One of KIST’s guiding beliefs states that:
“The language, customs, traditions and cultural beliefs of our host country, Japan, serve as an important resource in enriching the learning experience.”
In recognition of the importance our host nation plays in the life of our school, and to give students and their families a chance to fully experience Japanese culture in an authentic and hands-on way, a number of traditional Japanese events are celebrated at KIST during the year.
Click here for information on Japanese language learning at KIST…
New Year Party
Japanese New Year (o-shogatsu) is celebrated in late January and provides an opportunity to welcome the New Year while introducing aspects of Japanese culture to students and families. This includes opportunities for students to participate in traditional New Year activities such as mochitsuki (rice cake pounding) and also to interact with local sumo wrestlers who visit the school on the day to participate in mock bouts with students and staff. Even our youngest students enjoy trying to push the sumos outside the ring.
Setsubun
Setsubun, the traditional Japanese bean throwing festival, is celebrated on February 2. At KIST, setsubun is celebrated by our youngest students from K1 to K3 who gather to sing a traditional Japanese song together and learn the special phrases “Oni-wa soto” (“out with demons”) and “Fuku-wa uchi” (“in with good luck”). After mastering the phrases, the students receive a visit from some colorful demons! The children enjoy the Japanese tradition of throwing beans at the demons (an action known as “mamemaki” in Japanese) while repeating the phrases they practiced to chase the demons away and bring good luck for the new year.
Hinamatsuri
Hinamatsuri, the Japanese Doll Festival or Girls’ Day, is celebrated on March 3. Beautiful ornamental dolls representing the Japanese Emperor, Empress, court attendants and musicians dressed in traditional clothing worn during the Heian period are displayed on stepped platforms covered with bright red cloth. At KIST, the doll display is set up in the foyer of the West Building toward the end of February for students to enjoy as they pass through this area.
