News

The READ JAPAN PROJECT donates books about Japan to libraries and educational institutions around the globe, including the South Pacific nation of Tonga. On November 24 and 25, 2025, Riaki Tanaka of the RJP Secretariat visited Tonga High School and Christ’s University in Pacific (CUP) in the capital of Nuku‘alofa to meet with students and learn how the donated books are being used.

At Tonga High School, three senior students introduced themselves in Japanese, showcasing their strong motivation to learn the language and their interest in various aspects of Japan’s culture. The donated books are housed in the school’s spacious library, where volunteer librarian Sarah Thompson explained ongoing efforts to organize the collection and encourage student use. Japanese language study at the school continues to attract steady interest from upper-grade students.

Watch a short video of the visit to Tonga High School at the following link:
https://readjapan.org/recipients/?id=voice02

At CUP, the RJP books are displayed at the university’s “Japan Corner.” Students shared the titles they hope to read, including those related to anime, history, and society. The university’s educational initiatives demonstrate its commitment to international learning through creative use of available resources.

The students’ eagerness to broaden their perspectives and engage with the world was evident throughout both visits.

The RJP Secretariat extends its sincere gratitude to both Tonga High School and CUP for their warm hospitality. We look forward to continued collaboration on projects that deepen mutual understanding between Tonga and Japan.