On 29 July we welcomed 20 students accompanied by Ms Lindsay Tharby and Ms Aki Okamoto from Yasuda Girls' High School, Hiroshima Japan. This is a very special sister school relationship spanning over three decades. The students experienced many things while at Otago Girls, but for all of the biggest highlights were their host families, and building connections with OGHS students.

Over the two weeks, the group worked hard to improve their English, joining dance, PE, dance, social studies, Māori and Japanese classes, as well as experiencing a culture session with Wairua Pūhou. They also indulged in a delicious high tea after learning the etiquette of how to cut scones and use a napkin.

On August 6 they were invited to join Dunedin representatives at Market Reserve to commemorate Peace Day at the site of a Hiroshima survivor tree grown from seeds gifted to Dunedin in 2017 and propagated at the Dunedin Botanic Gardens.

The group departed on Monday 10 August taking with them happy memories of the time here, many new friendships, and a large amount of chocolate.

I would like to thank the hosts, and the OGHS students and staff that made the 2026 Yasuda visit a success.