Makoto Kinjo selected as Japanese Cultural and Language Program Director

DoDEA Pacific Director for Student Excellence Ms. Lois Rapp is pleased to announce the selection of Mr. Makoto Kinjo as Japanese Cultural and Language Program Director for the Pacific East and South districts.

Mr. Kinjo brings nine years of experience with DoDEA to the position, having served as Japanese Culture teacher at Stearley Heights Elementary School and Lester Middle School.

As a Japanese Culture teacher, Mr. Kinjo organized a Pacific South elementary soroban competition, a collaboration with the league of Japan Abacus Association. He created technology training for all Host Nation teachers in the district. He is a certified instructor for Japanese tea ceremony, calligraphy, and Ikebana flower arrangement.

In his new role as Japanese Cultural and Language Program Director, Mr. Kinjo will develop, organize, coordinate, and direct the Host Nation Cultural and Language Program for 33 DoDEA schools in Japan. He will develop Host Nation partnerships and provide professional development training and seminars for Japanese culture and language teachers.

Mr. Kinjo holds a bachelor’s degree in International Communication from Okinawa University.