ASIJ SPIRIT DAY - GO MUSTANGS!

Today was Spirit Day at ASIJ.  This is what I would compare to Homecoming in the states.  Because my campus is for early grades only (nursery - k), we had a pizza party activity day yesterday for a few hours for our spirit day. Then today, the main campus in Chofu hosted the annual school wide festival for everyone.  Because the school is so far out, the provide transportation on buses for students and families when they hold the event as well as other events throughout the year.  It really is super convenient and much better than taking the bus or train.

 

 

All the different school groups had booths where they would sell various baked goods, t-shirts, and other things. One group was selling used books that had been donated with the proceeds going to fund a house building project in Cambodia.  I found some interesting books, one of which is the biography of Japan's most famous Geisha. 

 

 

Vendors sold American and Japanese food items. They had pulled pork sandwiches that sold out way to fast unfortunately. Frito pie, burgers, hot dogs, sushi, and yakitori were all available. 

 

 

I made my way over to watch the JV football game. I sat with my new friend Teresa who I met at church and whose son was playing in the game.  She and her husband and soon are super great and it was nice to have someone to talk to and hang out with during the game.  I saw several students of mine at the event and some others from church as well. 

 

My new friends, Teresa and Ron Judd (son JT taking the photo)

 

 

People just kept coming and coming and it was quite a huge event.  There were lots of carnival type games for the kids and sports events throughout the day for the various grade levels. There was a ton of ASIJ merchandise you could purchase as well. I settled on a long sleeved shirt for the cold weather as well as duffle/gym bag which will come in handy.

 

 

So the highlight was being able to be there with my cousin Carie and her kids.  Her oldest son Lucas is a Senior at the school so today was Senior recognition before the Varsity game. He is pretty proud to be a senior so it was nice to be there for this and to see him play for a bit. It was fun hanging out with my cousin Katherine during the game as well. I tried to explain football to her but she was more interested in the cheerleaders (which I will discourage her from doing when she gets older). 

 

 

 

 

 

Before the Varsity game they perform the National Anthem of Japan and then United States. Both flags are presented.  The Japan National Anthem I thought was quite lovely.

 

 

I made a sign for Lucas whose team nick name is "Lew Key." 

 

I won a t-shirt from the cheerleaders for cheering the loudest and I gave it to my cousin Katherine.

 

Me and Carie at the game. It sure is great to have family here to enjoy these events with.

 

Halftime consisted of a group ALS Ice Bucket Challenge with the Head of school and other principals and employees.

 

Good times today for sure.