Japan to Expand Japanese Language Support for Foreign Students in Public Schools Using Unlicensed Specialist Instructors

Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) has released details of a draft report proposing enhanced support for foreign children and students in public schools, particularly in Japanese language education.

According to the Sankei News report, the plan aims to actively utilize external specialists in Japanese language instruction. This includes leveraging the "Special Part-time Lecturer System," which allows individuals with specialized expertise to teach as part-time instructors without a standard teaching license. Currently, Japanese language guidance is not covered under this system, but the proposal seeks to expand it so that qualified external experts (such as registered Japanese language teachers) can handle everything from lesson planning to classroom instruction.
As of 2023 (Reiwa 5), approximately 69,000 foreign children and students in public schools require Japanese language support. The draft also calls for making related subjects mandatory in university teacher-training programs to better prepare educators.The initiative responds to the growing number of foreign students and aims to help them adapt to Japanese society and school life.
Translated Japanese Comments (selected representative examples, kept neutral and factual):

• "Why are there around 140,000 foreign children in public schools? Public schools are for Japanese children. Accepting them hinders Japanese students' education. Japan shouldn't bear responsibility for educating non-Japanese children."
• "The real goal seems to be assigning mother-tongue supporters to each foreign child. This would involve foreigners or related parties obtaining qualifications through NPOs and entering schools without teaching licenses."
• "We should stop family accompaniment for foreign workers. If they have children here, send them back. Review spousal visas that are being misused. This is the result of irresponsible immigration policies."
• "Unless family accompaniment is banned, Japan's education system will collapse."
• "This is shocking. The government prioritizes improving the educational environment for foreign children while ignoring the impact on Japanese children's learning environment. How much must Japanese citizens be burdened?"
• "The costs are paid by Japanese taxpayers. We should prohibit bringing children who can't speak Japanese or require families to return home if they have children here."
• "Instead of patchwork measures, address the root issue. Why are we giving preferential treatment only to foreign children?"

These comments reflect common concerns among Japanese users about taxpayer burden, impacts on local students, and calls for stricter immigration-related policies on family accompaniment and entry requirements. The post itself has garnered significant engagement, with thousands of likes, reposts, and replies.

Syria Rejects Germany’s Plan to Deport Over 700,000 Syrian Refugees, Labeling Diaspora a “Strategic Resource”

 

Syria has rejected Germany’s plan to return over 700,000 Syrian refugees. Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani stated that Syria categorically opposes any forced deportations. He described Syrians living in Germany as a “strategic resource” rather than a burden, while emphasizing efforts to improve infrastructure for voluntary and dignified returns in the future.
Summary of Reactions 

1. Several users suggested cutting welfare benefits and remittances to encourage voluntary departures, arguing it would reduce the financial incentive to stay.
2. Commenters noted surprise that Syria does not want its citizens back, viewing the “strategic resource” label as highlighting their economic value through remittances sent home.
3. Many expressed frustration with Germany’s past immigration policies, claiming the situation has become difficult to reverse and that integration challenges persist.
4. Some highlighted that Syria’s economy relies heavily on these overseas remittances, making large-scale returns financially challenging for the country.
5. Reactions included calls for Germany to act more assertively on its own borders and deportation policies without needing external approval.
6. Users pointed out that many of the refugees are military-age males who may not easily reintegrate, and that voluntary return programs have seen low uptake.
7. Comments described the diaspora as providing ongoing economic support to Syria, framing them as an asset the government wishes to retain abroad.
8. Several noted the broader implications for European migration policy, questioning the sustainability of hosting large numbers if origin countries resist returns.
9. Some suggested offering financial incentives (e.g., bonuses) for voluntary return, combined with stricter domestic measures like ending benefits.
10. Reactions criticized the idea of seeking permission from Syria, arguing that sovereign nations should manage their own immigration enforcement independently.
11. A few users compared it to historical or other regional migration dynamics, seeing it as an example of unintended long-term consequences from 2015-era policies.
12. Comments emphasized that Syria’s infrastructure and economy are not yet ready for mass returns, supporting the call for voluntary processes only.
13. Some viewed the statement as evidence that the refugees serve strategic or economic purposes for Syria while in Europe.
14. Users debated practical solutions like revoking protections for those with criminal records or prioritizing skilled/peaceful returns.

Flying Witch Gets Rare All-Volumes Reprint Ahead of 15th Anniversary [Japanese Reactions]

Oricon News reported that Flying Witch, a popular slice-of-life manga, has decided to reprint all volumes at the same time — an unusual move for a series that releases only about one book per year.

The publisher’s editorial team is surprised by the strong demand. The manga’s unique, relaxing atmosphere and re-readable charm have kept fans loyal for years, steadily growing its audience. With the 15th anniversary of serialization and 10th anniversary of the anime coming this summer, interest in the series is surging again.
Many fans call Flying Witch one of the best “iyashikei” (healing/slice-of-life) anime ever made, and calls for a second season are flooding in.
[Japanese Reactions]1.“Congrats on Flying Witch’s 15th serialization anniversary and the anime’s 10th anniversary!
I’ll always be waiting with my neck stretched out for the new volume and Season 2, so please make it happen!”2.“It’s that time of year again for a new Flying Witch volume! …or so I thought, but then I saw the reprint news and got so happy.
I really want another anime adaptation!”3.“I wonder if Flying Witch will get an anime Season 2…”4.“Flying Witch all-volumes reprint! Time to pull out my Hirosaki folder and set it on fire (lol)”5.“Flying Witch… I wish Season 2 would come.
Both the manga and anime are the kind you can reread/watch over and over again.
Maybe even a drama CD would be nice…”6.“Woohoo! Volume 15 comes out in June!
(Still waiting for Season 2…)”7.“I’ve been buying it since the very beginning, so it’s already been 15 years—congratulations!
The anime was really well-made too. Please give us a sequel… ”8.“I’m really hoping for a Flying Witch Season 2…!”Most fans are celebrating the reprint as proof of the series’ enduring charm, while the overwhelming majority are using this moment to strongly push for Season 2. The relaxed, “healing” vibe of the series is frequently mentioned as the reason people keep coming back.