Study tour

Launched in September 2025, the program invited students from across the Northern Territory to respond to the question: ‘How did the Second World War shape the partnership between Australia and Japan, and how can it continue to grow in the future?’

Designed to deepen students’ understanding of the Second World War and its ongoing influence on peace, partnerships and alliances in the Indo-Pacific, the tour also provides a valuable opportunity to build knowledge, broaden perspectives and represent the Northern Territory internationally.

The Chief Minister’s Sharing Our History, Securing Future Peace Study Tour has been recognised by the Australian Embassy in Japan as an official event for the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Basic Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between Australia and Japan, highlighting the enduring partnership between our two nations.

With 43 entries received, seven Year 10 students from across the Northern Territory were selected to participate in the 2026 study tour.

The selected students demonstrated strong critical thinking and communication skills across a range of submission formats.

• Jack McDonald – Year 10 – Mackillop Catholic College - video
• Ramneet Gill – Year 10 – Darwin High School - PowerPoint presentation
• Ruby Prime – Year 10 – Katherine High School – written essay
• Sophia Griffin – Year 10 – Haileybury Rendall School – website
• Tallula Van Der Mark – Year 10 – The Essington School – website
• Zaharias Koulakis – Year 10 – Dripstone Secondary School - PowerPoint presentation
• Esther Stark – Year 10 – Nhulunbuy Christian College - creative writing

The group departed Darwin on 20 June 2026 for a nine-day study tour in Okinawa, timed to coincide with Okinawa Memorial Day commemorations.

Students are accompanied by two experienced chaperones — Darwin High School history teacher Yuliya Snoxall and Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet international relations specialist Simon Kubota —who provide supervision, guidance and mentorship throughout the tour.

Students take part in a nine-day program in Okinawa, Japan, combining historical learning, cultural exchange and leadership development.

The program includes:

• Participation in the Okinawa Memorial Day ceremony
• Visits to key historical sites, including:
  • Okinawa Prefectural Peace Memorial Museum
  • Himeyuri Peace Museum
  • Former Japanese Navy Underground Headquarters
• Learning about the Battle of Okinawa and its ongoing significance
• A school exchange with Naha International High School
• Opportunities to engage with Japanese students and experience Okinawan culture and traditions
• A meeting with the Ambassador for Okinawan Affairs, Kiya Masahiko
• Guided reflection and discussions focused on peace, resilience and international cooperation

The study tour contributes to rebuilding and enriching the Territory’s future by supporting efforts to grow our economy, strengthen our workforce and restore the Territory lifestyle through opportunities that connect our young people to the wider Indo-Pacific region.

It also aligns with the Northern Territory Government’s defence and education objectives by:

• strengthening people to people links with key regional partners, through the reciprocal relationship with Okinawa, Japan
• showcasing the Territory’s leadership in youth engagement, commemoration, with a focus on military history, and diplomacy
• building awareness of the NT’s role in Australia’s defence posture and developing pathways for future leaders
• promoting pathways for students to real jobs in key Territory industries.

The study tour program includes a range of historical, cultural and educational experiences designed to encourage reflection, strengthen cultural understanding and provide students with a deeper appreciation of the relationship between Australia and Japan.

Historical experiences will include participation in the Okinawa Memorial Day commemorations, visits to the Himeyuri Peace Museum, former Navy Underground Headquarters and significant wartime memorial sites, providing students with opportunities to reflect on the impacts of conflict, remembrance and peacebuilding.

Cultural experiences will include an international school exchange with Naha International High School, visits to Ryukyu Village and Okinawa World, and opportunities to experience Okinawan traditions, culture, food and community life.