Written by Chisato Yoshioka, Japanese National Language Adviser, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Belinda Sydenham, International Dean. Baradene College
Rena Ishikawa, Year 11 Student, Baradene College
Photos 1 & 2: Paper cranes
This year marks the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
To mark this milestone, I was honoured to be invited to a small but lovely and very special ceremony at Baradene College.
Earlier this year, Year 11 student Rena Ishikawa realised that many people around her were not very familiar with the story of Sadako Sasaki and the tradition of folding a thousand paper cranes. Hoping to raise awareness, she began folding cranes on her own when she saw how challenging it would be to reach a thousand by herself, she spoke with her teacher Belinda, who encouraged her to involve others. Soon classmates and students across the school joined in, and together they created more than a thousand colourful cranes as a symbol of peace and remembrance.
Photo 3: Rena Ishikawa
During the ceremony, Rena shared these heartfelt words:
"I started the Paper Crane Project this year, and I really appreciate that many people joined. My goal was to collect 1,000 paper cranes, but now I have more than that, and the activities still continue. I hope this project serves as an opportunity to learn about the atomic bomb and to understand the importance of praying for peace.
The reason for starting this project is that as someone who lives on this planet with you all, and as a Japanese person, I wanted to share my story so that the tragedy of the atomic bombings would never be repeated. Even 80 years later, the scars remain in the hearts and bodies of the survivors and their families.
I want everyone to have the courage to learn for themselves what kind of impact the atomic bombs had on Japan. So please ask me any question you want to know, and please join this project this year.”
The cranes will be taken to Hiroshima in January 2026 by Belinda, who will meet Rena there to offer them at the Statue of Sadako.
This student-led project reminded me once again how important the wish for peace is today and gave me profound hope that this message will continue to live on as the younger generation embrace and carry it forward.
Onerahi Primary’s Cultural Festival in Whangārei
Written by Mr MATSUI Shinji, Consul General of Japan in Auckland
Paula Kasper. Faciltator, Tui Tuia | Learning Circle
Hannah He, Teacher, Onerahi Primary School
Photo 4: Chisato Yoshioka, Hannah He, Mr MATSUI Shinji, and Paula Kasper.
The Japanese Corner was a big hit at this year’s Cultural Festival!
Students especially enjoyed the delicious sushi and rice balls, which quickly became their favorite treats. The performance of "Sakura" by Paula-sensei captivated the audience, and the whole school was excited to learn the Soran Dance with Chisato-sensei — a lively and unforgettable experience!
Popular activities like Ninja Star Throwing and Origami Fishing brought laughter and friendly competition. Younger students had a great time with koma spinning tops and were thrilled to create their own Teru Teru Bozu (traditional weather dolls) to take home.
Onerahi School was honoured to welcome Mr. MATSUI Shinji, Consul General of Japan, and Mr. YONEKURA Hiroki, Consul, who joined us for this special event. It was a joyful celebration of Japanese culture, enjoyed by all!
*****
The Japanese stage performances during their Culture Day at Onerahi Primary School in Whangārei which I joined from Auckland as Consul General of Japan were absolutely an admirably successful achievement among the Asian and Māori cultural presentations, which impressed all the audience with their beauty and harmony of the Japanese traditional music and dance culture. They demonstrated the values of Japanese language and cultural education and contributed to school children’s learning of the spirit and fun of the Japanese culture. The Consulate-General of Japan in Auckland will continue to support these efforts by the school. To show part of reasons why it is now loved by a number of youngsters in the world in my view, I touched on its underlying values by sharing what I learned from my personal heroes: “Doraemon” showing creativity to help friends in need and also my own primary school teacher who taught the significance of conscience and respect for others., Tui Tuia日本語アドバイザーの吉岡様、 オネラヒ小の先生方の皆様、素晴らしい機会を有り難うございました！
Kansai Immersion Programme Inspires Japanese Language Teachers
Written by Kristin Noom, Japanese Teacher, Albany Junior High School
Photos 5 & 6: Our Tui Tuia 2025 Japanese Immersion participants enjoying their experience in Japan.
Over the September–October school holidays (21 September–4 October), a group of passionate Japanese language teachers from across Aotearoa New Zealand had the extraordinary opportunity to participate in the Kansai Immersion Programme. This unforgettable experience was made possible through the outstanding support and organisation of Chisato Yoshioka, Japanese Language Adviser, along with Tuia Tuia Learning Circle – Languages and The Japan Foundation. A heartfelt thank you to them for creating such an enriching programme.
Teachers from Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Queenstown began their journey with three warm and inspiring days in Tokyo. This initial stage allowed participants to connect with one another while experiencing both traditional and contemporary aspects of Japanese culture, ranging from soba-making and exploring a samurai museum to witnessing the contrast between the bustling Tokyo Skytree, Shibuya Crossing, and Harajuku and the tranquil Senso-ji and Ueno Park.
Travelling by shinkansen to Osaka, participants then continued to the Japan Foundation Japanese-Language Institute, Kansai, where the warmth and hospitality of staff created a supportive learning environment. Through immersive activities with teachers and providers at the institute, such as taiko drumming, wagashi making, games, sports, and craft, teachers strengthened their language skills and gathered authentic materials for classroom use.
A key highlight was visiting primary and junior high schools, engaging directly with teachers and students through activities and presentations. These meaningful exchanges not only built confidence in using Japanese but also deepened cultural understanding and pedagogical insight.
Beyond the structured learning, shared meals at izakaya and ramen shops fostered friendships and professional networks. This experience has left participants energised, inspired, and ready to bring new ideas, authentic cultural activities, and renewed enthusiasm into their classrooms.
