
Since the activites we do have various purposes, neither learning nor speaking Japanese is compulsory.
There is also no need to contact us if you are unable to attend or if you will be late.