Jidoukan Graduation Day

March 14th was Markus last day of Jidoukan for the school year. During the special graduation ceremony and all the children received their certificates of completion. For many mothers, it was an emotional day since their children would be commencing kindergarten classes at new schools in mid-April. In Japan, it is common for children to begin kindergarten at the early age of three. We decided to opt out enrolling Markus into Japanese kindergarten since he would have to be removed from the classes in July, when we depart Japan. Instead, he will continue with Jidoukan classes for the remainder of our stay.
Each child was individually called to the front of the class to receive their certificate. The sensei (teacher) asked a short question in Japanese about what he liked best about Jidoukan. Markus responded with, "Tomodachi ni asonda koto ga suki desu." (I liked playing with my friends.)

Markus all "thumbs up" after receiving his certificate! OMEDETOU!!!

Here are some of the latest and greatest Jidoukan pictures with Markus close friends. They've grown so much over the last two plus years.

"The better part of one's life consists of his friendships." - Abraham Lincoln

Keeping Sora-chan entertained during the ceremony.

Jidoukan has been an all-around splendid experience for Markus and I over the last two years. Not only has it enriched Markus educationally, he's learned invaluable skills that would otherwise be difficult to teach on our own, such as interacting with peers. He enjoys being with his tomodachi (friends) and participating in all different kinds of activities. Jidoukan has also been a place where both Markus and I have enhanced our Japanese language skills communicating with friends and fellow mothers.

Markus with his sensei (teachers). (L-R) Su-chan, U-chan and Hiro-chan

March 14 is also known as "White Day" in Japan. This commercialized holiday falls exactly one month after Valentine's Day. Just a note, Valentine's Day is celebrated rather unusually in Japan. Women gift men with sweets and chocolate. Some women see it as obligatory to give men of their superior, such as co-workers and office managers, boxes of sweets. On White Day, it gives the men the opportunity to return the favour to the women. The evening of March 14, we received a special surprise visit from our dear friends, the Wakayama Family. Naoki and Junki made a special delivery of wonderful homemade sweets for me! They were absolutely delicious! (See photo right) They were so kind to send some to Mihoko and Sayaka, as well. Such sweet boys!!
Arigatougozaimashita Naoki and Junki. Ouishikatta!!