AWIA Aizu Wakamatsu International Association

Hours of Operation: 9:00AM-5:45PM

(Closed: Every Monday & Every Sundays,

national holidays, and the end of the year from Dec. 29th to Jan. 3rd.)

Activities

Japanese Language and Culture

Japanese Language and Culture

Japanese Conversation Classes

A series of classes, with a variety of teachers, levels, and study options available. Classes include a focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking, tailored to the student’s preferences.

Classes: sessions available in spring or autumn, 12 classes per session

Evening Course (Thursdays): 6:30pm to 8:00pm

Morning Course (Fridays): 10:00am to 11:30am

Children’s Nihongo Hiroba

A Japanese study space to help children from ages 6 to 18, from foreign countries. Nihongo Hiroba is not only a space for children to get help with their school work and Japanese essential to their school lives; it is also a safe space where children can cope with the difficulties of living in a foreign culture.

We also welcome those interested in private lessons, or in Japanese classes in other areas, to visit the AWIA for more information.

Japanese Conversation Classes Nihongo Salon

Expand your Horizons

Expand your Horizons

Become a Part of the Community

The AWIA provides a variety of events all year long, including:

New Year’s Potluck Party: Enjoy food from all over the world, Japanese New Year’s traditions, and making new friends.

Hanami Party: Join the international community here in Aizu Wakamatsu for one of Japan’s oldest and most enjoyable traditions: cherry blossom viewing!

International Festival: Join the AWIA for the biggest international event in Aizu Wakamatsu, the International Festival! The festival regularly features a variety of international booths, musical and performance groups, NPO and local international organizations international introduction booths, crafts, raffles, international food stalls, and more!

Members Events: Join us for our members only events, which include hikes, BBQs, sports tournaments, and more.

The AWIA provides a variety of other cultural events for foreign nationals throughout the year as well, including Japanese cultural workshops (such as tea ceremony or traditional instruments), international cooking classes, lectures, and more. Come find out more about the culture you live in, and about other cultures from all over the world. If there is a specific activity that interests you, let us know!

Volunteer with us!

Are you interested in using your skills, talents, or language ability to volunteer? Volunteer with the AWIA, and share your time and talent with people in the area.

Language Volunteers: Help with tour guiding at Tsurugajo or the Oyakuen Garden, or with translation and interpretation for special events.

Supporters: Help the AWIA with our events or with our monthly newsletter preparation day.

Cultural Introduction Volunteers: Introduce your country, culture, or talents to people in the Aizu Area.

Other volunteer opportunities: We also need volunteers to help us with event advertising, homestays, and teaching Japanese.

Hanami Party International Festival

The Inside Scoop

The Inside Scoop

The AWIA provides information in the following formats:

Newsletters

SynthesAizu (English), FINE (Japanese), and Chaung (Chinese). Our Vietnam newsletter, Cầu nối, is available here on the website. Our monthly newsletters provide information about upcoming AWIA events, tourism, events in Aizu, and information relative to those living in the area and in Japan.

Library and Information Corner

Our library has a collection of books in a variety of genres and languages, including English, Japanese, French, and more which members may rent for free. We also have Japanese language study materials and information about tourism and living in Aizu.

Newsletters

Don’t Hesitate to Ask Us!

To help residents overcome both language and cultural barriers, and live a safe and comfortable life in Aizu, we accept consultations concerning medical treatment, education, child-raising, jobs, and more. Consultations are available in English, Chinese (Mandarin), and easy to understand Japanese. We respect privacy, so please feel free to consult with us about anything. We also accept translation, interpretation, and guided tour requests.