Four Cook Islands students are heading to Japan for a cultural exchange programme, where they will immerse themselves in Japanese culture while sharing their knowledge of Cook Islands culture.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (MFAI) last week hosted Ezekiel Enjoy (Tereora College), Damian Tuara (Mangaia College), Adriel Mokoroa (Enuamanu College) and Teivirau Denny (Titikaveka College) as they prepared for this momentous trip.

“This valuable opportunity will allow them to engage with Japan’s culture while proudly sharing the unique traditions of the Cook Islands,” MFAI said in a Facebook post.

“We wish them every success on this exciting journey.”

Depending on the programme, the students are likely to visit historical sites, participate in workshops, attend cultural events, explore local markets and engage in homestay arrangements with Japanese families.

The main goal is to learn about Japanese culture through firsthand experiences, potentially including language immersion, traditional activities and interactions with local people and vice versa for the Cook Islands culture.

Such tours are part of a school-organised exchange programme, a Japanese government-sponsored initiative like JENESYS (Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths), or a private organisation focused on cultural exchange. 

In October last year, MFAI held an orientation session for five students selected to represent the Cook Islands at the High School Summit on World Tsunami Awareness Day 2024 in Japan.

The orientation provided essential information to support the students’ attendance and insight into the growing relationship between the Cook Islands and Japan.

The youth ambassadors were students from Rarotonga and the Pa Enua, undertaking final year studies.

Tepaeru Herrmann, Secretary of Foreign Affairs and Immigration, spoke about the importance of bringing to the Summit their unique Cook Islands perspectives, identities and culture and the voices of local youth on issues to be discussed.