AU Chancellor Peter Langenberg Visits Wako City, Japan, to Discuss TESOL Education Collaboration
October 13, 2026 2026-10-26 6:26AU Chancellor Peter Langenberg Visits Wako City, Japan, to Discuss TESOL Education Collaboration
- News
Anaheim University Chancellor Peter Langenberg visited Wako City in Saitama Prefecture, Japan, on October 13, 2026, where he met with Mayor Mitsuko Shibasaki, city government officials, education administrators, and school principals to discuss opportunities for collaboration in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) education. Mitsuko Shibasaki has served as Mayor of Wako City, Saitama Prefecture, Japan, since May 2021, with extensive experience in taxation, finance, and international business, including positions at PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers) and EY.
The visit was part of Anaheim University’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international educational partnerships and support English language teaching and professional development for educators in Japan.
During his visit, Chancellor Langenberg met with Wako City Mayor Mitsuko Shibasaki and City Councilmember Aya Uchida, along with representatives from several municipal departments, including the Policy Planning and Human Rights Division, International Affairs, and the Secretarial and Public Relations Division.
Discussions also brought together senior education officials, including the Superintendent of the Department of Education, the Director of Education, representatives of the Board of Education’s School Education Division and Sports and Youth Division, and principals from Wako City Yamato Junior High School, Wako City Kitahara Elementary School, and Wako International High School, recognized as Japan’s first international public high school.
The meetings focused on potential opportunities to enhance English language education in Wako City through TESOL training, teacher professional development, and educational cooperation with Anaheim University.
In addition to meeting with municipal and educational leaders, Chancellor Langenberg had the opportunity to visit local schools and interact directly with students at Wako City Kitahara Elementary School and Wako International High School. These visits provided valuable opportunities to learn about the educational experiences of students and the approaches to English language learning being implemented in Wako City.
One of the most memorable moments of the visit was sharing lunch with students at Kitahara Elementary School. The experience allowed Chancellor Langenberg to engage with young learners in an informal setting and gain a firsthand appreciation of daily school life in Japan.Another highlight of the visit was a special demonstration of Kung Fu and Tai Chi performed by national champions. Chancellor Langenberg enjoyed the opportunity to witness the athletes' impressive skill, discipline, and artistry, as well as participate in a Tai Chi lesson, adding a memorable cultural dimension to his visit to Wako City.
These experiences highlighted the importance of developing connections not only between educational institutions and government officials but also through direct engagement with students and cultural exchange.
Anaheim University offers online graduate degree and certificate programs in TESOL, providing opportunities for English language educators around the world to advance their professional knowledge and teaching skills. Through its international outreach initiatives, the University seeks to develop partnerships that support teacher development, innovative instructional practices, and cross-cultural understanding. Chancellor Langenberg’s October 13 visit to Wako City represents another step in Anaheim University’s efforts to build meaningful relationships with Japanese municipalities and educational institutions. The discussions established a foundation for exploring future cooperation aimed at supporting English language education and creating new professional development opportunities for teachers in Wako City.
