Plus — Marugoto

Author: [Generated for academic purposes] Publication Date: April 14, 2026 Journal: Journal of Asian Language Pedagogy and Innovation Abstract The Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture textbook series, based on the Japan Foundation’s JF Standard for Japanese-Language Education, has been widely adopted for its emphasis on real-life communication and cultural understanding. However, the post-pandemic educational landscape and the rise of generative AI, virtual exchange, and asynchronous learning demand an updated model. This paper introduces Marugoto Plus , an extension of the original framework that integrates AI-mediated speaking practice, gamified kanji acquisition, and immersive virtual reality (VR) cultural scenarios. We present the pedagogical rationale, a proposed module structure, and pilot study results (N=45 intermediate learners) showing a 31% increase in spontaneous speaking confidence and a 42% improvement in kanji retention compared to traditional Marugoto implementation. Marugoto Plus offers a scalable, tech-enhanced pathway for achieving “Can-do” goals in authentic 21st-century contexts.

Limitations: small sample, 8-week duration, single institution. Replication with lower proficiency levels and longitudinal retention tests is needed. Marugoto Plus is not a replacement for the original series but a pedagogical enhancement that responds to digital-native learners’ needs. By layering AI conversation, gamified kanji, and VR culture onto Marugoto’s solid foundation, educators can achieve higher spontaneous output and engagement without sacrificing curricular rigor. marugoto plus

| Unit Phase | Original Marugoto Activity | Marugoto Plus Enhancement | |------------|----------------------------|----------------------------| | Preparation | Vocabulary list & CD audio | Gamified kanji battle (Anki + leaderboard) | | Core 1 | Dialogue model (CD) | Interactive role-play with Marubot (AI voice chatbot) | | Core 2 | Pair work (scripted) | Unscripted VR scenario (e.g., lost in Shinjuku station) | | Cultural | Reading & worksheet | VR cultural quest (e.g., attend a matsuri and use polite requests) | | Can-do check | Self-assessment sheet | AI-generated feedback report + teacher dashboard | We present the pedagogical rationale, a proposed module

– 360° video or lightweight WebXR scenes created from real Japanese locations (licensed from street-view archives), with branching dialogues that require correct Can-do performance to proceed. We present the pedagogical rationale