An article profiles the online Japanese classes run under the Mr. CANDO program, which uses manga-based teaching materials to teach practical Japanese for workplaces such as caregiving and factories. Ono, 74, from Okayama, after retiring in June last year became an instructor; lessons cost 600 yen for 30 minutes, with 250 yen going to the instructor. He taught a Myanmar student in her early 20s; she improved from hard-to-understand pronunciation to everyday conversation after about six months. Ono ended the program in October, but says seniors want to help and that letting students speak casually boosts their Japanese. With about 2.3 million foreigners working in Japan as of last October, expanding learning environments and securing instructors is urgent. There are over 2,600 language-education institutions; the government introduced a system to certify qualified schools and created a national credential for teachers. Mr. CANDO founder Kunio Kando, 76, started the program in December 2023 to provide low-cost Japanese learning opportunities for trainees who lack time and money.