TL;DR Kagoshima Prefecture Minamisatsu Regional Development Bureau has started Japanese language courses this year for foreigners living in four ot Minamisatsu cities (Makurazaki, Ibusuki, Minamisatsuma, and Minamikyushu). The courses will be held five times a year for three years. In addition to improving language skills, the program aims to help foreigners settle in by providing opportunities for them to interact with local residents and become familiar with Japanese culture.
According to the prefecture, as of Oct. 2024, estimated total of 2,076 foreigners are resident in the four cities with Minamisatsu having the highest number of technical intern trainees with most working in katsuobushi (dried bonito) factories and poultry farms. They are becoming valuable workers in a region facing aging and declining population.
The first series of classes began in September in each city, with the second session held on September 21 in Makurazaki at the Minamisatsu Regional Industrial Promotion Center. About 45 trainees from Indonesia and the Philippines working at local katsuobushi factories participated.
by MagazineKey4532