“Ever seek the greater good.” This Jesuit motto resonates within the walls of Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High School. Founded in 1932 the school has a rich and evolving history. Let’s step inside and explore its story.
Originally established as the Fukuoka Christian Theological Seminary the school served the Roman Catholic Diocese of Fukuoka. A bishop from the Paris Foreign Missions Society spearheaded this initiative. In 1934 it gained recognition from the Fukuoka prefect governor. It was then named Hirao Academy. Two years later it transitioned into Taisei Junior High School.
The Catholic Marian Association assumed leadership in 1946. This marked another chapter in the school’s development. 1948 saw the opening of the high school further expanding the institution’s educational offerings.
In 1951 the Taizon Academy School Corporation was officially formed. However the junior high school faced closure in 1959. This was a period of change and adaptation for the school. The Fukuoka Diocese regained control in 1969. They relocated the school to its current site in 1974.
A significant turning point arrived in 1983. The Society of Jesus took over management. This marked the beginning of an expansion program. The middle school was reopened the following year. An exchange program with Auckland New Zealand began in 1989 broadening the school’s international connections.
By 1991 the middle and high school systems were integrated creating a cohesive educational experience. In 2010 an educational alliance was forged with Sophia University. This alliance led to a new name in 2011 Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High School.
2012 marked another milestone with the admission of girls starting from the first-year level. This transformed the school into a coeducational institution.
The school’s educational philosophy is deeply rooted in Jesuit values. It emphasizes seeking the greater good and fostering individuals to be “men and women for and with others.” The school’s shield proudly displays the eagle a symbol borrowed from Sophia University. Accompanying the eagle are the words “Lux Veritatis” meaning “light of truth” in Latin. The English name “SOPHIA FUKUOKA” is also prominently featured.
Dark blue deep red and golden yellow are the school’s representative colors. Since 2011 the school song has been “Wagame Sophia’s Eagle” with music and lyrics by Mitsuru Arai.
Sophia Fukuoka Junior and Senior High School offers a diverse range of sports. Boys can participate in handball soccer softball and basketball. Girls have the opportunity to play volleyball. Both boys and girls can engage in kendo field tennis table tennis badminton and judo.
Within the Jesuit network Sophia Fukuoka participates in various initiatives. These initiatives promote the educational philosophy of educating “men and women for and with others”. Students have opportunities to participate in shared life experiences with other Jesuit schools in locations like Sydney Hong Kong Jakarta and Manila.
Sophia Fukuoka also actively participates in AFS student exchange programs. This allows students to experience different cultures and perspectives through exchanges with countries like Iceland the Netherlands and Austria.
Furthermore Sophia Fukuoka supports Colégio de Santo Inácio de Loiola in Timor-Leste.
Sophia Fukuoka’s journey reflects its commitment to Jesuit values academic excellence and global engagement. From its beginnings as a seminary to its present-day status as a coeducational institution affiliated with Sophia University the school continues to shape future generations. It encourages them to be “men and women for and with others”. As we conclude our visit I hope you carry with you the light of truth.