A BRIEF HISTORY OF AJALT

Apr. 1970

Nishio Group, the Japanese Language Teaching Institute (predecessor of the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching, AJALT) was founded.

Feb. 1977

The group was authorized by the Ministry of Education as an incorporated association and renamed the Association for Japanese-Language Teaching.

Oct. 1977

The first AJALT Public Lecture Series was held, and became an annual event for the next seven years.

May. 1978

The first issue of "AJALT" magazine was published.

Feb. 1980

Program to teach Japanese to Indo-Chinese refugees was initiated as commissioned by a Japanese government foundation.

July. 1981

A training course for Japanese language teaching was designed at the request of Ishikawa Prefecture. Thereafter, AJALT has continued to cooperate with local and overseas organizations to create various training courses for Japanese language instructors.

Apr. 1984

Published "Japanese for Busy People 1"through Kodansha International.

June 1985

The first AJALT public symposium for Japanese instructors was held, and has since become an annual June event.

Sep. 1990

More classrooms were added to improve AJALT's program and to accommodate expanded activities.

Oct. 1991

Published "Jissen Nihongo-Gijutsu-Kenshu-Hen" to provide introductory-level language instruction for technical trainees.

Jan. 1991

Published "READING JAPANESE FINANCIAL NEWSPAPERS" through Kodansha International.

Mar. 1992

AJALT was asked to direct the Japanese instruction program for technical trainees by JITCO(Japan International Training Cooperation Organization).

Oct. 1992

AJALT was awarded "The Japan Foundation Special Prize," acknowledging its excellence in creating unique Japanese language programs for foreign students.

Dec. 1994

Published revised versions of "Japanese for Busy People,Vol.1,2 and 3."

Aug. 1996

AJALT's office moved to Kamiyacho.

Mar. 1998

Published "JAPANESE FOR PROFESSIONALS" through Kodansha International.

Aug. 1998

Published "JAPANESE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE I Student Book", "JAPANESE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE I kana Workbook" through Kodansha International.

Nov. 1998

AJALT was awarded the Hakuho Award in recognition of extensive Japanese language education activities to promote global understanding.

Oct. 1999

Published a new Kanji workbook for children "KANJI DAISUKI I".

Apr. 2004

Worked with Kokushikan University to develop its Japanese language program for foreign students at the School of Asia 21.

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