
Hippo Family Club: “Hippo Jin” and the Emergence of the New Japanese
By Ali Syarief
The Hippo Family Club in Japan is a community organization (NGO) that offers a unique approach to fostering a new culture among its members. Unlike the stereotype of Japanese society as homogeneous and resistant to foreign influences, the Hippo Family Club is a platform for exploring multiculturalism and multilingualism. Through learning multiple foreign languages, members acquire vocabulary and grammar and gain a deep understanding of the cultures associated with those languages.
Breaking the Stereotype of Japanese Society
Japan is often perceived as a society with a closed, monocultural mindset that prioritizes the preservation of tradition over embracing global diversity. This framing has led to the notion that Japan is reluctant to absorb external influences, whether in culture or language. However, the Hippo Family Club stands as an antithesis to this perception. The community proves that Japanese society is indeed capable of embracing cultural and linguistic pluralism.
The uniqueness of Hippo Family Club lies in its learning methodology, which integrates multiple foreign languages, including English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and even lesser-known languages. Rather than relying solely on textbooks or formal methods, members learn through enjoyable activities like singing, playing, and conversing with native speakers. This approach highlights that language is not just a tool for communication but also a gateway to understanding the broader world.
“Hippo Jin”: A New Generation of Japanese
The emergence of the Hippo Family Club has given rise to what can be called “Hippo Jin,” or “New Japanese.” This term represents a generation of Japanese people with a global mindset who can bridge cultural differences. These individuals go beyond a purely national identity to become global citizens with profound cross-cultural understanding.
To better understand this generation, we can look at how Japan categorizes its generations by birth year and historical era. The members of the Hippo Family Club mainly belong to:
- Yutori Sedai (1990-1999), a generation that experienced educational and social reforms in Japan, marked by a more relaxed education system.
- Satori Sedai (2000-2009), a generation that grew up during Japan’s digital technological advancements, seamlessly integrating technology into daily life.
- Koronā Sedai (2010-2019), a generation born during the COVID-19 pandemic, who developed an early awareness of global dynamics.
Historically, these “Hippo Jin” are part of the Reiwa Generation (2019–present), a cohort facing contemporary social and economic shifts alongside rapid technological progress.
This “New Japanese” generation signifies a paradigm shift in Japanese society. They no longer view the world solely through a Japanese lens but also understand how others perceive the world through their cultural frameworks. This fosters a more inclusive, creative, and innovative community. In the context of globalization, the ability to adapt to diverse cultures is an invaluable asset, particularly in professional and social spheres.
The Future of Multilingualism in Japan
The Hippo Family Club symbolizes how Japan can harmonize tradition with modernity. Through this community, Japan demonstrates that national identity does not have to conflict with multicultural learning. Instead, blending local traditions with global understanding creates a more dynamic society.
With a growing number of members, the Hippo Family Club has the potential to significantly reshape Japan’s cultural landscape. The community not only encourages proficiency in foreign languages but also builds strong bridges of cross-cultural understanding. This phenomenon shows that Japan is capable of breaking free from old stereotypes and becoming a more inclusive nation ready to embrace the world.
Conclusion
The Hippo Family Club is more than just a language-learning community; it is a cultural movement reshaping how Japanese society views the world. Its members, the “Hippo Jin,” represent a new face of Japan—more open, tolerant, and prepared to tackle global challenges. Amid the long-standing stereotypes associated with Japanese society, this community proves that change is possible, even in a nation known for its tradition and homogeneity. The Hippo Family Club is a beacon of hope for the emergence of a truly global generation of Japanese citizens.