Mableton, December 14, 2024 – The Japanese communities in Georgia celebrated the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Georgia Japanese Language School (GJLS). GJLS was established in 1974 and started at Oglethorpe University with only nine students. Since then, it has increased to around 450 students as of 2024.
GJLS has provided students of Japanese communities with Japanese language and mathematics education every Saturday for the past 50 years.
During the 50th anniversary ceremony, GJLS donated a Gazebo to Betty Grey Middle School in a show of appreciation for hosting GJLS.
The ceremony was hosted by Mr. Tomoaki Yamazaki, principal of GJLS and Ms. Nimura, President of the GJLS Board of Directors.
Among attendees of the ceremony were Honorable Consul General Mio Maeda, Consul General of Japan in Atlanta, Lisa Cupid, Chairwomen of Cobb County Board of Commissioners, Teri Anulewicz, member of the Georgia House of Representatives and Co-Chair of tThe Georgia-Japan Legislative Caucus, Terry Cummings, member of the Georgia House of Representatives, Monica Sheffield, Commissioner of District 4 of Cobb County, and Michael Owens, Mayor of Mableton.
GJLS has been vitally important to the relationship between Japan and Georgia over its half-a-century history.
“The GJLS has provided important foundation for Japanese companies’ presence, and it has become a bridge between Japanese community and local community,” said Consul General Mio Maeda in his remark at the ceremony.
One of the most important elements for Japanese companies in their decision to establish an overseas office is the availability of education for their employees’ children such that, when they return to Japan, their children can smoothly continue their education within the Japanese system.
The GJLS has cemented its place as a founding establisher of Japanese companies’ presence in Georgia by successfully provided high-quality education for children over the past 50 years.
“Someone built something in the community, and that is an indication of permanence,” said Lisa Cupid as she hopes that it will symbolize a permanent tie between Cobb county and Japan.
“Each of you is an ambassador [of Japan], and you should be proud of that,” remarked Teri Anulewicz, member of the Georgia House of Representatives and Co-Chair of the Georgia Japan Legislative Caucus.
“The State of Georgia has always been considered the best for business. You can't be number one in business if you don't accept and welcome other cultures,” said Mayor Michael Owens who also offered his congratulations and promoted the good partnership between GJLS and the local community.
