卒業式-Graduation 2009

Well, this was my official last day of working for the school year of 2008-2009-graduation day. As you will see, a Japanese graduation ceremony is pretty different from a U.S. event. Here, it is done in pretty much all silence. The kids practice before, then make their procession into the gym and sit down. Those in attendance are the parents (usually the mother), the 4th and 5th graders, members of the board of education and other school officials, and the teaching staff of the school. It is very small. Here are just a few of the 200 pics I took at the event. This was my second graduation ceremony, but I still enjoyed myself. This class was pretty cool and I really enjoyed teaching them, sitting in class with them as we learned math and calligraphy together, and just hanging out with each other during our free time. I will really miss them.
Oh well, enjoy the pics.

ps. the captions for each picture is on top of the pic.

*Translation-Congratulations on graduating*

My good buddy Chihiro-chan.

Preparing and practicing for the big ceremony.

Got to make sure things are in place.

The mothers and a couple of fathers who attended the ceremony. Some were dressed in lovely kimono. Unlike in the U.S. usually only 1 parent will attend-the mother. The fathers are too busy working.

The Principal dawned his tails for the event.

The graduating class sitting upright and in perfect silence.

Bowing after accepting his diploma (?) On the side is his mother waiting to receive his graduating documents.

Yuya-kun accepting his document.

The Vice-Principal giving his words of wisdom.

The after-ceremony dvd viewing of their past school years.


The 2 girls who have taught me just as much as I have taught them. Chihiro (grey) and Shizuka. I will truly miss them.

My boys!! What a great bunch!

Me and my "little brother" Masahiro. He is a up coming 5th grader and just cute as a button.

Leaving the school for the last time.


My latest 6th grade husband-Seiya.

Hello Mitsuru-ku-always has a big smile on his face.

This is one of my 6th grader husbands, Ryunosuke (one with the flower). Great kid. He taught me a lot in both sports and Japanese.

Look at me and my little husband. Why he is giving the camera the evil eye I have no idea. But he is precious. He always answers to "honey" or "husband". Too cute.

Me, my current little husband (with the flower), Yuto (blue jacket), and Harumichi (in the black). They are the new 6th graders.

Presenting to you the Tobishima Elementary School graduating class of 2009.

Don't we look good. This is me and the 6th grade teacher Hiraide Sensei. He is a great teacher and I always have fun teaching English with him and his class.