Why elite Japanese school asked 12-year-olds to read Palestinian poems for exam
South China Morning Post
by KyodoFebruary 14, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
A prestigious Japanese middle school recently sparked controversy by including Palestinian-themed poems in its entrance exam. Students were asked to read works by Mosab Abu Toha and Zeina Azzam, which depict life in Palestine amidst conflict and displacement. While the poets welcomed their inclusion, they expressed concern over the ensuing debate. Critics argued the material was one-sided, lacking Israeli perspectives, while others praised the school for addressing a globally significant issue.
Nada Junior High School, an elite institution in Kobe known for its academic rigor, included Abu Toha’s "What is Home?" and Azzam’s "Write My Name" in the exam. The poems, translated into Japanese, appeared in the reading comprehension section. Abu Toha, whose home was destroyed during the 2023 Gaza Strip conflict, shared his poem from his book *Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear*. Azzam, a Palestinian American poet, also supported the use of her work but echoed concerns about misinterpretation.
The inclusion of these poems reflects Nada’s commitment to fostering critical thinking and cultural understanding. By exposing students to complex global issues like the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the school aimed to encourage empathy and deeper engagement with international affairs. However, the controversy highlights broader tensions around how such topics are taught and perceived in educational settings.
This incident underscores the power of education to spark meaningful dialogue, even when it challenges established narratives. As global affairs grow increasingly interconnected, schools like Nada play a vital role in preparing students to navigate and understand diverse perspectives. The inclusion of Palestinian poetry in Japan’s entrance exams serves as a reminder of how art can bridge cultures and foster cross-cultural understanding, despite political divides.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/14/2026