The mounting influence of the Japanese economy on the Pacific island nations has generated a growing need for Japanese language education in the region. In response to this demand, the University of the South Pacific established classes in Japanese with a view to creating a bona fide Japanese language major. Courses are offered at the University, including some for credit, while additional classes are conducted at the community level for university staff, people working in Japan-related industries and others with a need to acquire Japanese language proficiency. This year, the University developed materials to enable students to take the courses by correspondence.