Tripping Far Side

In Japanese schools, they have a really fun field day. Ours was on September 16th. Summers are quite unbearable, but on this day, we were blessed with clear and breezy cool weather.

I got a chance to see some of the festivities, such as relays, piggyback fighting, centipede race, tug-of-wars, and the cheerleading competition. Everything is done in a team.

It really looked like the kids had a blast out there, and it was fun watching. These students work so hard every day: 7 classes a day at school, hours of after-school club activities, then to cram school and finally homework all while getting around by foot, bicycle, and trains in their uniforms. I hear they usually get home late around 10 PM only to get a little sleep. Our school is a 30 minute walk from the station too, and it isn't fun when you're walking up a hill in the blazing sun and sweltering humidity. And they still put all their enthusiasm into Sports Day.

If you notice, they have uniforms for physical education too. The 1st years are green, 2nd years are red, and the 3rd years are blue. Their headbands are one of four colors, depending on which team they are on.

The best part though were the preschool children doing some musical and dance routines. They are really cute, singing and shouting and trying to stay in rhythm with their instruments and flags. They all wear their uniforms and beanies too. I wish I had taken some sound clips....