Sports Days

Pretty much every high school in Japan has a brilliant thing known as Sports Days or Sports Festival.  This is a time when each grade level is divided up into many different teams, colorful (and usually pink) team shirts are designed, and the whole school competes against themselves in volleyball, basketball, dodgeball, and softball.  Classes are out during this time and competitions are held for the entire day or days (in our case, two days).  It's another example of the Japanese spirit of fostering close group bonds and cooperation, while demonstrating the importance of "the team" (as opposed to our very individualistic society back in the States).  

In reality, though, these days are just a whole lot of FUN!!!!

In addition to the top four sports competitions, there is also a jump-roping contest and a ping-pong tournament...

The peace sign...one thing that is very much predictable in this country!  Bring the camera out, and the fingers go up every time.

The festival ends with a huge ceremonial relay race among all of the teams, followed by team awards, hugs, and LOTS of photos!

Celebrating in style with my students...school uniforms normally don't allow for this!