Japan and New Zealand celebrate education milestone

Last week, ENZ hosted a reception in Tokyo to celebrate the 20^th and 30^th anniversaries of three Japanese schools’ first New Zealand visits and to thank them for their continued support of New Zealand.

Over the last three decades, the three Japanese schools – Josogakuin Junior High School, Hikarigaokajoshi High School, Tokorozawa Kita High School – have sent more than 4,000 students to New Zealand for academic study and school excursion programmes.

Misa Kitaoka, ENZ’s Senior Market Development Manager – Japan, said the schools shared some fantastic feedback about New Zealand as a study destination.

“The principal of Tokorozawa High School said the importance that New Zealand education places on acquiring future skills and global competency was one of the reasons why it resonated with him as a destination for his school’s study abroad programme,” said Misa.

“His school has also had annual visits to the University of Canterbury and Lincoln University, which he felt was an excellent opportunity for Japanese students to experience New Zealand’s tertiary-level programme.”

The reception opened with a powerful kapa haka performance by local group Nga Hau E Wha, showcasing Māori language and culture.

The New Zealand Ambassador to Japan, Stephen Payton, presented the schools with certificates of appreciation, signed by ENZ Chief Executive Grant McPherson.

Air New Zealand was also on hand for the celebration, gifting plaques and airline tickets to New Zealand for teachers at the schools.

Misa said in the lead up to the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, hosted by Japan, the Japanese government is accelerating its plans for internationalisation.

“I see a growing opportunity for ENZ to promote the quality of New Zealand’s universities, especially the direct pathway to the Bachelor’s degree programme available for Japanese high school students.”