On 3 June, the University of Canterbury Japanese Programme proudly hosted its 13th Annual NCEA Japanese Workshop, welcoming 385 secondary students from 14 schools across the Canterbury region.
The event opened with a warm welcome from Professor Kevin Watson (Executive Dean of Arts, UC), who greeted guests including Mr Ken Nakamura, Consul of the Consular Office of Japan in Christchurch.
A major highlight of the plenary session was an inspiring speech by Mr Kien Ngo, a UC Business and Japanese graduate currently enrolled in the Master of Education programme. Having recently won first prize at the 2026 International Youth Kokorozashi Presentation Competition in Japan, Kien shared his personal language-learning journey in a speech that was both deeply moving and motivational for the young audience.
Throughout the day, the workshop offered targeted NCEA assessment activities across three intensive language sessions, dynamically supported by 15 UC student mentors. A particular standout was the Year 13 interview activity, where secondary students conversed with UC seniors in Japanese, exchanging language learning strategies and sharing their future dreams.
The closing session began with encouraging words from Ms Chisato Yoshioka, National Language Adviser, and concluded on a high note with a lively, collaborative dance performance to the Japanese song PiPPA! (Capture the energy of the day here: https://youtu.be/XdFu6MuAGeY?si=H4vpEHvw_lnx9N_f
The overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and schools further reinforces the programme’s decade-long commitment to advancing and sustaining Japanese language education throughout Canterbury.
The UC Japanese Programme extends its sincere gratitude to all participating schools, teachers, volunteers, and sponsors for their invaluable support. We would like to recognise administrators Laura Biddlecombe and Mariana Tomarelli, whose exceptional co-ordination and dedication made this event possible. Thanks to this incredible team effort, hundreds of young people enjoyed an unforgettable experience that has inspired them to continue their journey with Japanese.
