Graduation ceremony held for only student on a remote Japanese island

It was a momentous day for a 15-year-old girl who was the only student at her elementary and junior high school in this western Japanese city, as she graduated alone.

Oteshima Island has an area of 0.6 square kilometers and a coastline of 3.8 kilometers, and it is 15 kilometers away from Kagawa City. The only resident under the age of 18 is Akino Imanaka.

As she reflected on her past nine years in school, Imanaka shared her sentiments and thanked her supportive teachers, family, and people of the island.

Oteshima Junior High School has five teachers, and some of them played student roles during class so Imanaka could exchange opinions with others.

Her exchange study program included visiting a junior high school outside the island once a week.

A sports day last June drew over 60 people, including those from outside the island. Imanaka participated in several events, including gymnastics, relays, dances, and tug-of-war competitions.

A graduation ceremony held on March 14 was attended by about 50 people, including island residents. Future plans for Imanaka include working in education or welfare.