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
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
- Pamphlet
- ME-net Organization Pamphlet (PDF)
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
Information Disclosure
- Certified NPO Certificate
- Articles of Incorporation
- FY2024 Activity Report
- FY2023 Activity Report
- FY2022 Activity Report
- FY2021 Activity Report
- FY2020 Activity Report
- Board Members List