Updated on 2026/06/19

Information

 

写真a

 
KUSUNOKI RIKA
 
Organization
The International Student Center Associate Professor
School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation （Concurrent）
Title
Associate Professor
Contact information
メールアドレス
Tel
0928026548
Profile
Rika completed her PhD in Applied Linguistics in June 2018 at the Department of Languages and Cultures, School of Humanities, Languages and Social Science, The University of Queensland, Australia. In April 2022, she joined the Japanese Language Education Division of the International Student Center at Kyushu University. She teaches Japanese language courses for international students in the Japanese Academic Course (JACs) programme and specialised courses for international students in the Japanese Language and Culture Course (JLCC). In 2022 and 2023, she served as the Japanese Course Coordinator for the Summer in Japan (SIJ) programme. Since the autumn semester of 2023, she has been serving as the JACs Coordinator. Since June 2025, she has also held a concurrent appointment in the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation at Kyushu University. Her research focuses primarily on Japanese language education policy within the context of Japan’s immigration policy, with particular emphasis on micro-level processes and practices.
External link

Research Areas

  • Humanities & Social Sciences / Japanese language education

Degree

  • Bachelor of Arts (Osaka University)

  • Master of Arts in Applied LInguistics (The University of Queensland, Australia)

  • Doctor of Philosophy in Applied Linguistics (The University of Queensland, Australia)

Research History

  • Kyushu University School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation Associate Professor 

    2025.6 - Present

  • Kyushu University The International Student Center  Associate Professor 

    2022.5 - Present

Education

  • The University of Queensland   Faculty of Arts   School of Languages and Cultures

    　 More details

    Country：Australia

  • Osaka University   Faculty of Letters   日本学科

    　 More details

    Country：Japan

    Notes：言語系

Research Interests・Research Keywords

  • Research theme： Japanese language education policy in Japan's immigration policy, Japanese language education as a second/foreign language, Japanese language education in a multicultural society, Transformation of Japanese language learners

    Keyword： Language education policy, Immigration policy, Japanese language education policy, Japanese language education, Japanese learners, multicultural society

    Research period： 2018.2 - Present

Papers

  • Is “Easy Japanese” a language option? – Local response to the increasing foreign resident population from Asia. Reviewed International journal

    Kusunoki, R. & Hashimoto, K.

    Asian Studies Review   Vol.46 ( Number 4 )   613 - 630   2022.6   （ ISSN:1035-7823 eISSN:1467-8403 ）

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    Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Asian Studies Review  

    ‘Easy Japanese’ (yasashii nihongo, YN) was initially developed to disseminate information to foreign residents during emergencies after the Great Hanshin Earthquake struck Japan in 1995. Since then, YN has been promoted as a tool for communicating with foreign residents, as well as with foreign visitors to Japan in the lead-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. While it has gained partial recognition among the public, local governments have tried to use YN to deal with the increasing number of temporary workers from Southeast Asia. This study examines how YN is used by municipalities in the regions where foreign residents are concentrated, and whether that usage has changed in recent years. Based on interviews with employees of municipal offices and libraries, and information on their websites, as well as relevant government documents, it reveals a lack of systematic coordination within municipalities and an absence of any initiative by the central government to implement YN. It argues that the ambiguous positioning of YN within Japan’s language policy reinforces the division between Japanese people and people who do not speak Japanese, and highlights the government’s limited commitment to improving the lives of foreign workers in Japan.

    DOI： 10.1080/10357823.2022.2075322

    Web of Science

    Scopus

  • Japanese language for trainee nurses from Asia: the EPA scheme as a missed opportunity International journal

    Kusunoki, R.

    Hashimoto, K. (ed.) Japanese language and soft power in Asia. Singapore: Palgrave Macmillan.   105 - 122   2018.6

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    Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

    DOI： 10.1007/978-981-10-5086-2

  • Japanese native-speakers’ perceptions of non-native speakers: Communication between Japanese medical professionals and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) nurse trainees International journal

    Kusunoki, R.

    In Houghton, S. A. & Hashimoto, K. (eds.) Towards post-native-speakerism: Dynamics and Shifts. Singapore: Springer Nature.   113 - 127   2018.6

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    Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

    DOI： 10.1007/978-981-10-7162-1

  • [033]Reports

    Guo Junhai, Ohga Chiharu, Wakisaka Masako, Kusunoki Rika, Koyama Satoru, Shibata Azusa, Nonaka Chisato, Imai Ryoichi, Ikuta Hiroko, Huang Zhengguo, Higo Masateru

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   33   49 - 135   2025.3   （ ISSN:13402897 ）

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    Language：Japanese   Publisher：International Student Center, Kyushu University  

    （報告） / 基幹教育の日本語(郭俊海・大神智春・脇坂真彩子・楠木理香) / 日本語研修コース(大神智春) / 筑紫・大橋地区日本語コース─ 2024年度─(小山悟) / Japanese Academic Courses（JACs）／ 言語文化基礎科目・日本語(楠木理香・脇坂真彩子) / 2024年度 伊都キャンパス・病院（馬出）キャンパス日本語補講コース(柴田あづさ) / 農学部・工学部の学士課程国際コース生に対する日本語教育─ 2024年度の実施状況─(柴田あづさ) / 日本語・日本文化研修コースの報告（第24期生）(郭俊海) / Fostering Global Citizenship: The Long-Term Impact of Kyushu University’s JTW Program(Chisato Nonaka) / Annual Report for Japan in Today’s World (JTW) A Brief Review of the 30th Class (Oct. 2023―Jul. 2024)(Chisato Nonaka, Masa Higo and Ryoichi Imai) / 2023年度“ AsTW2024” 実施報告(生田博子) / 令和６年度海外留学派遣支援事業 学部生・大学院生共通基幹教育科目「世界が仕事場I & II」(生田博子) / 2023年度九州大学留学生センター・留学生指導部門報告（カウンセリング関係）(黄正国・肥後裕輝)

    DOI： 10.15017/7343635

    CiNii Research

  • [032]Reports

    Guo Junhai, Ohga Chiharu, Wakisaka Masako, Kusunoki Rika, Shibata Azusa, Koyama Satoru, Ikuta Hiroko, Higo Masateru, Imai Ryoichi, Nonaka Chisato, Huang Zhengguo, Bang Hyunjung, Nakamura Mako, Kinoshita Hiroko

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   32   45 - 151   2024.3   （ ISSN:13402897 ）

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    Language：Japanese   Publisher：International Student Center, Kyushu University  

    （報告） / 基幹教育の日本語(郭俊海・大神智春・脇坂真彩子・楠木理香) / 日本語研修コース(大神智春) / Japanese Academic Courses（JACs）／ 言語文化基礎科目・日本語(脇坂真彩子・楠木理香) / 2023年度 伊都キャンパス・病院（馬出）キャンパス日本語補講コース(柴田あづさ) / 筑紫・大橋地区日本語コース─ 2023年度─(小山悟) / 日本語・日本文化研修コースの報告（第23期生）(郭俊海) / 農学部・工学部の学士課程国際コース生に対する日本語教育・─2023年度の実施状況─(柴田あづさ) / 2022年度“ AsTW2023” 実施報告(生田博子) / Kyushu University Japan In Today’s World (JTW)・A Brief Review of the 29th Class (Oct. 2022―Jul. 2023) (Masa Higo, Ryoichi Imai and Chisato Nonaka) / 2022年度九州大学留学生センター留学生指導部門報告・（カウンセリング関係）(黄正国・肥後裕輝) / 令和５年度スーパーグローバル大学創成支援事業・学部生・大学院生共通基幹教育科目「世界が仕事場I & II」(生田博子) / 九州大学農学部の国際プログラムにおける優秀な人材の確保に向けた取り組み(房　賢貞・中村真子) / ヘブライ大学とのオンラインCOILプログラム実施報告(木下博子) / College of Asia Pacific in Guam 2023実施報告書(木下博子) / 九州大学若手女性研究者・女子大学院生優秀研究者賞（伊藤早苗賞）・留学生センター専任教員の受賞歴の報告(肥後裕輝・野中ちさと・脇坂真彩子・木下博子) / Kyushu University New International Student Orientation・A Report of Fall 2023 Orientation (Masa Higo and Zhengguo Huang) / 2023年度九州大学留学生センターFD会(黄正国・楠木理香)

    DOI： 10.15017/7172566

    CiNii Research

  • [031]Reports

    Guo Junhai, Ohga Chiharu, Wakisaka Masako, Shibata Azusa, Saito Nobuhiro, Koyama Satoru, Ikuta Hiroko, Nonaka Chisato, Kinoshita Hiroko, Kusunoki Rika, Yano Lisa, Imai Ryoichi, Takamatsu Satoshi

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   31   63 - 166   2023.3   （ ISSN:13402897 ）

    　More details

    Language：Japanese   Publisher：International Student Center, Kyushu University  

    （報告） / 基幹教育の日本語(郭俊海・大神智春・脇坂真彩子) / 日本語研修コース(大神智春) / Japanese Academic Courses（JACs）／言語文化基礎科目・日本語(脇坂真彩子・柴田あづさ) / 留学生を対象にした日本文学の授業(斉藤信浩) / 補講コース・日本語（JTCs）(斉藤信浩) / 農学部・工学部の学士課程国際コース生に対する日本語教育─ 2022年度の実施状況─(柴田あづさ) / 筑紫・大橋地区日本語コース─ 2022年度─(小山悟) / 日本語・日本文化研修コースの報告（第22期生）(郭俊海) / 2021年度 “AsTW2022” 実施報告(生田博子) / Summer in Japan（SIJ） 2022 オンラインプログラム実施報告(野中ちさと・木下博子・楠木理香・矢野莉早) / 九州の自然・歴史・文化を学ぶ～ JTW Field Trips 2022(今井亮一) / 2021年度　九州大学留学生センター・留学生指導部門報告（カウンセリング関係）(高松里) / 令和４年度スーパーグローバル大学創成支援事業 学部生・大学院生共通基幹教育科目「世界が仕事場I & II」(生田博子) / 留学生センターFD 会2022(今井亮一)

    DOI： 10.15017/6783295

    CiNii Research

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Books

  • 教師とボランティアのための　　日本語教育　 実践 日本語Ｑ＆Ａ: ─ それで結局どう教えればいいのか

    @大谷晋也, @大谷伊都子, 楠木理香, 柴田幸子, 竹内茜, 立川真紀絵, 内藤裕美（Role：Joint author）

    Kindle Direct Publishing  2024.4 

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    Language：Japanese   Book type：Scholarly book

Presentations

  • Challenges and opportunities of managing Japanese class with diverse learners Invited International conference

    Rika Kusunoki

    Language Education: Teacher and Learner Diversity Across Asia-Pacific  2025.3  Osaka Metropolitan University

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    Event date： 2025.3

    Language：English   Presentation type：Symposium, workshop panel (nominated)  

    Venue：I-site Namba  

MISC

  • 2025 Overview of the Japanese Language Education for those in the Undergraduate ・ ・ International Program in English (IUPE) at the Faculties of Engineering and Agriculture

    Rika Kusunoki

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   ( 34 )   87 - 90   2026   （ ISSN:1340-2897 ）

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    Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Rapid communication, short report, research note, etc. (bulletin of university, research institution)  

  • Report on the Fundamental Subjects for Language and Culture/Japanese

    Masako Wakisaka / Rika Kusunoki

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   ( 34 )   63 - 70   2026   （ ISSN:1340-2897 ）

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    Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Rapid communication, short report, research note, etc. (bulletin of university, research institution)  

  • Japanese Academic Courses (JACs) / Fundamental Subjects for Language and Culture, Japanese

    Masako Wakisaka / Rika Kusunoki

    九州大学留学生センター紀要   ( 34 )   49 - 62   2026   （ ISSN:1340-2897 ）

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    Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Rapid communication, short report, research note, etc. (bulletin of university, research institution)  

Professional Memberships

  • Japanese Association for Migration Policy Studies

  • Association for Japanese Language Education

  • Asian Studies Association of Australia

Committee Memberships

  • Association for Japanese Language Education   審査・運営協力員   Domestic

    2025.6 - Present   

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    Committee type：Academic society

Academic Activities

  • Asian Studies Review International contribution

    2023.9 - Present

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    Type：Academic society, research group, etc. 

Research Projects

  • 地方社会における外国人支援者の意識と政策的示唆

    Grant number：26K16061  2026.4 - 2029.3

    Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists

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    Authorship：Principal investigator  Grant type：Scientific research funding

Educational Activities

  • I have been teaching Japanese language courses for international students in the Japanese Academic Courses (JACs) programme, as well as specialised subjects for international students in the Japanese Language and Culture Course (JLCC). In 2022 and 2023, I served as the coordinator for the Japanese language course in the Summer in Japan (SIJ) programme organised by the centre. Since October 2023, I have been serving as the coordinator of the JACs programme. From 2025, I am also a faculty member of School of Interdisciplinary Science and Innovation.

Class subject

  • Japanese: Integrated 1B

    2025.10 - 2026.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1A

    2025.10 - 2026.2   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 1+2A

    2025.10 - 2026.2   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 1+2B

    2025.10 - 2026.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 3B

    2025.6 - 2025.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 3A

    2025.4 - 2025.6   Spring quarter

  • 共創プロジェクト

    2024.12 - Present   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7B

    2024.12 - 2025.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7A

    2024.10 - 2024.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 6B

    2024.6 - 2024.8   Summer quarter

  • 日本語Ⅱ

    2024.6 - 2024.8   Summer quarter

  • 九州学

    2024.4 - 2024.8   First semester

  • Japanese: Integrated 6A

    2024.4 - 2024.6   Spring quarter

  • 日本語Ⅰ

    2024.4 - 2024.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1B

    2023.12 - 2024.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7B

    2023.12 - 2024.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4B

    2023.12 - 2024.2   Winter quarter

  • 共創プロジェクト

    2023.10 - Present   Fall quarter

  • 日本社会と地域方言

    2023.10 - 2024.3   Second semester

  • Japanese: Integrated 1A

    2023.10 - 2023.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7A

    2023.10 - 2023.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4A

    2023.10 - 2023.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1B

    2023.6 - 2023.8   Summer quarter

  • 日本語Ⅱ

    2023.6 - 2023.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 6B

    2023.6 - 2023.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4B

    2023.6 - 2023.8   Summer quarter

  • 九州学

    2023.4 - Present   First semester

  • 共創プロジェクト

    2023.4 - Present   Summer quarter

  • 九州学

    2023.4 - 2023.9   First semester

  • Japanese: Integrated 1A

    2023.4 - 2023.6   Spring quarter

  • 日本語Ⅰ

    2023.4 - 2023.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 6A

    2023.4 - 2023.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4A

    2023.4 - 2023.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1B

    2022.12 - 2023.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7B

    2022.12 - 2023.2   Winter quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4B

    2022.12 - 2023.2   Winter quarter

  • 日本社会と地域方言

    2022.10 - Present   Second semester

  • Japanese: Integrated 1A

    2022.10 - 2022.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 7A

    2022.10 - 2022.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4A

    2022.10 - 2022.12   Fall quarter

  • Japanese: Writing 6B

    2022.6 - 2022.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1B

    2022.6 - 2022.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 3B

    2022.6 - 2022.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 6B

    2022.6 - 2022.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4B

    2022.6 - 2022.8   Summer quarter

  • Japanese: Writing 6A

    2022.4 - 2022.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 1A

    2022.4 - 2022.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 3A

    2022.4 - 2022.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Integrated 6A

    2022.4 - 2022.6   Spring quarter

  • Japanese: Kanji 4A

    2022.4 - 2022.6   Spring quarter

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FD Participation

  • 2024.1   Role：Planning   Title：多文化カウンセリングの視点から見る留学生支援 ―コミュニティと予防―

    Organizer：[Undergraduate school/graduate school/graduate faculty]

Participation in international educational events, etc.

  • 2023.4

    Tokyo Collage, Tokyo University

    Japan’s Language Policy and Assumptions about Learner Identities: Promotion of English Language Teaching for Japanese and Japanese Language Teaching for Foreigners

    　 More details

    Venue：Zoom Webinar

Travel Abroad

  • 2023.3

    Staying countory name 1：Australia   Staying institution name 1：The University of Queensland