Meeting with Japanese Language Education Professionals in Utah (October 8–10, 2025)

From October 8th to 10th, Consul Sanae Kanno and her staff visited Orem, Provo, and Salt Lake City in Utah, where they engaged in highly meaningful exchanges with individuals involved in Japanese language education.

In Provo, Brigham Young University (BYU) boasts a unique program called the “Language Immersion Student Residence.” In this program, students learning Japanese reside in a dormitory with native Japanese-speaking students, taking turns to prepare meals and dine together. The Consulate had the opportunity to attend a dinner at this “Japan House,” where all interactions were conducted in Japanese. In addition to meeting Japanese language students, consular staff used this visit as an opportunity to promote the JET Program at BYU.

At Salt Lake Community College, the Consulate heard from students who are currently learning Japanese and have studied abroad in Japan, where they shared about their passion for Japan and the Japanese language.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Utah Association of Teachers of Japanese, Brigham Young University, and Salt Lake Community College for gathering together and for providing invaluable insights and suggestions.