Seiritsu International Education

The time has suddenly caught up with us and it is the last month of having Teresa as a JET. She has been with us for five years as one of the original private school JETs in Tokyo. Teresa has done some amazing work and has affected many students and teachers alike. We will be very sad to see her go.

With the current situation we are unable to throw a typical Sayonara party for her. Instead we have been preparing for her departure with a few small surprises.

Students and teachers have been writing out messages.

One of our classes who have had her for more than three years had a special presentation in class.

We held a small farewell get together at the school for her as well.


Thank you, Teresa. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors!

writer: staff  date: 9:48 AM | Life at Seiritsu

Contemporary Art in Tokyo

One of my favorite weekend activities is going to an art gallery. In Tokyo, you have so much choice of different styles of art from all over the world. My favorite style of art is contemporary art. Contemporary art is art made today. I like it because usually, it has a political or emotional message behind it.

Here are my 5 places to see contemporary art in Tokyo:

1. Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo, Koto
This museum holds Japanese art by young artists and their work relates to current issues and trends in society. The current exhibition is by Danish-Icelandic Olafur Eliasson whose illuminated pieces focus on the themes of sustainable development and climate change. (See Picture)

2. Design Festa, Harajuku
The fun part of this gallery is that you never quite know what to expect because there are 21 showrooms and artists change daily. Admission is free and you can find pop-up shops and food stands.

3. Hara Museum, Shinagawa
If you're heading to South Tokyo and love architecture, this gallery cannot be missed. The modernist building is designed by the legendary Jin Watanabe and it has many Instagram worthy features.

4. Gyre Gallery, Harajuku
This gallery is a must if you're shopping in Omotesando or Harajuku. It's located inside a shopping complex on Jingumae. Although this space is a lot smaller than the others, you will never walk away disappointed.

5. Public Artworks, All Over Tokyo
Art in Tokyo isn't just confined to the indoors. We can find it all around us outside. Various works have been commissioned all over the city. My Favourite is "The Love Sign," by American artist Robert Indiana. (See Picture).

writer: staff  date: 12:27 PM | Life at Seiritsu

When the global pandemic was first taking hold, we had to suspend all of our international exchange programs. Our annual Australian Homestay trip, our study abroad work, and the acceptance of visitors (schools and individuals) were all postponed or cancelled. Most of our international students had to return to their home countries. But a few of our international students are here in Japan with their families and they continued their studies with us.

Those students still need some regular help with life in Japan, with their studies, and with the Japanese language. We have been trying to keep the lines of support open for them. It can be quite stressful trying to keep up to date when it is all in a different language. We are really proud of our International students and the way they are handling everything.

You can see them here hard at work on their Japanese studies with Yogo Sensei. Hopefully they can take and pass the 2nd grade of JLPT in December. Good luck!

writer: staff  date: 9:45 AM | Life at Seiritsu

Our school has a special theme that correlates to SDGs and some other interdisciplinary concepts. The theme is called the Earth Project and mostly involves food. We have the rice planting events (Taue) in May and the harvesting event (Inekari) in September. With the current situation, we had to cancel the rice planting event and we are not sure what will happen with the rice harvest activities. As a result, we held a rice ball (onigiri) competition. Students were asked to submit original ideas for rice balls. One of our members from our English conversation club had these two awesome ideas.

If you have a chance, you should try making your own original rice balls.

writer: staff  date: 9:47 AM | Life at Seiritsu

Wearing masks has been a regular feature of life in Japan for quite a while. In some cases they are used for colds, while in others they are used for allergies. They are used in other instances, too. Maybe we will get a student to write about this in a future blog post. But you can see all the students are used to wearing them when needed.






Traditionally, only one type of mask was used. The very visible, plain white mask. But now we can wear a variety (within reason) all around - even at school! Here are some of the different ones you can see us teachers wearing. (Special thanks to Ito Sensei and her mom for the ones shown here.)

writer: staff  date: 9:42 AM | Life at Seiritsu

For the last few years our jets and club members have worked hard to create an open atmosphere in the conversation club. More important than English ability is the interest and desire to communicate with people.

Now that clubs are picking up and getting closer to a normal pace, with students from different grades participating, we are facing new challenges in the conversation club! With the social distancing requirements we have run out of space!

We had to separate into two different groups!







It is so wonderful to see so many students excited about communicating and using English as a tool. now more than ever communication is key!

writer: staff  date: 5:43 PM | Life at Seiritsu

It is so wonderful to see so many students out enjoying their club activity. With all the current limitations in place, many of the classes do not have the same level of enthusiasm and energy that we normally see here at Seiritsu. But when club time comes around you can hear all the laughter and excited voices.

writer: staff  date: 5:40 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Japanese summer brings many interesting activities. One of these activities is known as Tanabata (七夕). It has a very rich tradition and is often linked to the summer or Bon holiday.

For the most part this event is celebrated on July 7 here around Tokyo. So for a few days - before and after - we have a little display set up at the school. Many students write their wishes and post them on the board.

Let's hope your dreams can come true!

writer: staff  date: 9:40 AM | Life at Seiritsu

Many countries are still on lockdown or have officially started their summer breaks. They will be planning for the new school year all summer. Here in Japan, most schools started back up in June and classes are running normally. Well, that is not exactly accurate. Things are not really "normal" in the true sense. But most schools have the students coming in every day or almost every day. Most schools run all day long. The teachers are teaching their regular classes.

Of course, we are all taking safety precautions. There is a lot to consider when looking at school life. You have means of transportation, arriving at the school and making sure the students are healthy, the way classes are held, breaks between classes and lunch breaks, and after school activities. Even with all the extra challenges, it sure is nice to be with the students in person.

writer: staff  date: 9:41 AM | Life at Seiritsu