After more than two years of planning, scores of wiggling children eagerly sat in rows as U.S. and Japanese officials kicked-off the grand opening of the Japanese Language School at The Sullivans Elementary School onboard U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, this Sept.

The Japanese language school at The Sullivans and neighboring Ikego Elementary School is a partnership between the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) and the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA). The year-long program, taught after-school three days a week by Japanese teachers, provides Japanese language education to DoDEA students in kindergarten through second grade. The program also encourages cultural synergy by providing free language school to students in an innovative approach to encourage continued diplomacy and partnership between the United States and Japan, according to a letter from Foreign Minister Taro Kono that was read at the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony, representatives from DoDEA Pacific and MoFA were joined by Capt. Jeffrey Kim, Commander, U.S. Fleet Activities Yokosuka, who developed the proposal that led to the establishment of this bilateral program. 

“During my time working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, I researched new ways to build and strengthen cultural bridges between Japan and the U.S.,” said Capt. Kim referring to his previous assignment as a Mike Mansfield Fellow in Tokyo. “I produced a proposal to encourage Japanese language acquisition among U.S. children attending schools on bases in Japan.  After I moved on to my present duties in Yokosuka, I was happy to hear that my proposal was accepted and implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

The idea excited the Yokosuka parents as well when the program opened its doors to students this school year.

“My daughter asked me if she can learn Japanese to talk to her Japanese-speaking friends at school,” said Lakela Granados. “I said ‘Sure you can!’ and when we heard of this program, I was really excited for the opportunity for my daughter to learn Japanese and connect with her classmates.”

Friendship and connection were common themes for the opening ceremony. Mr. Kohei Akiyama, Director of MoFA’s North America Exchange Division, shared that when he worked in Bahrain, he befriended many Americans by sharing the language and culture that they learned while serving with the U.S. Navy in Yokosuka.

“I’m so excited that my son can continue learning Japanese at Sullivans,” said Amber Marshall. “He loved learning Japanese in pre-kindergarten and I’m excited for him to build on what he’s learned so that he can really connect with Japan while we are here.”

Connecting the students with the culture of the host nation was also on the mind of DoDEA’s leadership.

“Language learning allows students to make friendships and build relationships that they will appreciate their whole life,” said Dr. Steven Bloom, superintendent of DoDEA Japan. “It’s thrilling [implementing the language program] with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and this language school creates an important bridge between the students and the country of Japan.”

“The opportunity for students to learn Japanese at a young age is a crucial investment for the future of U.S.-Japan relations,” said Kim.  “Wherever these kids go in the future, whatever they do later in their lives, Japan and the Japanese language will always be a part of their growing up experience.”

Fleet Activities Yokosuka is the Navy’s largest overseas installation, supporting 13 Forward Deployed Naval Force ships of the U.S. 7th Fleet and a community of more than 26,000 military personnel, civilian employees, and accompanying family members in Japan.

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