Mission Statement

How long has the Japanese language existed and been in use?

日本語は、いつから存在し、いつから使用されているのでしょうか？

According to historical records, Kanji characters were introduced to Japan in the late 4th century during the Yayoi period. It’s widely believed that before this, there was no form of writing in Japan. But was this truly the case?

歴史上の記録によれば、4世紀後半の弥生時代に漢字が日本に伝来したとされています。 その前の日本には、文字が存在しなかったと一般的に言われます。 しかし、本当にそうだったのでしょうか？

From the Jomon period, which began around 16,000 years ago, archaeologists have discovered earthenware adorned with a rich variety of patterns. Furthermore, the bones excavated from this era don’t bear scars from weapons, suggesting the Jomon period was both prosperous and peaceful, spanning over 10,000 years. How could such a lengthy era of peace and prosperity exist without a system of writing?

1万6千年前の縄文時代からは、多種多様な文様が施された縄文土器が発掘されています。 また、発掘された骨には武器による傷跡がないことなど、この縄文時代は豊かで平和で1万年以上続いたと言われています。 この長い期間、平和と繁栄を保った社会が、文字を持たずにどのように維持されたのでしょうか？

There’s a theory suggesting that Japan might have had its own distinct scripts and symbols before the introduction of Kanji. The “Jindai-moji,” “Katakamuna,” and “Woshite literature” serve as primary examples. Interestingly, there’s even a proposition that the Katakana script originated prior to the introduction of Chinese characters.

一説には、漢字が伝来する前の日本にも独自の文字や記号が存在していたとされます。 「神代文字」、「カタカムナ」、そして「ヲシテ文献」はその典型的な例として知られています。 事実、カタカナの起源に関しても、漢字伝来前の存在説があるほどです。

The modern historical community still grapples with several mysteries. For instance, the exact location of the Yamataikoku, which existed between the 2nd and 3rd centuries, remains unknown. Given these uncertainties, it’s challenging to conclusively state that Japan lacked a form of writing before the arrival of Kanji.

現代の歴史学界では、2世紀から3世紀にかけての邪馬台国の正確な位置すら不明であるなど、多くことが謎のままです。 そのような中で、漢字伝来前の日本に文字が存在しなかったとの結論を簡単に受け入れるのは難しいです。

One thing is clear: before Kanji’s introduction, a distinct language known as “Yamato Kotoba” existed in Japan. Building on this foundation, Japan assimilated Kanji, leading to a unique Japanese method of using these characters with multiple readings. Over time, elements like Buddhist concepts and various foreign languages were also integrated.

確かなのは、漢字が伝来する前の日本には、日本固有の言葉として「大和ことば」が存在していたということです。 この「大和ことば」を基に、漢字を受け入れて複数の読み方を持つ日本独自の漢字使用法が形成されました。 そして、仏教の概念やさまざまな外国語が取り込まれてきました。

As a result, the foundational “OS” (Operating System) of the Japanese language is the “Yamato Kotoba,” with numerous foreign languages and concepts “plugged into” it over the centuries.

このように日本語の核となるOS(基盤)は「大和ことば」であると言えます。 「大和ことばOS」に多くの外国語や概念が「プラグイン」され今の日本語に進化してきたのです。

The term “Yamato” translates to “Big Harmony,” symbolizing the core principle of unity and balance. This intrinsic desire for harmony is encapsulated within the Japanese language.

日本語のOSである「大和ことば」。 「大和」とは「大きな和」、すなわち”Big Harmony”を意味します。 日本語は、調和を求める心の源を表しています。

We believe that the Japanese language possesses the power to bring harmony to the world. We perceive all individuals who cherish and utilize Japanese as “Nihongojin.” This label isn’t contingent upon skin color, birthplace, or nationality. Our mission revolves around sharing the intrinsic beauty and harmonious spirit of the Japanese language with as many people as possible.

私たちは、日本語が世界の混沌を止め、調和をもたらす力を持つと信じています。 そして、日本語を愛し、使うすべての人々を「日本語人」としてとらえています。 この「日本語人」の定義には、肌の色や出身地、国籍は関係ありません。 多くの人々と日本語の美しさやその根幹にある調和の精神を共有すること、それが私たちの使命です。

Outline

Company Name	We Incorporated
Location	Tobu Bldg.6F, 6-28-9 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo 150-0001
Phone Number	+81-050-5490-2495
CEO	Koji Taruishi | 樽石 幸治 Press: Comfort Japan, 31 Jan 2023 [Interview with CEO Who Founded We Japanese Language School to Teach Practical Living Language]
Business Outline	■ Online language School (Japanese, English, Chinese, etc.) ■ Corporate language and intercultural training ■ Language educational materials, APP/software development ■ Translation and language design service ■ Consultation and support for international and intercultural projects

■Central Philosophy

“Student-Centered”
– Our Know-How is to Know Who

■Purpose

“Expand the Global Culture and Enhance the Local Cultures.”

We believe that language is culture. While expanding English as a global language, we also want to value the local languages worldwide. We want to contribute to creating a world where people around the world respect and understand each other’s differences and value the various indigenous cultures that exist in the world.

■Vision

“Creating the world’s one and only language school.”

Our philosophy is founded upon student-centered learning. We thoroughly seek to understand the students before us. We provide them with the most necessary content and the most efficient and impressive lessons. We will continue to train our people and develop our systems to achieve this.

■10 Core Values

– Be Odd
– Be Real
– Be Honest
– Be Open-minded
– Be Adventurous
– Be Resourceful
– Be Consistent
– Be Authentic
– Be Humble
– Be Happy

History

April 1996	Opened school in Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo.
January 2001	A computerized progress management system launched
December 2001	A total renovation of the Shibuya School
December 2004	Inter FM “Better English with Catherine” program started.
January 2009	Launched “Welife,” a cloud service for student class management
April 2017	Online Japanese Course
October 2018	Hiragana Times Inc. becomes a subsidiary
April 2020	All language lesson services to go fully online