Puzi Shuangkou Elementary School Graduation Features Taiwan-Japan Exchange; Japanese Sister School Sends Video Greetings, Former Principal Attends

Shuangkou Elementary School in Puzi City, Chiayi County, celebrated its graduation ceremony with a unique international flair, hosting a video exchange with its sister school, Hamacho Elementary School in Izumiotsu City, Osaka, Japan. This cross-border collaboration underscored the school's long-standing commitment to international education.

“

When drinking water, remember its source.

The ceremony was further graced by the personal attendance of Mitsuhiro Nishio, the former principal of Hamacho Elementary School. Nishio, who was instrumental in establishing the sister school relationship, traveled to Taiwan to offer his congratulations and share words of encouragement with the graduating students, marking a new chapter in Taiwan-Japan school exchanges.

During the video exchange, students from Hamacho Elementary School sent their best wishes for graduation and shared memories of their past exchanges, even performing an original school song titled '117 Hopes.' The gesture was met with warm applause from the audience. Nishio, now principal of Kusunoki Elementary School, quoted a Taiwanese proverb, 'When drinking water, remember its source,' urging graduates to be grateful for those who supported them and commending their efforts in building international friendships.

“

The bond

In gratitude, the graduating class of Shuangkou Elementary School presented Nishio with a calligraphy piece bearing the character '絆' (kizuna, meaning bond), symbolizing the enduring friendship between Taiwan and Japan. The students expressed their deep appreciation for the memorable graduation gift and the warmth of Japanese-Taiwanese friendship. Principal Xu Yingjie of Shuangkou Elementary School emphasized the international educational significance of the event, reflecting the sentiment of 'Though miles apart, we are like neighbors' expressed by the Izumiotsu City Board of Education during their initial exchange, showcasing the valuable outcomes of educational cooperation.

“

The students from Hamacho Elementary School sending blessings across the sea and Principal Nishio's personal encouragement made this year's graduation ceremony have international education significance.