Consul General of Japan for Florida Ken Okaniwa recognizes organization’s promotion of friendship between Japan and Florida

Consul General of Japan for Florida Ken Okaniwa recently conferred the Consul General’s Commendation to the Association of Florida Teachers of Japanese (AFTJ) for its contributions to the spread of Japanese language, education and culture in Florida. SatokoSagae Fisher, a Japanese teacher for Broward Virtual School, accepted the award on behalf of the association at a special reception held at the official residence of the Consul General.

“For 21years, the Association of Florida Teachers of Japanese has fostered cultural understanding and friendship between Japan and Florida,”said Mr. Okaniwa. “From online Karaoke video contests to Japan Immersion Day held at local high schools and colleges, the members of the Association utilize innovative and engaging ways to share Japanese culture and create memorable experiences for students.”

A non-profit educational organization,AFTJ is comprised of Japanese teachers throughout Florida and is closely affiliated with the Florida Foreign Language Association and the American Association of Teachers of Japanese.

Since 2001, AFTJ has sponsoredJapan Immersion Day, an annual event that provides a unique opportunity for students to learn and participate in cultural workshops. At the 2016 event, students from Palmetto Senior High School, Terra Environmental Research Institute, Miami Dade College and Florida International University participated in interactive workshops on Japanese calligraphy, Sumi-e painting, traditional games, pop culture and other subjects.

Among its many other initiatives, AFJT encourages students to enhance their Japanese language abilities by holding annual Japanese speech and skit contests in South and Central Florida. It also produces online contests for Japanese language videos, Karaoke videos and Japanese bento boxes.

For more information about the Consulate-General of Japan in Miami, visit http://www.miami.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html or call (305) 530-9090.