BY JUNELYN KELLY
This year four Solomon Islanders were awarded with the 2026 Japanese Government MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Scholarship to study in Japan.
They are Elnisha Talota, David Aram, Kenneth Leni Gatu and Ariella Hoala Levo.
-Ms Talota is a research student at the Kyushu University.
-Mr Aram is a research student at the Hokkaido University.
-Mr Leni Gatu is a research student at the Komatsu University.
-Ms Hoala Levo is an undergraduate student at the ABK Gakkan Japanese Language School.
The scholars paid a courtesy visit to the Japanese Ambassador His Excellency Higuchi Keiichi on March 25 before their departure for Japan. The total number of Solomon Islanders who will have studied in Japan under the MEXT Scholarship Program since 1993 will be 102, a statement by the Japanese embassy yesterday said.
During the courtesy call, Ambassador Higuchi warmly congratulated the four successful students and encouraged them, noting that although living in Japan may present challenges – such as learning the language and adapting to the food culture – he himself had lived in several countries and understood the difficulties of adjusting to a new environment, the statement said.
Drawing on his own experiences, Mr Higuchi reassured the students that it is also an interesting and rewarding experience.
He advised them to stay positive and do their best and emphasised the importance of resetting themselves both physically and mentally at the end of each day.
One of the students described the moment as “bittersweet,” saying that they felt both excited and worried.
The four students shared that they are looking forward to learning about Japan’s technology, skills, and culture, while also expressing concerns about the language—especially about their first day upon arrival.
They expressed strong optimism as they prepared for this new chapter in their lives.
These four students will leave for Japan to begin their studies in the first week of April.
The government of Japan operates five types of Scholarship (MEXT) for students and workers in Solomon Islands.
Applications for the four types of them for 2027; (1) Undergraduate, (2) Specialised Training College, (3) College of Technology, and (4) Research – are scheduled to open in April.
Photo credit: Japan Embassy
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