Luther Junior and Senior High School

Women in the Lutheran Church in America (United Synod of the South) began raising funds for the establishment of a girls' school in Japan to foster education for women and to share with them the love of Christ.

Land was purchased on a beautiful hill at the foot of Mr. Tatsuda in Kumamoto City. It was decided to name the school "Janice James School" in memory of an eight year old girl whose parents gave a large gift toward the school fund.

Ms. Martha B. Akard, a Lutheran missionary in Japan, was appointed to be the first principal.

Construction of the first, and present, main building began.

The name was changed to "Kyushu Jogakuin" (Kyushu Women's School). It was founded as a five year girls' school. There were 70 students in each class for a total enrollment of 350.

The high school became a three year school and enlarged to 1000 when a junior high school of 240 was added. After the war, numerous other buildings were constructed for the junior and senior high school.

A kindergarten was established on the campus.

A Kyushu Jogakuin Junior College was founded.

The junior College was reestablished as a four-year institution ? Kyushu Lutheran College.

Kyushu Jogakuin Junior & Senior High School changed its name to Luther Junior & Senior High School, and became coeducational.

In 2001, the school entered a new era and it brought fundamental changes to the school. Kyushu Jogakuin changed its name to Luther Junior and Senior High School and became coeducational. Luther High School will strive to maintain its purpose and tradition of providing a Christian learning environment. The school is determined to educate students in becoming knowledgeable Christian adults. Luther Junior and Senior High School celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2001