History
(Updated in October 2026)
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August 2016
Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School (Miyagi Prefecture, Japan) and Sogeri National High School (SNHS) signed a sister-school agreement on 2 August 2016. Both schools wish to form a new bond between the two schools as well as in Japan and Papua New Guinea, for strengthening into the future upon yielding fruitful results benefiting the two countries.
Photo: Mr. Takehiko KATOH, Principal, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School (Left) and Mr. Kive KEREREMBO, Principal, Sogeri National High School (Right). The ceremony of 2 August 2016 was witnessed by Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Papua New Guinea Morio MATSUMOTO and Mr. Gogobe MAIRI, Chairman of the Sogeri National School of Excellence Governing Council.
February 2017
On 17 February, JLC commenced operation after the opening ceremony attended by Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary to Papua New Guinea Satoshi NAKAJIMA.
March 2017
On 14 March, TV crew of Nippon Television Network Corporation visited SNHS and JLC aiming at shooting scenes to be used for a variety entertainment program entitled WARATTE KORAETE.
August 2017
On 24 August, JLC received a group of Japanese returning to Japan after their memorial service visit to Wewak for the war dead.
August 2017
JLC introduced Japanese language as well as culture including songs and Kimono of Japan to visitors at the Open Day held on two days of 25 and 26 August.
September 2017
On 8 September, the Japanese Embassy visited SNHS and screened a Japanese movie entitled THERMAE ROMAE at Rayappan Auditorium.
October 2017
On 13 October, Japanese Ambassador Satoshi NAKAJIMA attended at the 48th SNHS graduation ceremony and extended a speech as a Guest of Honour.
October 2017
On 16 October, JLC donated K500 to Coordinator, Mr. KAMEA, of the Committee of the Sufferers from Hanuabada fires.
November 2017
Six JLC students and one attendant teacher were invited to Okinawa, Japan to attend at “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2017 in Okinawa” representing senior high schools in Papua New Guinea for 4-9 November.
November 2017
On 21 and 22 November, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen’s Karate Club visited SNHS for a sister school interaction. On Day 2, before the Karate program, SNHS hosted a briefing session on the Tsunami Awareness Summit held in Okinawa, inviting Japanese Ambassador Satoshi NAKAJIMA.
Photo: THE BONE MAN OF KOKODA is a story of Kokichi NISHIMURA who dedicated 26 years of post-retirement life to recover the remains of his former comrades and Japanese soldiers who died in PNG during the Second World War. His life was described in the 2008 book by Australian journalist Charles HAPPELL. The book is available at the library of SNHS.
January 2018
On 23 January, sixty-five copies of BASIC KANJI 500 Vol. 1 were donated by Ms. Sachiko NISHIMURA (the late Kokichi NISHIMURA’s daughter) to JLC via Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School.
February 2018
JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency) donated four YAMAHA motorbikes to SNHS.
March 2018
JLC students (40 males and 18 females) made an inspection tour to POMSSUP (Port Moresby Sewerage System Upgrading Project) which was under construction by a Japanese joint venture between Dainippon Construction Ltd and Hitachi Corporation in the Kilakila area.
March 2018
On 21 March, JLC organized its first Japanese Presentation Competition at the Assembly Hall inviting Mr. Ryuichi UEDA, JICA as a judge.
April 2018
On 4 April, SNHS’s female student left PNG for Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School as the first international student under the packaged scholarship based on the Sendai Ikuei and Sogeri Sister school relationship.
May 2018
JLC received Japan’s TV crew of Asahi Television Network Corporation (aiming at shooting scenes of students’ reaction to exhibited goods popular and unique to Japan).
(Photo: from right to left, Mrs. NAKAJIMA, Principal KEREREMBO, Grand Chief SOMARE and JLC Director ISHII)
May 2018
SNHS Principal Kive KEREREMBO and JLC Director Seiya ISHII joined a reception hosted by the Japanese Embassy to welcome the Japan Papua New Guinea Association’s official delegation headed by former Japanese Ambassador to PNG Hajime NISHIYAMA on 29 May. Grand Chief Michael SOMARE, a graduate of SNHS had been invited there and met them and heard the opening of JLC. Grand Chief was so pleased to know that.
September 2018
On 3 September, JLC implemented a mock examination of EJU (Examination for Japanese University Admission). Seventy-seven students challenged Mathematics II (in common) and 68 students challenged Chemistry with 45 students Physics and 41 students Biology.
September 2018
On 21 September, 14 students of G-11 enjoyed JMSDF (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force) escort ship SAZANAMI boarding inspection.
October 2018
JLC handed a Certificate of Completion to 56 students (30 of G12.4 and 26 of G12.8) who finished the two-year Japanese program. Thirty students of G12 were factored into 18 males and 12 females, whereas 26 students of G12.8 were factored into 20 males and 6 females. Total figures by gender were 38 males and 18 females.
Photo: Professor Emeritus OIKAWA – at right.
October 2018
Professor Emeritus Mr. Masahiro OIKAWA (American Literature) of Ritsumeikan University gave lectures on Japanese Culture and Japanese language in seven parts while staying at SNHS for two weeks from 21 October.
Octber 2018
On 29 and 30 October, SNHS joined ‘Education Exhibition’ organized by the Department of Education at John Guise Sport Center. JLC assumed a role to exhibit Japanese program in the SNHS booth.
Photo: The Conductor wears "Yukata," a casual and single-layered cotton kimono, which is usually worn in summer in Japan. The photo demonstrates a unique combination of Yukata, one of summer symbols and Jingle Bells, one of winter symbols in Japan.
November 2018
On 17 November, SNHS’s Students Representative Committee organized a chorus festival, where JLC students presented a song of Jingle Bells in the Japanese language.
February 2019
On 27 February, JLC hosted a mini-brass band concert at the Assembly Hall. The band consisted of five players headed by Mr. Katsuo MIZUSHINA, JICA Senior Expert and including three SNHS graduates. They performed ensembles including Japan-presented March Port Moresby in addition to solo performance of several tunes by MIZUSHINA. MIZUSHINA was engaged in coaching PNG Defense Force Brass Band for more than 2 years since 2016 and Sendai Ikuei Gakuen-donated musical instruments had been used for the training and PNG-hosted APEC 2018.
March 2019
On 9 March, JICA volunteers delegated to projects in Alotau, made a courtesy visit to JLC. They introduced their activities in Alotau like:
Effective use of agricultural machinery;
Environmental conservation (waste separation and 'Mottainai' as a key word driving the activity);
Contribution to Alotau Hospital by a Physiotherapist, as seconded through its Physiotherapy Unit;
Science and Mathematics education;
Vocational training in agriculture; and
Preventive activities for infections including HIV/AIDS.
March 2019
For eleven days beginning 16 March, SNHS’s Principal Kererembo and three Department Heads visited Japan, aiming at conducting curriculum research. They paid a courtesy call to Principal Takehiko KATOH, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School (Sister School) and visited major educational institutes headed by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), Sendai Ikuei Gakuen’s IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) course, Kyoto Municipal Horikawa Senior High School and Kyoto University.
Photo: from right to left, Mrs. Anna DUA (Mathematics), Principal KEREREMBO, Principal KATOH, Miss Duna DUBO (Biology), and Mr. Canute TANGI (ICT) at Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School
On 20 March, Principal KEREREMBO extended a presentation about SNHS to the teaching staff of Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School after the photo session.
Photo: Principal KEREREMBO in front of a cenotaph situated within Zuiganji Temple, Matsushima. The monument was founded for memorial of the 4,444 war dead headed by Eikichi KATOH (Grandfather of Takehiko KATOH) of 87th Buka Security Guard who were engaged mainly in security tasks in Bougainville islands. The monument is an origination point for Principal KATOH’s motivation upon cooperation with Papua New Guinea and signing the sister-school relations with SNHS.
Photo: Sendai Arahama Elementary School, as a symbolic memorial of the March 11, 2011 tsunami, following M7.1 earthquake. The photo indicates a level of the seawater rising to the second floor despite being located 700 meters inland from the shoreline. The detail images of the current school and surrounding areas are available from the website at:
https://www.city.sendai.jp/kankyo/shisetsu/ruin_arahama_elementaryschool.html
Photo: Principal KEREREMBO at the main gate of Kyoto University
Photo: the SNHS delegation with Professor Kanae NISHIOKA, Graduate School of Education, Kyoto University, 3rd from the Right after her lecture followed by discussion.
Photo: at Horikawa Senior High School, Kyoto City - to the left of SNHS Principal, Mr. KEREREMBO, is Mr. Shuichi TANIUCHI, Principal of Horikawa Senior High School.
Kyoto City Municipal Horikawa Senior High School is a MEXT-designated Super Science High School with a school motto, "La Gaya Scienza", equivalent to The Joyful Wisdom in English, emphasizing an attitude of inquiry. The motto means that everything starts with what you want to know.
May 2019
On 30 May, James MARAPE assumed the post of Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.
June 2019
On 14 and 15 June, Mr. Yasumasa NAGAOKA, former JICA Japanese teacher at SNHS for CY1996-98 visited JLC to exchange with JLC students.
August 2019
On 3 August, thirty-two JLC students were invited to a boarding inspection at JMSDF’s transport ship KUNISAKI.
On the following day, 4 August, SNHS executives were invited to a boarding reception at JMSDF Escort ship ISE.
Photo: Sendai Ikuei & Sogeri Japanese Learning Center mounted by solar panels.
August 2019
A solar power system with 5kW donated by Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School commenced operation on 6 August. Inside the school is storage battery cells connected with a combiner box and an inverter.
August 2019
On 10 August, a major cleaning of JLC was conducted by about twenty volunteer students.
August 2019
On 21 August, Principal KATOH, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School flew to PNG. He visited Dr. Uke KOMBRA, Secretary of Department of Education (DOE), and the Japanese Embassy upon an invitation from Ambassador NAKAJIMA.
Photo: from Right Japanese Ambassador Satoshi NAKAJIMA and Takehiko KATOH, Principal, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School.
August 2019
On 22 August, Principal KATOH visited SNHS and had an inspection to JLC for the first time, then attended the welcome ceremony held at the Assembly Hall to extend a greeting to all SNHS.
Photo: from left to right, DP (Administration) Joseph MAGAIVA, Principal Takehiko KATOH and Principal Kive KEREREMBO.
August 2019
The ceremony of 22 August was followed by a joint inspection with the Rotary Club of Boroko of the water supply system in the Sogeri community.
September 2019
For 4 -13 September, five JLC students and one attendant teacher were invited to Hokkaido, Japan to attend at “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2019 in Sapporo” representing senior high schools in Papua New Guinea.
September 2019
On 15 September, Math teacher Jonah MARON left for Sendai, Japan, for special training in Japanese.
September 2019
On 18 September, Principal KATOH, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, kindly donated two sewage pumps to SNHS.
September 2019
On 22 September, the heavy rain that continued from the previous day flooded the campus of SNHS.
September 2019
On 27 September, JICA volunteers and a Japanese teacher visited JLC for an exchange with the students. The exchange included programs such as:
Japanese language education and study abroad at UPNG;
IT education at DWU; and
Japanese language games.
October 2019
On 11 October, Principal KATOH, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School attended the 44th Graduation Ceremony of SNHS as a special guest and extended a celebration speech. At the ceremony, JLC handed a Certificate of Completion to 26 students (10 males and 16 females) who finished the two-year Japanese program.
November 2019
On 6 November, SNHS organized a briefing session on “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2019 in Sapporo” at the Assembly Hall, inviting Dr. Hiromitsu IWAMOTO, First Secretary, Japanese Embassy. The session was followed by a tree planting ceremony. A pine tree was planted by IWAMOTO to commemorate SNHS attendance at the Tsunami Awareness Summit in 2019, and a coconut tree was planted by Deputy Principal Joseph MAGAIVA to commemorate SNHS attendance at the Summit in Okinawa 2017.
Photo: SNHS students in a HAPPI coat (workman's livery coat) with an AINU design handing over a report to Dr. IWAMOTO.
Photo: a pine tree planting by Dr. IWAMOTO, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy.
Photo: a coconut tree planting by Mr. MAGAIVA, Deputy Principal, Administration.
February 2020
On 22 February, the Embassy of Japan visited SNHS and presented a Japanese sci-fi-ish Samurai movie, 『名もなき 恋の 歌』(BALLAD : Song of a Nameless Love) at the Assembly Hall. Over two hundred students joined the screening.
February – March 2020
The exchange tour to Japan scheduled for 28 February to 8 March was cancelled due to growing signs of the COVID -19 Pandemic and the Japanese government-required emergency school closures across the country all at once from 2 March. All programs were forced to be cancelled. The original plan was rescheduled to August for attending the Miyagi-Iwate Rotary Interact Annual International Conference of 6 August. This schedule was also forced to be cancelled due to self-restraint recommendation of exchange activities both in-bound and out-bound by the Board of Education.
February 2020
On 27 February, Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary Kuniyuki NAKAHARA hosted his first reception as Ambassador to Papua New Guinea following the 18 February credentials presentation to PNG Governor-General Sir Bob DADAE. SNHS Principal KEREREMBO and JLC Director, ISHII were honoured with invitation to said reception.
March 2020
On 6 March, JLC Director ISHII paid a courtesy call to Mr. Simon P. BAHAU, who is a graduate of SNHS (CY1980) at his workplace in Chiba Prefecture, Japan. In April, Mr. BAHAU was appointed Professor and Executive Director of the Center for International Education, Josai International University.
March 2020
JLC received archives and dictionaries from the Japan Foundation and the Japan PNG Cultural Exchange Association (JPCEA).
Photo (Courtesy of the Japanese Embassy): Ambassador NAKAHARA (Center) announcing the launching of JLPT and (from Left) SNHS Principal Mr. KEREREMBO/Mr. LAKAIN, First Assistant Secretary (Curriculum), Department of Education/Mr ITO, POM Branch Representative, Japan Papua New Guinea Association, and Mr. ISHII, Director, JLC.
March 2020
On 9 March, Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary Kuniyuki NAKAHARA officially announced that the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) will be inaugurated in Papua New Guinea during July, the first such test geared for a Melanesian country. The PNG JLPT Committee commenced receiving applications starting that day.
March 2020
On 14 March, the Government of Papua New Guinea declared the State of Emergency, followed by a direction of Lock Down. Schools in PNG were closed all at once for the time being.
April 2020
On 6 April, the Prime Minister MARAPE announced two months extension of the State of Emergency. Following the announcement, the Department of Education decided to close all schools in PNG till early May.
April 2020
On 6 April, JLC started special Japanese lectures on a private basis targeting teaching staff with interests in Japanese upon their request. Three hours/day lecture continued until 24 April excluding Easter Holidays and keeping space among learners.
April 2020
On 24 April, the PNG JLPT Committee decided to cancel the JLPT due to COVID-19 outbreak and taking precautions for uncertain impacts.
April 2020
On 28 April, SNHS Principal hosted a staff luncheon at Stanley Hotel inviting DOE officials, EOJ and JICA, to see off JLC Director ISHII until next return.
April 2020
On 29 April, JLC Director ISHII left for Japan on a chartered plane. Mr. MARON came back to PNG (for evacuation from Japan) by return flight on 30 April.
May 2020
Mr. Tony OMBO assumed a relief Japanese teacher on 4 May, the beginning of Term 2. He graduated from SNHS in 1982, then studied at a University in Japan. He has experience working for Japanese institutes.
The photo used here is as at October 2020 with JLC G12 students.
July 2020
JLC organized a special lecture presentation at Rayappan Auditorium on PNG-Japan relationship last 22 July, by Michael MAUE, OBE, CBE, former Secretary of Department of Foreign Affairs and former PNG Ambassador to Japan. He had received in recent years many honours, like the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star on 7 November 2017 at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, Japan, becoming the second PNG recipient after Grand Chief Michael SOMARE of said Medal. At the lecture meeting, he had said regarding the bestowal, “Why am showing these things to you? I am not doing this to beat my chest, but to share it with you and to let you know that you too can achieve it as well and maybe even better.” It is with a heavy heart that we report his having passed away on 20 January 2021 in Port Moresby. He will be missed by many people both in Japan and Papua New Guinea.
Photo: Former PNG Ambassador to Japan Michael MAUE presenting a lecture.
July - August 2020
JLC hosted an essay contest and collected 60 essays covering five topics. Some essays were awarded by Charge de Affaires Samson YABON, Embassy of Papua New Guinea, Tokyo and Mr. Hajime NISHIYAMA, President, Japan PNG Cultural Exchange Association (JPCEA). Awarded essays are available on the JPCEA’s website (https://sites.google.com/view/jpcea).
September 2020
On 14 September, Yoshihide SUGA took the post of the Prime Minister of Japan.
October 2020
On 16 October, JLC students of G12 visited Joyce Bay Sewerage Treatment Plant, National Education Media Centre, and JICA PNG Office, then enjoyed the Japanese taste at Daikoku Japanese Restaurant.
October 2020
On 22 October, a graduation Luncheon was held at SNHS instead of a Ceremony. JLC handed a Certificate of Completion to 24 students (9 males and 15 females) who finished the two-year Japanese program.
July 2021
On 4 July, Sogeri National High School hosted the 1st Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT)
July 2021
The Sogeri community was faced by a water crisis due to the breakdown of water pumps. On 19 July 2021, the Sogeri National School of Excellence (SNSOE) pumps broke down, which was followed on 20 July by a water leakage from the old water tank (20,000-litre capacity) on Sogeri hilltop, chalking off the water supply until finally halting it on 3 August, until full restoration on 7 August. Many classes were cancelled due to the disruption.
August 2021
Sogeri National School of Excellence received school furnishings such as 30 PCs, 59 carrying cases, calligraphy equipment, booklets, face masks and three large pieces of steel furniture used for holding documents from Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School.
October 2021
On 15 October, Sogeri National School of Excellence held its 52nd Graduation Ceremony inviting Mr. Shinichi MARUO, Deputy Chief of Mission & Councillor, Embassy of Japan as Chief Guest. At the ceremony, JLC handed a Certificate of Completion to 25 students (9 males and 16 females) who finished the two-year Japanese program. In addition, polo-shirts were provided by SNHS's sister school, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School. The ceremony was held with a reduced size audience, with relatives of the graduates observing the ceremony from the outside. The ceremony was held with the pandemic measures of mask wearing and setting up hand sanitization at many places in the school.
The graduation ceremony is reported on the website, https://www.png.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_ja/11_000001_00402.html.
Photos: (Left) The graduates at the Assembly Hall. (Center) Chief Guest, Mr. Shinichi MARUO, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of Japan. (Right) Mr. Tony OMBO, Acting Director, JLC.
November 2021
On 12 November 2021, JLC and Hyogo Prefectural Government Takarazuka Nishi Senior High School implemented their 1st online exchange. This exchange made a first step for the next stage of exchange conquering COVID-19 in CY2022.
Photos: Two groups of English class of Takarazuka Nishi Senior High School (Left and Center) and JLC G12 students at Sogeri National School of Excellence (Right).
December 2021
On 21 December 2021, an 80,000-litre water tank appeared on Sogeri hilltop. The water tank with increased height and water pressure is expected to improve the water flow to the community. The tank was donated by the Rotary Foundation with engineering services provided by the Rotary Club of Boroko (RCB) and main financial assistance from the Rotary Club of Sendai, Japan. Students of Sogeri NSOE helped RCB with the initial process of the construction work by levelling the road for smoother access by trucks to the hilltop to place the tank.
Photos: The rugged roadway to the hilltop was made level using rocks and sand fillings (Left). The tank's foundation was constructed and nearly completed as of 4 November (Center), with the newly-completed water tank as of 21 December 2021 (Right).
June 2022
On 22 June, 2022, Principal Teddy Palo FERIA hosted a Launching of the Sogeri Water Project ceremony at the Assembly Hall of Sogeri National School of Excellence (SNSOE), inviting Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary Nobuyuki WATANABE. Mr. Takehiko KATOH and Mr. Jackson RUSSEL extended speeches covering the aims of the project and their pleasure of the services, representing the Rotary Club of Sendai, Japan and the Rotary Club of Boroko, Papua New Guinea, respectively. Mr. KATOH is Principal of Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, SNSOE's sister school as well.
Photos: From Right to Left, Principal, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School and President Elect, Rotary Club of Sendai, Japan, Takehiko KATOH, Japanese Ambassador Plenipotentiary Nobuyuki WATANABE, Principal , Sogeri NSOE, Teddy Palo FERIA and Honorary Secretary, Rotary Club of Boroko, Jackson RUSSEL at the Assembly Hall of Sogeri NSOE.
July 2022
On 3 July 2022, Sogeri National School of Excellence (SNSOE) hosted 2nd Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for which 57 people sat, compared with 53 people for the 1st JLPT held on 3rd of July 2021. Three applicants obtained a certificate of passing the levels they had applied for. The three certificate winners were all applicants studying or teaching Japanese language at Sogeri JLC.
Photos: The Rayappan Auditorium prior to testing (Left). The proctors after testing (Center). Mr. Vencislos EDMUND, G12, showing the certificate (Right).
October 2022
Exchange between Sogeri National School of Excellence (SNSOE) and Takarazuka Nishi Senior High School, Hyogo-Ken, Japan was culminated in gift exchanges. SNSOE students presented a laplap and other items from Papua New Guinea. Takarazuka Nishi students reciprocated the gifts by many works of Origami. These gifts were accompanied with messages from the students who joined the event.
Photos: Laplap (Left) and messages sent from SNSOE students (Center and Right).
Photos: A portion of Origami works sent from Takarazuka Nishi students (Left) and SNSOE students appreciating the Origami works and reading the messages (Center and Right).
October 2022
Sogeri National School of Excellence held its 53rd Graduation Ceremony at the Assembly Hall in a pre-COVID-19 fashion.
Photos: The banner of the 53rd Graduation Ceremony (Left) and graduates singing Unity Song arm in arm (Center). Mr. KAIPOL, Head of STEM Department, sporting a traditional headwear (Right).
October 2022
Students taking Mathematics A (Max A) started learning Japanese language using extra time, two days per week, as a trial project. One class was provided on Sunday from 15:00 to 16:30 with another on Wednesday from 19:00 to 20:30.
January 2023
Ela Motors decides to financially support JLC operation through its donation to Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School by exchanging MOU.
February 2023
JLC delegated its graduate Mr. Vencislos EDMUND and Acting Director Mr. Tony OMBO to Higashi-kawa Town, Hokkaido, Sendai City and Tokyo Japan, for a cross cultural exchange from 19th February to 3rd of March. The Japan trip was funded by mainly Sojitz International Exchange Foundation.
Mr. EDMUND doing self-introduction on the stage of the Speech Contest at Higashi-kawa Town Japanese Language School on 22nd February. Right is Mr. OMBO.
Exchange with students from multiple countries after Japanese language class at the Higashi-kawa Town Japanese Language School on 24th of February.
At the courtesy call to Town Mayor Ichiroh MATSUOKA on 21 February, Messrs. OMBO and EDMUND were awarded Higashi-kawa Special Citizenship Certification.
July 2023
Sogeri National School of Excellence (NSOE) hosted 3rd Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) in Papua New Guinea. Forty seven applicants challenged N2, N4 and N5.
August 2023
On 24 August, the Japanese Embassy headed by Mr. Keita ITO, First Secretary, visited SNSOE and presented a Japanese movie entitled Dancing Karate Kid. More than 300 audience including community people enjoyed the screening.
August 2023
JLC delegated three students; Miss Guina KOKO, Miss Kone TAU and Miss Immaculate MAIHA and one ICT teacher, Mr. Victor SO-ON to ICT Workshop at Nara Institute of Advanced Science and Technology (NAIST), Nara Prefecture, Japan held on 28th of August. On 29th, they paid a courtesy call to Nara City Mayor Gen NAKAGAWA and visited Nara Women Senior High School for a cross-cultural exchange. Moreover, on 30th, they visited Kyoto Computer Gakuin (KCG) Institute, to experience advanced computer application software. Their trip to Japan was funded mainly by Sojitz International Exchange Foundation .and Mitsubishi UFJ International Foundation.
Group photo session by the ICT Workshop participants at NAIST on 28th of August.
Sogeri NSOE Team meeting with Nara City Mayor Gen NAKAGAWA on 29th of August.
ICT Workshop participants listening to NAIST briefing about its research activities on 28th of August..
Exchange between Sogeri NSOE students and Nara Women Senior High School students at Nara Women Senior High School on 29th of August.
Three Sogeri NSOE students just before starting their presentation at the ICT Workshop on 28th of August.
Exchange with Patisserie Chef Course students at Nara Women Senior High School on 29th of August.
With coaching staff and international students at KCG.on 30th of August.
Sogeri students enjoying computer game programming at KCG on 30th of August.
Sogeri students backed by cultural crafts in Kyoto.
September 2023
On 1 September, three JICA volunteers arrived at Sogeri Primary School and Iarowari Secondary School, their service sites. JLC Director Dr. ISHII welcomed them (Photo left).
On 19 September, Ela Motor's sign board was installed at JLC to commemorate its financial cooperation for Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School, which had been a sole sponsor for JLC until CY2022. (Photo right)
October 2023
On 12 October, Sogeri NSOE held its 54th graduation ceremony with Japanese Ambassador WATANABE as the guest of honor.
(Photos) Left: At center is Ambassador WATANABE approaching the Assembly Hall, ceremony venue.
Right: The graduates being given special awards. The student in the front row right is Miss Guina KOKO, who was selected for the grand prize. She also achieved top marks in the Japanese language course.
April 2024
From CY2024, three Japanese companies have become financial sponsors of JLC. On April 26th, Principal Teddy FERIA, Sogeri National School of Excellence (NSOE) hosted a heartfelt ceremony to acknowledge the three major sponsors, Ela Motors/Toyota Tsusho (PNG) Limited; ENEOS Xplora Inc. (formerly JX Nippon Oil & Gas Exploration Corporation); and PNG Taiheiyo Cement Limited.
Principal FERIA said, "Offering Japanese Language Course presents several advantages such as promoting cultural understanding, economic opportunities, global communications, educational exchange programs, diplomatic relations, global citizenship, intellectual development and tourism as well as hospitality," underscoring his appreciation of the sponsors' commitment to support Sogeri NSOE's endeavors.
Japan's Ambassador to PNG, Nobuyuki WATANABE, who attended said ceremony, also expressed his gratitude to the sponsors of JLC, noting, "I am confident that your support will not only help Japanese language education in PNG but also brighten the future of students who learn Japanese and thereby build a strong partnership between Japan and PNG.
(Photos) Guests giving a speech (from Left to Right): Japanese Ambassador, Nobuyuki WATANABE; CEO of Ela Motors, Masaru MIKAMI; Chief Representative for ENEOS Xplora Inc., Jun HOSAKA; and Managing Director for PNG Taiheiyo Cement Limited, Takayoshi KONDOH.
July 2024
On 7 July 2024, Sogeri National School of Excellence hosted the 4th Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) for which 45 people sat, compared to 47 people for the 3rd JLPT held on 2 July 2023. On the occasion of the JLPT, the Japanese language teaching at JLC was handed over from Dr. Seiaya Ishii to Mr. Akiharu Kobayashi. This round of the JLPT saw two applicants pass the N5 level.
August 2024
On August 27, 2024, two Japanese professors, Tadashi IWAMI of Hokkaido University and Noboru TAMAI of Dokkyo University, visited Sogeri NSOE for the purpose of field research on International Education. They had the following impressions.
<Professor Noboru TAMAI>
"Unsatisfied with superficial history education from a Western-centered perspective, they supplemented it with history education which stresses local perspectives, targeting a more comprehensive understanding of history. The school places much emphasis on historical matters related to Japan, including Japan's actions during the Pacific War and the local people's reactions thereto".
<Professor Tadashi IWAMI>
"The school's tradition deeply resonated with the visiting professors, who recognised its potential for fostering educational collaboration not only at the interpersonal level but also across broader scales, including city-to-city, region-to-region, and nation-to-nation. Professors Tamai and Iwami warmly reflected on their visit, viewing it as a pivotal moment for further enhancing a friendly and constructive partnership between Papua New Guinea and Japan".
(Left) Pictured from left to right are Professor Noboru TAMAI, Teacher Ms. Cathy JAMES (History Department), Vice Principal for Administration Mr. Norman YANGEN (History Department) and Professor Tadashi Iwami at Principal's Office.
(Right) Inspection to JLC classroom by two Professors (photo taken by Professor Iwami)
September 2024
JLC delegated four JLC Grade 12 students, namely Mr. Joe EGANDA, Mr. David ROMA, Miss Lina NOZAWA and Miss Alnia IUA to Japan. They made an exchange visit to students at Kobe Gakuin University on 17 September and at Hyogo Prefectural Maiko High School on 18 September, to learn and share lessons from the Great Hanshin Awaji Earthquake that had occurred in 1995. The exchange program was funded mainly by Sojitz International Exchange Foundation and Mitsubishi UFJ International Foundation with donation from Sogeri NSOE, the Japan PNG Association, the Japan PNG Cultural Exchange Association (JPCEA) and Association of South Pacific Area (ASPA).
Two photos at the exchange with the Environment and Disaster Management Course students (Left and Center) and a photo at Tea Ceremony Club (Right), Maiko High School.
Exchange of presentations on major natural disasters in two countries at Kobe Gakuin University.
Joint visit to JICA KANSAI's Disaster Reduction Learning Center (DRLC) tor lecture attendance.
In front of the restoration symbol, Tetsujin No. 28 (Gigantor), a starting point for a field study on the Disaster with Kobe Gakuin University students.
October 2024
Five JLC Grade 11 students and one attendant teacher were invited to Japan by the Embassy of Japan, to attend the “High School Students Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 in Kumamoto” representing senior high schools in Papua New Guinea for 19-26 October. 256 students from 44 countries (excluding Japan) attended the meeting. Team Sogeri gave an exemplary performance in Japan. Miss Wilma Hau of Sogeri NSOE gave a speech as a group co-leader at the group-wise report session.
Miss Wilma HAU, giving a speech at a session, as a group representative at the Tsunami summit in Kumamoto.
Participants from Sogeri NSOE in front of Kumamoto Castle (from Left to Right): Mr. Bernard KAIPOL(teacher), Mr. Newton SISU, Miss Miriam DAU, Miss Wilma HAU, Mr. Loveth BEBAI and Mr. Rabbie SINAI.
February 2025
On 18 February, the JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths), consisting of ten male and female university students visited Sogeri NSOE and JLC. Following their courtesy call on Mr. Pal PU, School Principal, they enjoyed interacting with high school students studying Japanese at JLC. They brought along many sets of KAMISHIBAI (traditional Japanese picture-storytelling show) as a gift.
The photo on left: Principal Pal PU, delivering the welcome address, with Mr. Akiharu KOBAYASHI in center and Mr. Mariori UWEA, Deputy Principal (Acadmic) at far left.
March - April 2025
On April 11, Mr. Masaki SASASE assumed his post at Sogeri JLC as the third Japanese language teacher at JLC. His predecessor, Mr. Akiharu KOBAYASHI, completed his three-term tenure from July 2024 to the end of March 2025, assisting with application procedures for Sogeri NSOE students taking the JLPT (Japanese Language Proficiency Test) in July 2025. This time, the number of JLPT examinees from Sogeri NSOE reached 53.
Photo: Mr. Akiharu KOBAYASHI expressing his appreciation as he bids farewell (March 2025).
Photo: Vice Principal (Academic) Mr. Mariori UWEA, Mr. Akiharu KOBAYASHI, Mr. Pal PU, School Principal, and the late Vice Principal (Administration) Kepson ALUA, from left to right.
July 2025
On July 6, the 5th JLPT in Papua New Guinea was held at Sogeri NSOE. This round of the JLPT saw a total of 78 applicants, comprising 76 for N5 and one each for N4 and N3.
Photo: Local and Japanese Proctors for the JLPT held on July 6 at Sogeri NSOE. Back row, far left is Mr. Masaki SASASE.
August 2025
On 20 August, Mr. Takashi GOTO, Regional Director, Brisbane Office of ENEOS Xplora Inc., the principal sponsor for the Sogeri JLC, visited Sogeri National School of Excellence for the first time together with colleagues from the company’s Tokyo headquarters. They joined our class and kindly brought yōkan, a traditional Japanese sweet, as a gift. We truly enjoyed it and are grateful for their visit and generosity.
September 2025
On 24 September, the Japanese Language Center (JLC) had the honor of welcoming Mr. Koji OIKAWA, a renowned Japanese-language educator who conducts workshops in many countries around the world. He was accompanied by Former Ambassador Morio MATSUMOTO. On the following day, H.E. Ambassador Toshinobu MOCHIZUKI, the current Ambassador of Japan to Papua New Guinea, paid a courtesy visit to Sogeri School Principal Pal PU and joined the Japanese Language Workshop Day 2 by Mr. OIKAWA. Former Ambassador MATSUMOTO spoke highly of Mr. OIKAWA’s teaching approach, which encourages learners to build their communication skills by praising and uplifting one another throughout the learning process.
Workshop Day 1 by Mr. OIKAWA on 24 September.
Photo: After the Workshop with Mr. Masaki SASASE, JLC teacher, Former Ambassador MATSUMOTO and Mr. OIKAWA from left.
At the gate of Sogeri NSOE before Workshop Day 2 on 25 September.
Courtesy visit by Ambassador MOCHIZUKI (Center) to School Principal Mr. Pal PU on 25 September 2025
September 2025
On 25 September, H.E. Japanese Ambassador Toshinobu MOCHIZUKI, to Papua New Guinea, hosted a gathering of Japanese-language education stakeholders in the country, including representatives from the three JLC sponsor companies. The meeting provided an opportunity for an open discussion on the further development of educational cooperation in the Papua New Guinean education sector. Ambassador MOCHIZUKI also expressed his gratitude to Sogeri National School of Excellence and to the sponsoring companies for their continued support.
Ambassador Toshinobu MOCHIZUKI, Mrs. Mizuho SASASE, Mr. Kuike. J. NUMOI, Acting Secretary, Department of Foreign Affairs, and Mr. Masaki SASASE from left.
Sogeri School Principal Mr. PU greeting at behind Mr. Gogobe MAIRI, Chairman of the Sogeri NSOE Governing Council
Three JLC sponsors greeting: Mr. Masaru MIKAMI, CEO, Toyota Tsusho Trading as Ela Motors, Mr. Takashi GOTO, Regional Director, Brisbane Office, ENEOS Xplora Inc., and Mr. Takayoshi KONDO, Managing Director, PNG Taiheiyo Cement Limited.
October 2025
On 3 October, Sogeri National School of Excecllence held its 56th graduation ceremony, at which 19 students from the Japanese Language Center (JLC) received the certificate of completion. The Embassy of Japan was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. TAMAMITSU, who congratulated the graduates on their achievements and encouraged them to pursue their bright future with confidence. Mr. TAMAMITSU underscored the following points in his speech:
(1) The school has also assisted other activities such as Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and Japanese film shows. The Embassy of Japan always thinks Sogeri National School is the base of Japan’s language and cultural promotion.
(2) Japan’s education Ministry has provided government scholarships to young Papua New Guineans who wish to study in Japan. So far, over 190 Papua New Guineans have studied in Japanese educational institutions under this program.
(3) Sogeri National School of Excellence has always been a bridge between the two countries in the field of education, as it was the forerunner to have introduced Japanese language classes in 1982.
July 2026
On 5 July, the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) was held at Sogeri National School of Excellence. This was the 6th time to conduct the JLPT in PNG, with 68 applicants. It was a great opportunity for them to demonstrate the results of their daily study. We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the teachers of Sogeri National School of Excellence, who not only provided the venue but also gave tremendous support in running the test smoothly. We are also grateful to all the Japanese volunteers who helped with the operation. Once again, some of our applicants passed the JLPT.
Rayappan Auditorium, Sogeri NSOE hosted N5 (Left).
JLPT Proctors and Administration Staff in the JLC Main Classroom (Right)
August 2026
On August 16, Papua New Guinea Japanese Teachers Association organized the Japanese Language Workshop & Speech Contest at University of Papua New Guinea. A total of 115 people (95 Papua New Guinean people and 20 Japanese people) attended. Out of the 95 Papua New Guinean people, 56 people were Sogeri alumni, including 48 current JLC students. They enjoyed a quiz competition and demonstrated their Japanese language skills in the speech contest. They also had a wonderful time getting to know Japanese people living and working in Port Moresby. During the workshop, Mr. Koji Oikawa joined online to teach basic Japanese conversation through practical tasks. He had previously visited Sogeri JLC in August 2025 to give a demonstration lesson. The event brought together Sogeri alumni, younger learners, and people who had studied in Japan, helping Japanese learners across PNG get to know one another. We look forward to seeing this network continue to grow through the Japanese language. We would like to thank the Sojitz Foundation for sponsoring the event, as well as Ela Motors, ENEOS Xplora, and PNG Taiheiyo Cement for their ongoing support of Sogeri JLC. Let’s keep learning Japanese, sharing ideas, and connecting our cultures!
Learners joining in Japanese Workshop.
In the front row are the locally based speech contest participants.
Photo: Mr. Masaki SASASE is at the far left of the back row. Mrs. Mizuho SASASE is at the far right, wearing green and holding baby Iroha. Mr. SASASE completed his teaching assignment at SOGERI JLC on September 18.
September 2026
For the first time in 20 years, Sogeri has welcomed a Japanese-language volunteer dispatched by JICA: Mr. Masachika KUTOMI (right). This photo was taken on September 2. With his arrival, Mr. Masaki SASASE (left) completed his assignment and left Sogeri on September 18. Thank you, Mr. Sasase, for your dedication over the past year and a half, since April 2025! Looking back to his tenure here, he said, “I really enjoyed the environment and life in Sogeri.” In the centre is Mr. Uwea, Principal of Sogeri NSOE.
October 2026
On 2 October, Sogeri National School of Excecllence held its 57th graduation ceremony, at which 23 students from the Japanese Language Center (JLC) received the certificate of completion. The Embassy of Japan was represented by Deputy Chief of Mission Mr. MATSUO. In his congratulatory remarks, he encouraged the graduates to remain grateful to their families, teachers and friends, and to keep working towards new challenges, after referring to the long hitory of SOGERI and emphasizing Japan's committment in educational development in Papua New Guinea. Mr. Mikami, CEO of Ela Motors, the largest sponsor of this year’s ceremony, also attended and celebrated the graduation ceremony by sharing his words with the egraduates, “Let’s go together travellin a long way.” Local Member of Parliament Keith IDUHU also attended and congratulated the graduates, referring to Sogeri’s wartime history and sharing his commitment to women’s empowerment. JLC would like to take this opportunity to express its heartfelt gratitude to Ela Motors, ENEOS Xplora, and PNG Taiheiyo Cement for their generous sponsorship of JLC operations.
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