— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

I woke up this morning to find the world outside transformed into a pristine winter wonderland. It felt as though someone had quietly unrolled a giant, pure white canvas overnight. The playground, now under a thick 20-centimeter blanket of snow, looked like something straight out of a child’s dream—a magical kingdom of snow.

At 7 a.m., I joined the teachers for some good old-fashioned snow shoveling. It had been years—perhaps decades—since I last wielded a snow shovel. While I was a bit rusty at first, I soon found my rhythm. Thankfully, my end-of-year golf practice paid off! Sure, I felt a touch of muscle soreness in places I didn’t expect, but my back held up just fine. Who knew perfecting my swing would one day double as snow-clearing prep? Life, you never cease to amaze me.

As we cleared the snow, a miniature Mount Fuji began to take shape, entirely by accident. The children, spotting our little snow sculpture, gleefully turned it into a makeshift “Fuji Station,” zipping down it on sleds and creating a scene so picturesque it felt like it had leapt from the pages of a storybook. Watching them play, I couldn’t help but marvel: This is winter.

Standing amidst Gifu’s snowy landscape, I began to understand why this place is often referred to as a “silver world.” The pristine whiteness blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking harmony that’s uniquely Gifu. Before long, snowmen appeared, built by tiny hands, and the playground became a lively hub of snowy adventures.

The beauty of this setting, with its mountains and sparkling snow, feels like something special—an experience not easily found elsewhere. As I sipped on a steaming cup of coffee afterward, I reflected on the warmth in my heart. There’s something indescribable about that feeling—perhaps it’s the quiet joy of moments like these.

I have no doubt that tomorrow will bring more snowy surprises and magical discoveries. Until then, stay warm and enjoy the small wonders of winter.

Signing off with a smile and a dusting of snow,
Your new manager ❄️