Nihongo Salon, a volunteer group at Toyota International Association, was formed in 1991 in order to support foreign mothers who stay at home and isolate themselves from Japanese society. Now, through Nihongo Salon, about 100 foreigners are learning Japanese, from 25 volunteer tutors. During this time, 30 children receive child care from 8 volunteers, while their mothers are studying Japanese.

 The major activities of this organization are teaching Japanese and providing child care while mothers are learning.

 In 2004, Nihong Salon was subsidized by Nippon Foundation and initiated the "Handbook for raising children in multiple languages: Toyota edition."

 We hope to develop strong relationships between Japanese learners and volunteers through cooperatively working on this project, which will also aid the community in understanding the circumstances of Japanese learners who are raising their children in the community.

 I would like to thank all those who were involved in publishing the "Handbook for raising children in multiple languages: Toyota edition." It is our hope to help mothers who are raising children away from their native countries and establish a multicultural society where people from all backgrounds can live together.