Student Stories & Testimonials

Student Spotlight:
Danica Zivkovic

Kinmon Gakuen Student (2021–2026)

Danica studied at Kinmon Gakuen for five years, beginning during the pandemic when classes were held online. Throughout her studies, she demonstrated remarkable dedication, traveling from Napa to San Francisco each week to continue learning Japanese language and culture.

Danica's Journey at Kinmon Gakuen

For the past five years, Danica Zivkovic has been an important member of the Kinmon Gakuen community.

Danica began studying at Kinmon Gakuen in Fall 2021, when classes were still being held online during the pandemic. When the school returned to in-person instruction in 2022, she and her family continued to make the long journey from Napa to San Francisco every Saturday so that she could continue her Japanese studies.

Her dedication and perseverance over the years have been truly remarkable. In addition to her steady commitment to learning Japanese language and culture, Danica actively participated in school activities, including the Fall Speech Contest in 2024, where she demonstrated both initiative and a willingness to challenge herself.

At Kinmon Gakuen, we deeply value students like Danica, whose enthusiasm for learning and continued effort help strengthen our school community. We are also sincerely grateful for the support of her family throughout her years of study with us.

As Danica reaches an important milestone in her Japanese studies, we would like to recognize her hard work and dedication, and we look forward to seeing her continued success in the future.

The following reflection was written by Danica about her experience at Kinmon Gakuen.

Danica's Reflection

English

Hello everyone,

I'd like to start by mentioning that this was my final semester here at Kinmon Gakuen.

Throughout my time here, I've developed a passion and appreciation for Japanese language and culture.

This school not only taught me grammar and reading power, but friendship and community.

Although it is my last semester here, I hope to come visit from time to time.

Everyone, thank you so much for everything.

Japanese

みなさんおはようございます。

まず知らせたいのは、きょうでプログラムをしゅうりょうした、ということです。

5年間で、にほんごと、にほんのぶんかにたいし、じょうねつと、ふかいあいちゃくを、いだくようになりました。

学校では、文法やよむちからだけでなく、ゆうじょうとコミュニティーをまなびました。

これからも、ときどき、たずねてきたいと思っています。

みなさんにこころから、かんしゃいたします。

Student Spotlight:
Dr. Yasuko Fukuda

Kinmon Gakuen Alumna

Attending Kinmon Gakuen growing up, I did not realize this was not just a language school but a place that promotes the true culture and traditions of Japan. The language, the friendships and belonging to the Japanese community gave me a sense of who I am and where I came from - something larger than my own family. As a pediatrician, I fully see how investing in children gives rise to a richer future. We have the opportunity to preserve this historic building in San Francisco’s Japantown. This campaign is of such importance to make in our community at this time. We can “Bring History to our Future”!

— Yasuko Fukuda, M.D. FAAP, Alumna, Kinmon Gakuen

Student Spotlight:
Jeffery Matsuoka

Kinmon Gakuen Alumnus

As a graduate of Kinmon Gakuen, I have fond memories of this building as a child. But it is only as an adult that I have come to realize its historic importance. I look forward to revitalizing it as an important cultural asset of our community.

Photo: From left to right: Jeffery Matsuoka, Takashi Fukuda, Grace Matsuoka, and Sakiko Kanamori-sensei.

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