Japanese language education in the United States began in the late 19th century, aimed mainly at Japanese American children and conducted by parents and community institutions. Over the course of the next century, it would slowly expand to include non-Japanese as well as native speakers (mainly children of Japanese expatriates being educated in international schools). A 2012 survey of foreign-language learners by the Japan Foundation found 4,270 teachers teaching the Japanese language to 155,939 students at 1,449 different institutions, an increase of 10.4% in the number of students since the 2009 survey.[1] The quality and focus of dialogues in Japanese textbooks meant for English-speakers has changed since the 1970s. As of 2021, according to the Japan Foundation, 161,402 people were learning Japanese in United States.[2][3][4]