Four Samoan students who studied in Japan under the Japanese Government (MEXT)
Scholarship, have safely returned to the country on the repatriation flight on 2 October
2020, after completing their studies in Japan in March 2020 and remained there due to
the closure of international borders.
These four scholars called at the Embassy of Japan, met with the Counsellor and
Deputy Head of Mission of the Embassy of Japan in Samoa Mr. Isao Kishi on Thursday
26 November 2020, and presented their graduating certificates:
 Luteru Agaalii Tauvale who graduated with a Ph.D of Science in Meteorology from
Nagoya University
 Agape Feunai Papalii Tautau who graduated with a Ph.D in Agricultural Science
from Kyushu University
 Leativa Sonya Okesene who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Global
Environmental Studies from Kyoto University
 Robert Bartley who graduated with a Master’s Degree in Public Policy in the area
of infrastructure from Ritsumeikan University
The scholars also shared their experiences while they were studying and living in
Japan for the past three to five years. The scholars shared that they would utilise their
learning experiences and achievement to contribute to the development of Samoa as
well as to strengthen the ties between Japan and Samoa. They all expressed their
grateful and heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Japan for giving such
opportunities for them to realise their academic purposes.
They are all glad to be back home, and at the same time missing Japan and its
beautiful environment.