— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

I hopped aboard the Nozomi No. 1 from Tokyo, made a pit stop in Nagoya, and successfully arrived at the kindergarten, ready to start this exciting journey. Now, let me confess—every time I set foot in Nagoya Station, it’s become a personal tradition to indulge in kishimen. It’s no longer just a meal; it’s practically a ritual. Of course, this ritual may or may not be contributing to a slightly rounder stomach every time I pass through, but hey, some traditions are worth the extra calories!

And so began my first day. My emotions were a constellation of anticipation and nervousness—twinkling stars of hope mixed with the occasional cloud of doubt. But as they say, “the first step is crucial,” so I dove in with renewed determination. I formally introduced myself to the staff, presenting them with a thoughtful gift: premium nuts from Azabu-Juban’s famed Mamegen. To me, beans symbolize nourishment and growth, much like what we aim to provide for the children. I hoped this small token would convey my wish to nurture and grow together.

At the opening ceremony, I kept my greetings with the children short and sweet. After all, even a famous “Rakugo” storyteller once said, “Brevity is the soul of wit.” With that principle in mind, I shared a few words of encouragement and left the rest to the promise of the days ahead.

Another win for Day 1: I managed to set up my office PC. While it still needs some fine-tuning to operate as smoothly as I’d like, I’m optimistic. Patience, as they say, is a virtue.

I also had the pleasure of meeting the president of our partner agency from Gakken. Despite his busy schedule, he graciously made time for me. Thank you so much for your support—I look forward to working closely together as we move forward.

As I reflect on this inaugural day, I feel deeply committed to growing alongside the children and teachers. Like the humble bean, we may take our time, but we will grow steadily and surely. Here’s to a fruitful journey ahead.

Until next time,
Your new manager, signing off with a smile. 😊