Seiritsu International Education

The weather at the start of June was sunny and not too hot, making it perfect for hiking and other outdoor activities. I decided to go kayaking at Okutama Lake with some friends and absolutely loved it! I have only been kayaking once or twice before on school trips but the guides were great at teaching us and then we had plenty of time on the lake to try things out and get comfortable. By the end, I was able to kayak confidently and enjoy the beautiful mountainous scenery. There were also fish in the water!

Go take a trip out of Tokyo to Okutama or Mitake!

writer: staff  date: 3:07 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Some days after work I like to walk to Jujo and explore the many shops on Jujo Ginza. There are various second-hand shops and different food stalls which sell lots of exciting things.

I bought summer dresses, designer handbags, muffins and Indian curry there. Jujo is a multi-cultural area in Tokyo and therefore offers food from all over the world. They also have some of the cheapest and yummiest tapioca I have ever found. If you have some free time and want to explore a fun, diverse neighbourhood, you should check out Jujo.

writer: staff  date: 3:09 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Father's Day is this Sunday (June 19th). It is a holiday of honoring fatherhood、 as well as the influence of fathers in society. In Catholic countries of Europe, it has been celebrated on March 19 as Saint Joseph's Day since the Middle Ages. In the United States, Father's Day was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd,　and celebrated on the third Sunday of June for the first time in 1910. The day is held on various dates across the world, and different regions maintain their own traditions of honoring fatherhood.
Don't forget to show your father you appreciate him. A card or even just saying "Happy Father's Day" will surely make him happy.

writer: staff  date: 12:16 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Everyone was lined up in their rainbow of colors for the Seiritsu sports day - called Washinomiya-sai. It was hot, but not too hot. The activities ranged from "Eye of the Hurricane" race to "Bring down the tower" to relay races. Fun was had by all including the teachers. We all worked so hard we were given today, Friday, off! Otuskaresama to all!

writer: staff  date: 1:01 PM | Life at Seiritsu

A big event that happens ever year as the first term tests are finishing up is Sports Day. It's time to start practicing for all the events that happen on this big day. Sports Days are an integral annual event not just at Seiritsu, but for everyone in Japan. Some are held in May and June while others are held in the fall - in September or October.

Children all over Japan, from kindergarten to senior high school, take part in sports days at their schools. Parents and grandparents almost always come and watch and join in the fun for younger students. In junior high and senior high fewer family members come out but there are still quite a few watching on the sidelines. This is all just to say, sports days are a big deal.

writer: staff  date: 1:04 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Are you taking the Japanese Language Proficiency Test this year? It is a useful and necessary test if you plan to use Japanese in your future. The next test date is July 3rd, though the application date has already passed. The 2nd test this year is December 4th and the application period starts in August. Plan ahead, apply early, and study hard!

writer: staff  date: 12:38 PM | Life at Seiritsu

Every year the number of students who want to try the English Conversation Club (or ECC as we call it) grows. They do not all join because of their other club and time commitments but many want to come out sometimes when they have a little free time.

This year we had to try different rooms because we had too many students coming out for the trial period. We hope most of them stay and participate regularly!

writer: staff  date: 4:09 PM | Life at Seiritsu