On March 22nd, the Tokyo International Exchange School Ikebukuro Campus held its 5th Graduation Ceremony. The ceremony took place under the beautiful cherry blossom-filled sky of a pleasant spring day. Due to the prolonged entry restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the ceremony was limited in attendance, but the graduates attended the ceremony with confidence and joy, having overcome various difficulties during their studies.
At the beginning of the ceremony, congratulatory telegrams were read from Mr. Hosoda, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ms. Hayama, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Mr. Matsumoto, the principal of the Hachioji campus. President Esaki presented each graduate with a diploma and a certificate of study. Each graduate expressed their aspirations for the future and talked passionately about their new beginning. Teachers in attendance reflected on their memories with the students and gave various advice and words of congratulations.
In his address, President Esaki expressed three expectations: 1) he hopes that the graduates will continue to study Japanese even after graduation; 2) he hopes that the graduates will contribute to others and society with a compassionate heart; 3) he hopes that the graduates will be filial to their families. He offered words of encouragement and congratulations to the graduates on their new journey.
Finally, the attendees wished the graduates success in their future endeavors and shouted “Banzai” three times together before the ceremony ended. After the ceremony, the graduates took commemorative photos in various parts of the venue, praising each other’s efforts and saying farewell.
