— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

Last Friday was no ordinary day at Suwa Kindergarten—it was our monthly birthday celebration. And as is tradition, a surprise was in store. But this month’s surprise? It was a masterpiece.

Right in the middle of our schoolyard stood an awe-inspiring, hyper-realistic volcano.

“Is that Sakurajima?” “No… I swear I’ve seen this in an old Drifters comedy sketch.”

The teachers murmured in amusement. Meanwhile, the children? They were absolutely ecstatic. Because this time, the volcano was the target for our ball toss game.

Lovingly crafted by our wonderful parents, this volcano looked so authentic, it almost seemed ready to erupt. Thankfully, no actual explosions occurred when balls landed in the target (and we’re all quite relieved about that!).

The children were completely absorbed, throwing their balls with all their might. Even the teachers couldn’t resist cheering them on, momentarily reliving their own childhoods. The craftsmanship of the volcano was so impressive that one father mused, “This might actually be bigger than my living room.”

Games may be fleeting, but the bonds they create last forever. Just how many hands contributed to building this volcano? How many discussions, bursts of laughter, and moments of teamwork brought it to life? That warmth and dedication turned a simple game into an unforgettable experience, elevating the children’s joy to an unbeatable 120%.

Suwa Kindergarten is not just about teachers guiding students—it is a dynamic, three-dimensional space where parents, children, and educators come together. This triad is the foundation of our school life, and it is precisely this harmony that makes magical events like this possible.

As the celebration wrapped up, a child quietly remarked, “I hope we have a volcano next month too.”

Well now, what shall we do? The bar has certainly been raised, and we eagerly anticipate what creative wonders our incredible parent community will bring next.

To all who contributed—thank you. Your hard work and enthusiasm brought immeasurable joy to our kindergarten. Let’s continue fostering this beautiful triad relationship, and together, create even more memorable experiences for our children.