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About Us

What is ME-net?


Certified NPO Multicultural Education Network Kanagawa (ME-net) is a network-based organization composed of diverse members involved in the education of children and young people with foreign connections — including international classroom teachers, NPO professionals, academics, and lawyers within Kanagawa Prefecture.

Working in partnership across school education, community activities, and government policy, we aim to realize a multicultural society where children and young people with foreign connections can learn and live as themselves. We operate a wide range of programs including high school admission guidance, education counseling, learning support, free school operation, career support, and policy advocacy.

Greeting


Chiharu Otani

Chiharu Otani

Chairperson

ME-net has been committed to educational support for children with foreign connections. Since the launch of the "High School Admission Guidance" in 1995, the environment surrounding these children has changed dramatically. The number of students requiring Japanese language instruction continues to grow each year, and their countries and regions of origin have become increasingly diverse. However, many children still lack sufficient educational opportunities due to language and cultural barriers. We will continue working in partnership with schools, communities, and government to realize a society where all children and young people can receive equal education and fully realize their potential. We firmly believe that achieving a multicultural society leads to a richer future not only for children with foreign connections but for Japanese society as a whole. We sincerely ask for your understanding and support.

Organization Overview

Organization Name
Certified NPO Multicultural Education Network Kanagawa
(Known as: ME-net)
Address
〒247-0007
Earth Plaza (Kanagawa International Center)
NPO Office, 1-2-1 Kosugaya, Sakae-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa
Contact
TEL: 045-896-0015
E-mail: info@me-net.or.jp
Phone hours: Mon, Wed, Fri 10:00–17:00
Board of Directors
  • Chairperson: Chiharu Otani
  • Vice Chairperson: Kazumi Take
  • Vice Chairperson: Daiki Miyashita
  • Secretary General: Seiki Takahashi
  • Atsuko Arai
  • Yasuhiro Inoue
  • Mariko Imose
  • Yuichi Sasao
  • Mariko Saya
  • Kyoko Nakahara
  • Aiko Nagai
  • Kaori Hyodo
  • Kazuki Murakami
  • Chizuko Yabuzaki
  • Rajan Valencia Yamasaki
  • JULIA MAYUMI YAMASHITA KONDO
Auditors
  • Atsushi Ernesto Shimamoto
  • Hitoshi Segawa

History

1995

First "High School Admission Guidance" held, organized by the Guidance Executive Committee (predecessor of ME-net)

1998

Activities began as "Multicultural Education Network Kanagawa (ME-net)"

2003

Kanagawa Foreign Education Counseling program started

Received the Ando Tameji Education and Cultural Activity Memorial Award

2006

Education and career support program for children with foreign connections started

2007

Multicultural Education Coordinator dispatch program started

2008

Youth exchange program started

2009

Tabunka Free School Yokohama opened

Center for Multicultural Learning & Activities (CEMLA) started

Kanagawa Youth Vitality Award from Seikatsu Club Consumers' Co-operative Kanagawa (staff member)

2011

Registered as an NPO corporation in Yokohama

2012

Received "Human Rights Award" from Yokohama Bar Association

2015

Received 8th Kamenori Foundation "Kamenori Award"

2017

Designated as a Prefectural Designated NPO

2019

Certified as a Certified NPO