Screening of "In-between: In Search of Native Language Spaces" on July 16

（はざま-母語のための場所を探して）

About the film (The film is in Japanese with English subtitles):

This film explores the challenges faced by immigrant children in Japan as they strive to maintain their native languages in a society that is home to an ever-growing population of foreign residents, now numbering approximately 3.41 million. Through

interviews with grassroots organisers　running mother tongue classes, families

with siblings who arrived in Japan at different stages of life, and experts discussing the critical issue of residency status, the documentary paints a picture of the realities these children face. 

By examining how the mother tongues of immigrant children can be preserved, the film sheds light on Japanese society's attitude towards its foreign residents, exploring both the challenges of the present and the possibilities for the future. Besides the ethnographic contribution, the film also allows us to gain critical perspective on the Japanese catch phrase "tabunka kyosei" or multicultural coexistence so often used in Japan today. 

About the Director, Kiho Park (Documentary Filmmaker):

Kiho's work draws on their background as a third-generation Korean resident in Japan. Before venturing into filmmaking, Kiho served as the head of a non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting young people in Japan.

Alongside filmmaking, Kiho works as a local producer and coordinator for international media outlets, including the BBC. The past work includes significant events such as the G20 Osaka Summit and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

Schedule: July 16, 2025 / Room 301, Building 10, Sophia University

・  18:00-18:10 Welcome and introductory speech by David Slater and Masako Tanaka

・  18:10-18:50 Screening of a documentary film " In-between" (38 min. / Japanese and English audio with English subtitles)

・  18:50-19:30 Talk by the director of the film, Kiho Park

・  19:30 – 20:00 Discussion and Q & A

Guest appearance: Mother tongue education class operators, Mr. Azad Munshi (Chairperson, Sworolipi Cultural Academy) and Mr. Kyaw Kyaw Soe, (Chairperson, Shwegangaw Association/NPO Association of Myanmar Japan Bridge for Education)

Please register from HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/zYXAyeFkdc

This event is organized by David Slater (Professor, FLA, Sophia University) and Masako Tanaka (Professor, Dept. of Global Studies University) with the ICC Collaborative Research Unit “Refugees and Migrants in Tokyo”.

The film was funded by the Toyota Foundation.