OMF Japanese Language Center

‘Dave’ joined OMF International and came to Japan with his wife and family more than five years ago. When they came Dave spoke absolutely no Japanese and immediately enrolled in classes at OMF’s Japanese Language and Culture Center (JLCC). Through two years of struggles and setbacks as well as victories and joys, Dave graduated. He now helps to lead a brand new church plant. It is a story like Dave’s that we love at JLCC. It’s why we do what we do.

OMF’s history in Japan began 61 years ago and JLCC began way back in 1952. However, we moved to our current, renovated premises in Sapporo, Hokkaido in 2004. Our centre houses OMF Japan’s Hokkaido offices, JLCC, large meeting rooms, a library, and a couple of short-stay apartments.

We’ve been blessed with a great facility, and location; but also with missionaries. Despite the high cost of service in Japan and the challenges of learning Japanese language and culture, God has sent many willing workers to this harvest field with OMF. In the last six years OMF Japan has welcomed more than 60 new workers for mission. Moreover, we have also been able to offer classes to about 20 non-OMF missionaries during that time.

All of OMF’s new missionaries are trained at JLCC as they grasp the language and culture—not just of Japan, but also of OMF.

Currently, JLCC is operating close to full capacity with 20 full-time students, 5 part-time students, and 15 teachers. Most students take three 45-minute language classes each day from Monday to Friday and stay with us for up to 26 months. The majority of classes at JLCC are one-to-one to increase learning and to vary the pace according to an individual’s needs and ability. However, occasionally group classes are also arranged to increase interaction and facilitate learning.

We have a strong focus on learning Japanese culture, as well as language. There’s no point learning the right words if your actions upset those you talk to. Once or twice a week, students participate in a culture seminar or discussion time. We take field trips to places of interest at least twice a year, and hold monthly chapel services to practise Christian Japanese in a safe environment.

If you are interested in learning more about JLCC and what we offer, we encourage you to visit our website: http://www.omf.org/omf/japan/ministry/japanese_language_center. You will find a large number of language resources available there and more information about our school. Take a look!

Most of all, we value your prayers, so that more students like Dave can get a good grasp of Japanese language and culture. Please pray that we can equip new workers for the sake of God’s kingdom in Japan.