The Language and Culture Initial Teacher Education: Primary (LACITEP) program in Australia, a preservice teacher education program designed to train elementary school teachers as specialists in Japanese language teaching, is described. In the partial immersion format, at least half the courses are taught in Japanese. Courses in the first year emphasize the learning process. In the second year they focus on improving learning processes, and in the third year on the sociocultural context of learning. The six curriculum components are: foundation subjects; second language teacher development; second language teaching methodology; curriculum subjects; second language enhancement subjects; and practicum and study in Japan. In each year, the components take on the particular focus of that year's instruction. The program recruits top students from high school graduating classes for the 22 student places available. The first cohort began the program in February 1993. Even in its early stages, the program has given evidence of success in terms of students' Japanese linguistic proficiency and teaching skills. It is seen as a promising means for improving second language teaching in Australia and supporting the national policy of extensive elementary and secondary school second language instruction. (MSE)