It’s Just a three-minute walk from Hongōdai Station of JR Negishi Line, Earth Plaza (officially the Kanagawa Plaza for Global Citizenship) is a facility in Sakae Ward, Yokohama, dedicated to promoting international understanding, global peace, and multicultural coexistence.
When you need advice about your child’s education or want to study Japanese language, this is a place you can count on. We visited the center with staff member Yuko Ishii, who kindly showed us around.
What is Earth Plaza?
Earth Plaza was established in 1998 by Kanagawa Prefecture with the hope of encouraging people to think about global issues in their daily lives and take action from where they are.
A Strong Ally for Those Learning Japanese — the Foreign Residents’ Support Corner
Ms. Ishii works as a librarian in Earth Plaza’s library, the Information Forum and Video Library, which holds about 51,000 books and 2,700 video materials.Among these, one of the most distinctive areas is the Foreign Residents’ Support Corner.
The Information Forum houses about 6,500 books related to Japanese language learning and teaching—one of the largest collections in Kanagawa Prefecture.Around 2,800 of these are children’s books. The children’s section includes materials about school life and translations of school notices for parents who may not be fluent in Japanese.
Japanese Language Classes Run by Local Volunteer Groups
At the back of the library is an open Forum Space, where community volunteer groups hold Japanese language classes for foreign residents.
Participants can use the library’s learning materials, and classes are taught with warmth and care.
Several groups operate here, each with its own conditions and schedule, so check the details before joining.
Reference:
👉 Yokohama Association for International Communications and Exchanges (YOKE) — Japanese Language and Learning Support Database
https://yokeweb.jp/user/index?ward_cd=141151#view-result
Picture Books in Many Languages
The library isn’t just for learning Japanese—it also helps children maintain their mother tongue.
The Video Library offers over 800 “matching picture books,” where the same story can be read in both Japanese and another language such as Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Tagalog, Vietnamese, or French.
Every other month, on the third Sunday afternoon, native speakers host bilingual storytelling sessions, introducing not only the stories but also aspects of their home country’s culture and tradition.
These events naturally bring together Japanese children and children with roots in other countries, fostering friendship and understanding.
All library books can be borrowed for free for up to three weeks, and you can get a library card with your Residence Card.
Educational Consultations in Your Native Language
Another feature of the Information Forum is its education consultation service.
A native-speaking “consultation supporter” and a professional “education consultation coordinator” are always available to discuss your concerns.
For example:
- You’re unsure about daycare rules or customs.
- You want your child to enter a Japanese high school but don’t understand the system.
- Your child doesn’t want to go to school.
In moments like these, having someone to talk to can make a world of difference.
Consultations are free of charge and no reservation is required. You can speak in your native language, though available languages differ by day—so please check the schedule in advance.
Common consultation topics include Japanese language study and high school entrance exams. The center also provides past entrance exam papers, study guides, and textbooks, which the staff use to give practical advice.
“We’re On Your Side”
One of the coordinators, who has been supporting families for over 15 years, shared this message:
“We are on your side. We want you to know—you can do this, you’ll be okay.
We listen carefully and suggest what’s possible right now, step by step.
Even if you don’t have a specific concern, please feel free to drop by.
Use this place as a foundation to expand your world little by little.”
When I visited, several people came in one after another, without appointments.
If you’re feeling unsure, don’t hesitate—just step inside.
Check the consultation schedule and available languages here:
🔗 Education Consultations – Earth Plaza
For general life consultations, there’s also a General Consultation Service, and on certain days, lawyers provide free legal advice.
🔗 General Consultations – Earth Plaza
5th Floor: Hands-On Exhibition Rooms for Children
Finally, a must-see highlight of Earth Plaza is the children’s exhibition floor on the 5th floor.
There are three exhibition rooms, including the Fantasy Playroom, filled with blocks, slides, and climbing structures.It’s perfect for preschoolers and lower elementary school children—and a great indoor option for rainy or hot days.
The same floor also features traditional costumes from around the world, some of which visitors can try on.
Admission fees:
- Adults: ¥400
- Junior high school students and younger: ¥100
- Preschool children: free
Strollers are available for rent, and nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities are provided.It’s a welcoming space for families with young children.
Access
Address:
1-2-1 Kosugaya, Sakae-ku, Yokohama-shi
(3-minute walk from JR Negishi Line “Hongōdai” Station)
Parking: Paid parking available
Hours:
- Information Forum: 9:00–20:00 (Tue–Fri), 9:00–17:00 (weekend, holidays)
- Video Library: 9:00–17:00
Closed: Mondays (open if a public holiday) and during New Year holidays
