Qualified graduates of Kobe College are recruited to teach Japanese language and culture for two years at a high school in the United States. The year 2006 marks our 13th year of this program at Henry Sibley High School in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Approximately 100 American high school students will take these classes in the coming school year.

Our Current Teacher, Ms. Kayo Hishitani
Our current teacher, Ms. Kayo Hishitani, began her two years at Henry Sibley High School this fall. Ms. Hishitani is doing an outstanding job in her first year as Japanese Language Teacher. “Sensei”, as she is always referred to by the students, has developed positive relationships with her students as is evidenced by the ever-present students in her classroom before, during, and after school hours. Students seek out Kayo for her positive nature and her love for teaching and sharing her Japanese language and culture.

Kayo Hishitani is a graduate of Kobe College and taught in Japan before arriving in Minnesota in August of 2007. She also participated in the KCC-JEE Internship Program, sponsored by KCC-JEE, during which she worked in a Chicago school.

Although she found teaching in an American public school quite different that teaching in Japan, she has adjusted well.

Ms. Hishitani was visited in Minnesota by her mother and sister in late December. Her sister demonstrated Japanese dance to the students and Hishitani-sensei played a Japanese shamisen.

*This program is funded by a gift from the Suehiro family.*