This summer, a group of ten IPA students, in grades 8-11, participated in the school’s first-ever Japan Study Tour, coordinated in partnership with the Hawaiʻi Global Education Foundation. Led by Secondary Japanese teacher Mina Law, the trip was designed to provide meaningful cultural and educational experiences beyond those of a typical sightseeing tour. A key focus was strengthening relationships with Honolulu’s sister cities—Edogawa Ward in Tokyo and Nagaoka City in Niigata Prefecture—through student exchange and official visits.
Students took on the role of cultural ambassadors, fostering goodwill and building friendships with peers and community leaders. In Edogawa Ward, they were welcomed by Mayor Saito and ward office staff, where they delivered a personal letter from Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi. The visit reflected the enduring connection between the two cities and underscored the importance of youth engagement in global citizenship.
In Niigata, students visited Ajikata Junior High School and spent two days interacting with students in grades 7 to 9, participating in school life and joining the Shirone Giant Kite Festival—an experience featured on local television. A visit to Kayamori Farm in Kamo City provided hands-on agricultural activities, mochi pounding, and a traditional samurai-style lunch. Students also met with Mayor Fujita of Kamo City, deepening their understanding of local leadership and rural life in Japan.
The itinerary included visits to the Admiral Yamamoto Isoroku Museum and the Nagaoka War Damage Exhibit Museum, offering historical context and insight. Students reconnected with junior high school peers who had previously visited Island Pacific Academy in January and met Nagaoka Mayor Isoda during a community event.
In Tokyo, students met with Edogawa peers who had visited Hawaiʻi earlier this year. Together, they explored the Edogawa Sea Life Park, participated in a Hato Bus city tour of Tokyo, and took part in a hands-on Edo wind chime–making experience. Additional visits included Edogawa Seishin Daiichi Junior High School, Kanto Daiichi High School, and the Edogawa Ward Office, where students met with Mayor Saito and Council Chairman Shimamura. The whirlwind trip concluded with a day at Tokyo DisneySea—a joyful celebration of a successful exchange.
Reflecting on the experience, Secondary Japanese teacher Mina Law shared, “I am pleased to report that our first Japan Study Tour was successfully completed. Both students and chaperones gained many meaningful and memorable experiences throughout the trip.”
Students demonstrated curiosity, maturity, and a strong sense of responsibility throughout the journey. Their engagement and thoughtfulness in each interaction reflected the values of the school and the broader importance of international education.
This program was made possible through the generous support of student families and IPA’s administration, including Head of School Gerald Teramae and Secondary Principal Steve Ross, as well as chaperones Secondary Vice Principal Lisa Russell and Secondary teacher Midori Burton. Laura Guzman, Secondary World Languages department head, provided valuable support and advice during the planning stages of the trip. And special appreciation goes to the Hawaiʻi Global Education Foundation, Mayumi Miyahara for leading coordination in Japan, as well as to Ms. Tomomi Honma in Niigata and Mr. Jun Takei in Tokyo for their essential roles in facilitating local logistics.
As Law noted, “I hope our students will continue engaging in cross-cultural exchange with their friends in Japan, and that this program will lead to lasting relationships between the schools involved.”
The success of this inaugural study tour lays a strong foundation for future global learning experiences and deeper international partnerships.
