Quezon City: The Quezon City government is extending a warm "konnichiwa" to Filipinos nationwide by bringing Japanese language and culture right to their fingertips, all for free. 'Konnichiwa' is a common and versatile greeting in Japan that translates to "hello," "good day," or "good afternoon."
According to Philippines News Agency, the city government announced that the QC Public Library (QCPL) is inviting learners to discover the beauty of the Japanese language and deepen cross-cultural ties without leaving home. Mayor Joy Belmonte emphasized that the QCPL's Free Online Language Class is an opportunity for every QCitizen, highlighting that in Quezon City, learning knows no limits and progress begins with knowledge.
The free online basic Japanese language classes are open to all learners nationwide, regardless of their place of residence, as long as they are 18 years old and above and have the enthusiasm to learn a new language. Participants need access to a laptop, desktop, or smartphone, a stable internet connection, and a Zoom account.
Classes are conducted by experienced instructors and trained volunteers from Jellyfish Education Philippines, Inc., QCPL's official partner since the program's launch. Since its inception in 2019, the program has empowered over 3,600 participants to explore Japanese grammar and vocabulary, including writing systems like Hiragana and Katakana, while also learning about Japanese customs and etiquette.
This holistic approach makes the experience more than just language learning, as it also bridges culture. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and is limited to the first 500 applicants. The online classes will commence on June 19.
Interested individuals can sign up for free through the QCPL Facebook page. They will receive a confirmation email and must confirm their attendance within 24 hours. Unconfirmed slots will be given to waitlisted participants. Approved attendees will receive full Zoom access credentials via email.
Beyond vocabulary and grammar, the course immerses learners in the traditions and everyday life of Japan, nurturing a deeper appreciation for a culture that influences global art, technology, and cuisine. Whether for travel, career, or personal enrichment, the free Japanese classes offer a unique chance for Filipinos to build cultural bridges and open new opportunities from the comfort of their own homes.
