When the missionary comes to Japan, the first great challenge that must be faced is that of the language. Like the stone lions that stand outside a Japanese temple,
Natsuko in action with Joanna
said to protect the temple from evil spirits, the Japanese language stands at the door of Japanese culture. Before you can influence the Japanese people this daunting lion must be faced. And this is no easy task. For westerners the Japanese language is not a simple to acquire and many are quickly discouraged by the task.
Whether a first-time Japanese learner or an experienced missionary who realizes the need to deepen their language ability, studying with Watanabe Natsuko, (affectionately known as "Natsuko sensei" to her students) will help you meet your goals. Located in Shizuoka, Natsukosensei has been a teacher of the Japanese language for over 15 years, with the last 7 years dedicated to individually preparing Missionaries for ministry in Japanese. While some of these have been short and mid-term missionaries, the main focus of her work has with with long-termers who wish to live and minister in Japanese.
Seven long-term missionaries have been through a 2 year study program and all are now conducting their work fully in Japanese. This is not merely Language learning, this is language learning for missions preparation. As such you will have many chances to practice communicating Biblical content in language the the typical Japanese can understand.
Natsukosensei lives and teaches in beautiful Shizuoka, (Central Japan, southwest of Tokyo) Shizuoka is home to Mt. Fuji, the historic Tokaido route and Suruga bay. Shizuoka enjoys the most sunny days per year in Japan. (outside of Okinawa, that is!)
Video: Here is a 4 minute video to get to know Natsukosensei and see her in action with two different students.
(For those with slow internet access, give time for the video to load. Depending on your connection they may be pauses in the playback.)
