NEWS

From Monday, February 16 to Friday, February 27, 2026, a two-week Japanese Immersion Program (JIP) was held at the Netsunoyu Community Center in Kannawa, Beppu City. Since academic year 2022, JIP has been offered during the spring break period for international students who have completed an intermediate-level Japanese course. Based in Kannawa, the program incorporates activities such as walking around the Kannawa area, stays at traditional hot spring inns, and interactive events with local residents. Through project-based learning, it aims not only to enhance participants’ Japanese language proficiency, but also to deepen their understanding of the local community and increase their motivation to learn Japanese. It is a “learning from the community” program.

In the 2025 academic year, the program was conducted with the creation of walking routes in Kannawa as the final project goal. Participants were divided into four groups and designed routes based on the following concepts: (1) exploring ways to utilize hot springs beyond simply bathing, (2) becoming a “hot spring expert” in Kannawa, (3) focusing on the town’s scenery and history, and (4) enjoying a slow and quiet healing experience in Kannawa. On the final day of the program, each group guided local residents through Kannawa in Japanese, presenting their routes in practice.

CLE will continue to promote language programs that foster connections with the local community.