Bahrain is not a country where it is common to encounter Japanese, but even here interest in "anime" has been encouraging young people to learn more about Japan, as well as to study the language.

Because young people here depend largely on the Internet for access to Japanese animation, movies and songs, they are seeking more cultural and personal exchanges with Japan.

The only Japanese-language teacher in Bahrain, Ken Umishima, is meanwhile struggling to have his students "enjoy" learning the language in line with the way of life in the Gulf region — not just having them memorize the kana characters.