Japanese Film Screening featured documentary "What You Taught Me About My Son"
2019/2/25
The Embassy of Japan and the NHK World Japan co-hosted the documentary film screening titled “What You Taught me About My Son,” on Thursday 21 and Friday 22, February 2019 in Nuku’alofa.
Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Japan, welcomed audience at the first screening on Thursday evening at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, which is organized in collaboration with the local Autism Foundation. Dr. Raelyn ‘Esau, Acting CEO Ministry of Education attended the event along with other Education Officers of the Ministry. Present also were Dr. Flora Lutui and Representatives from the Autism Foundation Tonga, Teachers from ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki Center, Mango Tree Center, Parents, Caregivers and friends of some of the autistic children in Tongatapu.
The documentary, based on a book written by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese youth diagnosed with autism at age five. The book has been translated into over 20 languages and that success is due to the author Mr. David Mitchell who has an autistic son. Mr. Mitchell translated the book into English to help other families around the world who grapple with autism. He said that by reading the book he felt that his own son was speaking to him through Naoki’s words.
Mr. Kamada hopes that the documentary will bring a fresh perspective on the people with autism, and more significantly some new ideas on how to promote welfare for them.
Two separate screenings were also held on Friday, 22 February at the Tonga Institute of Education, viewed by over 120 of their current students. Students expressed being inspired by the documentary and were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about autism.
The Embassy of Japan appreciated the collaboration and support extended by various organizations and people concerned, following the success of the film screening events.
Press Release
Mr. Yasuhiko Kamada, Counsellor and Deputy Head of Mission Embassy of Japan, welcomed audience at the first screening on Thursday evening at Tanoa International Dateline Hotel, which is organized in collaboration with the local Autism Foundation. Dr. Raelyn ‘Esau, Acting CEO Ministry of Education attended the event along with other Education Officers of the Ministry. Present also were Dr. Flora Lutui and Representatives from the Autism Foundation Tonga, Teachers from ‘Ofa Tui mo ‘Amanaki Center, Mango Tree Center, Parents, Caregivers and friends of some of the autistic children in Tongatapu.
The documentary, based on a book written by Naoki Higashida, a Japanese youth diagnosed with autism at age five. The book has been translated into over 20 languages and that success is due to the author Mr. David Mitchell who has an autistic son. Mr. Mitchell translated the book into English to help other families around the world who grapple with autism. He said that by reading the book he felt that his own son was speaking to him through Naoki’s words.
Mr. Kamada hopes that the documentary will bring a fresh perspective on the people with autism, and more significantly some new ideas on how to promote welfare for them.
Two separate screenings were also held on Friday, 22 February at the Tonga Institute of Education, viewed by over 120 of their current students. Students expressed being inspired by the documentary and were grateful for the opportunity to learn more about autism.
The Embassy of Japan appreciated the collaboration and support extended by various organizations and people concerned, following the success of the film screening events.
Press Release