On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the UH Mānoa College of Education (COE) collaborated with Kalani High School to host a 20-person delegation from Down Up, a private educational entity from Japan supporting individuals with down syndrome and their families.
COE Dean Nathan Murata and Director of International Programs Kaori Burkart joined Kalani Principal Mitchell Otani, special education teachers, resource teachers, and a guidance counselor at the high school. The Down Up group included four special needs students, family members, caregivers, interpreters, and a reporter from the Mainichi Shimbun.
“While Kalani High School frequently hosts international study tours, this marked their first visit specifically focused on special education, marking a milestone for both the school and the COE’s international outreach,” Burkart said.
The visit was initiated by Down Up, through COE International Programs, to gain insight into Hawaiʻi’s special education framework. Participants were able to observe a special education classroom in a high school setting while engaging with teachers and support staff to learn about the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Principal Otani led a comprehensive tour of the campus, including three diverse special education classrooms. A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to a Q&A session during which the guests showed high interest in the transition services provided to students who reach 22 years of age. They also enjoyed having lunch in an American high school cafeteria.
Yuki Miyauchi of Down Up provided enthusiastic feedback from the visit.
“Thanks to your support, our group was able to have a meaningful and enriching experience,” Miyauchi said. “By learning directly about the school’s educational environment and observing the teachers and students, we received many positive comments from participants, such as, ʻThis visit was truly worthwhile,ʻ and ʻWe gained many valuable insights that will serve as important guidance for our future efforts in Japan.ʻ”
