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Chiyo Junior High School

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Kim’s laughter echoed in the hallways of Chiyo Junior High School. It wasn’t the laughter of a child, but the joyful sound of a woman who had found her purpose late in life. Kifun Kim, at the age of 74, joined the night classes at Chiyo Junior High. She embarked on a journey to learn to read and write Japanese. Chiyo Junior High School, located in Fukuoka’s Hakata Ward, offered these classes to individuals like Kim. People who, for various reasons, were denied the opportunity of education earlier in life. Kim quickly became a beloved fixture at Chiyo Junior High. She always sat front and center, eager to absorb every lesson. For nearly 20 years, she rarely missed a class. Kim’s dedication was evident in her meticulously filled notebooks. Pages covered in hiragana, and countless repetitions of kanji characters, demonstrated her perseverance. One day, she deciphered a street sign she passed daily. “This road comes to a dead end.” It may seem trivial, but for Kim, it was a triumph. She practiced reading it every day. Her ultimate dream was to read a newspaper, a challenging feat due to the complexity of kanji. Kim’s presence at Chiyo Junior High School wasn’t just about learning to read and write. It was about finding a sense of belonging and purpose. She often referred to the class as her “pair of glasses,” allowing her to see a world previously hidden. Sadly, Kim passed away in November 2020, just shy of her 100th birthday dream. A memorial, delayed by the pandemic, finally took place in her cherished classroom at Chiyo Junior High School. Photos and notebooks, testaments to her vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication, filled the room. Kim’s laughter may no longer echo in the halls of Chiyo Junior High, but her story continues to inspire. A story of perseverance, the pursuit of knowledge, and the transformative power of education, all found within the walls of Chiyo Junior High School.

After discovering the story of Chiyo Junior High School in Fukuoka, you may wonder how to explore even more of what this vibrant destination has to offer. Explory makes it simple: our digital guide gives you instant access to the city’s culture, history, and unique atmosphere. With our interactive city guide, you can uncover the background of Fukuoka while following engaging routes designed for curious travelers. Whether you’re on a short trip or staying longer, Explory transforms your visit into a personalized city tour that connects stories with places in an intuitive way. Explory is more than just an ordinary travel tool – it is your companion for deeper exploration of Fukuoka. Each guide combines expert storytelling with easy navigation, allowing you to discover well-known highlights and hidden gems that most visitors overlook. With the city guide, you can plan your route across landmarks, neighborhoods, and cultural spots, all enriched by immersive audio storytelling. Our audio guide brings the atmosphere of Fukuoka directly to your ears, making each step of your journey more meaningful. Whether you are passionate about art, architecture, history, or everyday culture, Explory helps you connect with the spirit of Fukuoka. The carefully curated guide highlights what makes this city special, while the interactive city tour lets you explore on your own terms. Thanks to our focus on exploration and unique hidden gems, you’ll enjoy a travel experience that goes far beyond traditional sightseeing. Explory turns every visit into a memorable adventure where stories and places come alive. Download the Explory App now to continue your journey beyond Fukuoka. Inside the app, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories waiting for you. Whether you are searching for a smart audio guide, planning your next city tour, or simply looking for inspiration through a rich guide, Explory is your key to exploring the world differently. Start today and unlock the full potential of Fukuoka with Explory – your ultimate travel companion.

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