Wednesday 1 April 2026
A group of students from one of Tokyo’s most prestigious schools - Gakushuin School - recently visited the College from 19-26 March, as part of an international cultural exchange, offering a unique opportunity for both visiting and host students to learn from one another.
The six visiting boys, all junior students, travelled from Tokyo’s upscale Mejiro district - home to their expansive Gakushuin campus - to spend a week immersed in life at King’s College. During their stay, they were hosted by local families whose generosity helped create a welcoming and authentic kiwi experience.
Throughout the week, the students participated in school activities and attended Chapel services, classes, assemblies, and House meetings alongside their assigned buddies. Dressed in their formal navy uniforms, our visitors demonstrated a respectful demeanour and strong sense of discipline, leaving a positive impression on our teachers and students.
Beyond the classroom, the exchange provided memorable cultural and social experiences. One highlight was a special visit to Eden Park, where the students were given an opportunity to enjoy the cricket international match between the Blackcaps and South Africa from a corporate box, thanks to the generous invitation of Nick and Linda Webster.
The visiting students also shared elements of Japanese culture with their hosts during a gathering at Peart House. Their presentations included a karate demonstration, traditional Japanese storytelling, and an interactive quiz, all of which were enthusiastically received and enjoyed by attendees.
Accompanying the students were two teachers from Gakushuin Junior Boys School: Mr Tatsuya Igarashi and Mr Tomohiko Komagata. During their visit, they engaged with staff, observed classes and exchanged ideas on teaching and learning practices, further strengthening the partnership between our two schools.
A special and heartfelt thank you goes to the host families of Ollie Chudzynski (Year 10, Peart), Max Napier (Year 9, Peart), Jacob Webster (Year 9, Parnell), Joshua Chitayat (Year 9, Greenbank) and Kingsley Wang (Year 9, Marsden) for their generosity, time and care in making this such an enriching and memorable experience for our visiting students.
The program, which started in 2005, continues to foster global connections, cultural understanding, and create lasting friendships between students from Japan and New Zealand. If you are interested in hosting a student in Term 1, 2027, please get in touch at m.lamberto@kingscollege.school.nz.