MN: a day in the life: shukunohe's sports fest

Shu-chu's leaders broke the rules by opting for flashy red undershirts (how Backstreet Boys of them?) This schools' semi-shy students really came outta their shells today and I couldn't have enjoyed the festival any more because of it. Today was, by far, the greatest student festival I have attended in Japan. It was so well-planned, well-rehearsed and well-received by the community. i could feel the energy of the students and their intense determination NOT TO WIN or SHOW OFF, but simply to do their best. japanese culture is so 'classy' like that.
Again, yes favorites are bad, but Shouji is the cutest kid ever. He has this perma-stud-grin on his face all day long and despite being the cockiest student I have at any of my schools, he can walk the talk (fastest runner and best baseball player in the town), so all I can do is applaud his efforts and envy his skills.

will i miss the militaristic ways of japanese schools? while its easy to mock and criticize the stark contrasts between japan and western schools, with only a couple months left, im finding myself strangely impressed and fascinated by the apparent differences. the precision of the students and meticulous attention to detail and always striving for the 'not-so-impossible' state of perfection in every facet of school life, is actually quite beautiful to see played out.
...one more of Shouji winning another race. and not the least bit camera shy! this was rather impressive. we do 3 legged races, they do 22 legged races. see what is possible if everyone has the 'team mentality'!
the "soran" dance is very traditional and beautiful to watch. having seen it practiced and performed a gizzilion times, it still was able to nearly bring tears to my eyes today. maybe its the passion of all students @ shu-chu, or just the way this school works together like a family ( a small one, only 89 kids @ this junior high school!). the students are so respectful, focused and driven. lucky teachers and lucky me for getting to see a school that is so close to 'perfection' its almost surreal!
there are SO many more pictures from the day...about 200...but i was told to send them off to all students, teachers and parents at the school. so by clicking on the link above you can check them out too. today, was one of the last sports festivals i will see in Japan. it was unforgettable. at the risk of pouring my heart out for another 10 pages (and another 2 hours of your time), and my inability to articulate this incredible dose of daily fascination - i will leave it like this: