Asahigaoka Elementary School

     At Asahigaoka Elementary school, the students and staff had been anticipating our visit for several weeks. Trying to replicate pictures that the school had previously received from FMF, children had sketched colorful portraits of each of our FMF Seki group members. The nicely-done pencil portraits were waiting for us on the seats we were assigned. The principal Kenji Sakai, extended us the program for the day as well as a document especially prepared for us with all the information of his school translated into English. He introduced us to the 20 teachers and 472 children grades 1-6 at a very emotional ceremony in the gym. We Learned that the school motto:  “kokoro yutakade takumashi Asahino ko”  which we were told translates: Students who enrich themselves and make strong will and body.

     In his welcoming speech, Mr. Sakai stated that the education of the heart is as important as the education of the brain. Children at his school are taught such virtues as patience (taeru) thoughtfulness (omoru) kokorosachi (strong will). During the visit to the school we observed classes, had lunch with the children, observed a gymnastic presentation, were invited to play language games, and finally we interviewed educators and administrators at the school. We were given origami figures and flowers made by the children as presents. It was a very moving and insightful visit!!