A new era .. Reiwa

This week was a unique one in so many ways for Japan - a 10 day holiday (but only 5 for me), the abdication of a well-loved emporer and the enthronment of his son, Naruhito. This signals a new era called Reiwa, and with friends I saw in this new era with an obligatory champagne and a couple of days away at one of the lakes near Mt Fuji. Very pleasant it was too. And now, for the final 6 weeks of the school year!

As you can expect, there have been a few eventful moments since I last wrote, mostly involving trips away. At the beginning of February, Mihoko and I visited the town of Kanazawa and at the time, this became my most loved destination in Japan. The walkability of the town, with the tradtional areas, the famous garden and castle, the modern art museum and the food, especially the seafood was amazing. And, we also went on a sake brewery tour which was most interesting. Kanazawa photos

But then, during Spring Break, with Mihoko once again and my lovely guest Samantha, we visited Naoshima and Teshima Islands in the Seto Island Sea. These islands are well established art venues and we were blown away by the installations that combined the old and new and the landscape with architecture. We spent 3 days in the area and the photos really do not do it justice. I would go back in a heartbeat! A day in Hiroshima completed the trip, and as I was last in the city 36 years ago, it was good to go back and get another perspective of the city and its history. This trip also coincided with the much loved sakura season - so good times were had all round! Spring Break photos

Change is a constant at Nishimachi, with many positive things happening. Last week, a group of teachers, parents and students marched as a school in a the Pride Parade. This is big event for Japan where the LGBTQ community still has a very low profile and is frowned upon.

Work is also underway to construct a new middle school space which will be ready for August and we are also preparing for a new Head of School and new Elementary Principal! Interesting times ahead that is for sure, and I am positive about it all.

Naturally, I will miss Michael and Mihoko but I am grateful for the time we have had together both professioanlly and personally and there is still time to create a few more memories!