At present 22 IC Bunko in Japanese are established in ‘Japanese’ residential areas of London, as well as in  Newcastle, Birmingham, Chelmsford/Colchester and Guildford.

ICBA believes that it is very important for children in British/Foreign education to maintain their Japanese (mother tongue) language skills and cultural identity, if they are to become International Children. IC Bunko aim to create an atmosphere in which Japanese children feel ‘at home’ and can enjoy speaking Japanese to other adults and children whilst taking part in interesting activities.

Each IC (Japanese) Bunko in the UK has its unique character as has every child (and their family) attending IC Bunko. Some IC Bunko meet in local Church Halls or School Halls, others in a member’s home. It is the initiative of IC Bunko leaders and staff cooperating with IC Bunko members’ mothers that make the character of each IC Bunko different. Staff organizing IC Bunko are not baby-sitters, but people who are concerned about children’s level of literacy and spoken language in Japanese. Through children’s active participation and parents co-operation, staff lead children towards