Imagine this: A new crop of students studiously engaged in Japanese Language Study. Japanese Language schools in the U.S. are experiencing a boom in business not seen in recent years. Students diligently applying what they learn in class in daily life. New Japan-US friendship clubs and associations popping up almost daily. Relationships are solidified based on common interests and cultural exchange.
What is the cause of this? A new Japan – US business program? A new foundation for cultural sharing between the two countries? No, not even close. Its Manga and Anime!
I was surprised to hear John Fuller, the manager of Kinokuniya Bookstore in New York, mention that Manga and Anime are the leading sellers at Kinokuniya and that American teenagers account for more than half of the buyers. They so love this art and entertainment form that many are learning Japanese so that they can read new materials in print and online as soon as they are published and not have to wait for them to be translated in English.
I am not sure when this came about but I immediately thought of the possible ramifications in the business world. A leap perhaps but let us fast forward to a possible future. A younger generation with technologically advanced skills coming into the marketplace in the next 5 to 10 years who speak Japanese and are culturally sensitive. What could this mean for Japan-US business? I think there are great possibilities.
For me and many people my age, our Japanese study was for business reasons. We studied and went to Japan as exchange students, to work and learn. Many of us are working in the Japan related areas. For this new wave of students, Japanese language study is not for business but in order to participate in their hobby and special interests. The end result is what counts though, more young people studying Japanese which will lead to an increase in the number of Japanese speakers available for the business world. Don’t forget you heard it here first!
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