2026 ICLE and TILES Collaborative Conference
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The conference will take place from September 26–27, 2026. The Site Chairs recommend that participants book their accommodation well in advance, as there are limited hotel options in the area and they tend to fill up quickly. To avoid any inconvenience later, we strongly advise making a reservation early—ideally with a flexible cancellation option.
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It is with great pleasure that we invite you to register to our annual face-to-face collaborative conference. This conference will explore how language education serves as a meeting ground for diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives. We will contact you again about social activities, networking gathering and lunch options.
Conference theme: The Global Classroom: Navigating East–West Perspectives in Language Education
Conference date: September 26th-27th, 2026
Venue: Hirosaki Gakuin University (Aomori pref.)
Registration fee (until Sept. 20): 1000 JPY (JALT members) and 2000 JPY (non-JALT members)
Registration from the 21st Sep until Sep 27th can be done on-site: 2500JPY (JALT members) and 3500 JPY (non-JALT members)
Contact: icle.conferencechair@gmail.com
Keynote by Matthew Cotter, Hokusei Gakuen University
“Indigenous Voices in the Global Classroom: Māori and Ainu Perspectives on Language Education”
Abstract:
This plenary explores Indigenous language revitalisation initiatives involving Māori and Ainu communities and considers their relevance for contemporary language and culture education. Drawing on experiences with Te Ataarangi-inspired pedagogy, online Ainu language learning, and collaborative translation projects, the presentation highlights approaches that emphasise learner agency, relational learning and collective responsibility. These perspectives are contrasted with more conventional approaches commonly associated with both Western and East Asian educational traditions. Through this discussion, participants will consider how Indigenous knowledge systems and pedagogical practices can enrich language teaching in increasingly globalised and multicultural classrooms. The session offers practical and theoretical insights for educators seeking to create more inclusive, culturally responsive, and participatory language learning environments.
Biography:
Associate Professor Matthew James Cotter is a New Zealand-born educator and researcher based in Sapporo, Japan. His teaching and research focus on language and culture education, Indigenous language revitalisation, intercultural communication, and innovative approaches to language learning. Drawing on his engagement with Māori and Ainu language and culture initiatives, he is particularly interested in how Indigenous pedagogies can inform contemporary educational practice in the classroom. His work explores learner-centred, community-based approaches to language education and the ways in which digital technologies can support language learning, cultural engagement, and collaborative knowledge construction. He has presented widely at national and international conferences and is committed to fostering culturally responsive and inclusive learning environments.
Hirosaki Tour
There will be a guided tour of historic Hirosaki City on the afternoon of Saturday, Sep 26 starting at 13:00. We’ll meet at the Sightseeing Information Center near Hirosaki City Hall. The tour will be a walking tour of Hirosaki, including Hirosaki Castle, Hirosaki park, three Victorian-style buildings from the 1800s, and maybe even enjoying a local apple pie delicacy. If time permits, we’ll also visit Neputamura culture center (http://neputamura.com/en/) where attendees can experience the local Neputa Festival, local traditional crafts, and possibly Tsugaru Shamisen (depending on performer schedules). The tour will end with a train ride to the university conference venue for the evening workshops.
Networking Social
After the conference workshops on Saturday afternoon, there will be a social networking event at Dolan’s Irish Pub (https://dolans-pub.com/). Details about the networking social will be shared later.
