From Tuesday, June 17 to Friday, June 20, we held “WOW Week” for junior high school students during the student-parent meeting.

This year, 11 unique programs were offered, allowing students to experience learning beyond the everyday classroom—full of surprise and discovery.

“Let’s Make a Silver Bookmark!”
Inspired by the silver-leaf design seen in Ogata Kōrin’s Red and White Plum Blossoms folding screens, students created their own silver bookmarks.
They were fascinated by the delicate silver leaf and enjoyed observing the color change caused by silver sulfide.
Though they initially struggled with the fragile material, excitement grew when their creative patterns beautifully emerged.

“Let’s Enjoy Mat Exercises!”
Under the guidance of a teacher who also coaches Ritsumeikan University’s wrestling team, students tried a variety of mat exercises, including forward rolls, backward rolls, and handstands.
They improved their basic physical skills while enjoying active movement.

Online Exchange Program
Students connected with Yarrabing School, a new school in Melbourne, Australia.
They introduced their schools and countries to each other, setting the stage for future exchange.

Welcome on Board! Cabin Crew WOW
Ms. Kaharu, a current ANA flight attendant and graduate of our school, gave a talk about her job, what makes it meaningful, and the skills it requires.
She performed actual in-flight announcements in both Japanese and English, to great excitement.
Students also had the chance to try these announcements themselves.

Calligraphy WOW
In a workshop led by calligraphy instructor Ms. Irie, students learned to write beautiful letters and created “for you” message cards.
They worked with focus and felt a strong sense of accomplishment when their cards were completed.

What’s Your Flavor?
In this art workshop, students worked with university art majors to express themselves using a wide range of materials—colored paper, paint, pipe cleaners, and more.

Supporting Life: The Present and Future of Prosthetic Aid in Rwanda
Mr. and Mrs. Rudasingwa, who have offered free prosthetic limbs to more than 10,000 people affected by civil war in Rwanda over the last 28 years, spoke about their work.
They shared the history of the 1994 genocide, the recovery that followed, and their decision to continue supporting others despite hardships.
Mr. Rudasingwa said, “Rwandans now live peacefully together because they chose not to take revenge, not to hate, but to forgive.” This message deeply moved the students.

Handmade Scrunchie Workshop
Planned and led by 12th graders as part of their “Core Inquiry” project, this workshop gave students the chance to upcycle old fabric into original scrunchies.
It also served as a hands-on opportunity to think about environmental issues.

“Waku-Waku WOW” – What Brings You to Life?
Students took part in individual online counseling sessions with certified career consultants from across Japan.
Before and after the sessions, they joined group activities to reflect on what makes them unique and how they want to live in the future.

Fountain Pen WOW
Students mixed inks to create their own custom colors.
Some recreated their favorite character’s colors, and everyone enjoyed testing and adjusting their ink shades.
Each student took home their new ink along with a fountain pen—reigniting a love for handwriting.

Early Summer Adventure WOW
At Taiyogaoka’s outdoor adventure facility, students explored nature through physical activity.
They enjoyed the thrill and sense of accomplishment from the Tree-Top Adventure course.

This year’s WOW Week gave students many opportunities to discover new interests, experience deep learning, and encounter their own hidden potential.
We will continue to provide meaningful, exciting “WOW!” learning opportunities in the future.