Professor Eiji Iso no of Nagoya University of Commerce & Business Delivered a Lecture at the 4th 'Discovering Multiculturalism' Seminar Hosted by the Nissin International Exchange Association

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Professor Eiji Iso no, Dean of the Faculty of International Studies at Nagoya University of Commerce & Business, delivered a lecture at the '4th Discovering Multiculturalism Seminar' hosted by the Nissin International Exchange Association. This year's session was the 'Applied Edition,' following the 'Introductory Edition' held in July 2023, the 'Advanced Edition' in July 2024, and the 'Practical Edition' in July 2025, all under the theme 'What Foreigners Find Mysterious About Japanese Language & Culture.' The seminar explored what is needed for Japanese residents, foreign settlers, and international students to live together harmoniously in the same community, incorporating group work activities. Despite a capacity of 50, over 80 participants attended, ranging from elementary school students to adults, making it a highly successful event.

The lecture was divided into two parts: 'Language' and 'Culture,' explaining how Japan is perceived from a foreigner's viewpoint. Participants deepened their understanding of aspects of the Japanese language and culture that are often overlooked by those living in Japan.

The 5th edition, titled the 'Practical Application Edition,' is scheduled for July 2027.

※ Footage from previous seminars can be viewed here:

https://www.youtube.com/@NIA-jj6gx

Event Overview

Host: Nissin International Exchange Association

Co-hosted by: City of Nissin, Nissin City Board of Education

Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026, 10:30–12:30

Venue: First-floor Audiovisual Hall, Nissin City Library

Host Representatives (from left in each row)

Front Row

Deputy Director General / Japanese Language Classroom Director: Mr. Shuko Kato

Vice President: Ms. Michiko Ueno

President: Ms. Tsukushi Sugaura

Dean, Faculty of International Studies, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business: Professor Eiji Iso no

Mayor of Nissin City: Mr. Yuki Kondo

Back Row

Director General / Event Committee Chair: Ms. Rie Iino

Accountants: Ms. Itoko Shinozaki, Ms. Yumi Uchida

Vice Chair, Language Committee: Ms. Keiyo Sakurai

Vice Chair, Public Relations Committee: Ms. Takayo Ishigaki

Public Relations Committee: Mr. Shoma Suzuki, Mr. Yaryu Toki

Event Committee: Mr. Takaaki Okada

Lecturer Introduction

Eiji Iso no, Dean / Professor, Faculty of International Studies, Nagoya University of Commerce & Business

Completed the doctoral program in the Graduate School of Humanities and Sciences at Tokyo Metropolitan University (now Metropolitan University) in 2013. Holds a Ph.D. in Japanese Language Education. After teaching at Chung-Ang University (Seoul, South Korea) in the Department of Japanese Language and Literature and at the Center for International Education and Exchange at Osaka University, he joined Nagoya University of Commerce & Business in 2016. He has consistently engaged in practical Japanese language education, teacher training, and research in Japanese language education both in Japan and abroad. His main research themes include empirical analysis of language functions and effects and their application to education, utilization of linguistic landscapes in Japanese language education, multimedia-based teaching material development, and regional studies through linguistic landscape surveys. Currently serves as a board member of the Korean Association of Teachers of Japanese and the Korean Association of Japanese Language, and as a committee member of the Communication Skills Certification Committee (Certify). He has authored numerous publications and delivered many lectures.