Sotsugyoshiki

It is graduation time throughout Japan! As an American, I find this time of year not exactly the time for graduation ceremonies and goodbyes but the kids are certainly excited! Sayonara parties are being held in both the elementary and junior high schools for the graduating students. Practice, practice and more practice! It is what the Japanese do best! All ceremonies conducted must be run with no complications, embarrassments, or flaws, which is why a sufficient amount of practice is necessary.

Elementary Students Celebrating

The graduation ceremony for the 3rd year students was Monday, March 6th. This year I felt a bit more confident walking into school due to the fact that I knew the process from experience. All the teachers dress in black which is the color for celebration and mourning in Japan. The similarities of actions at a ceremony through out this country are always astonishing to me. Every junior high school and high school performs each ceremony almost identically! How do they do this? Everyone knows exactly how to dress alike, how to decorate in the same fashion, how to conduct the ceremony in the same order, and even what day to hold the ceremony on! It is almost scary how similar things are done from year to year and from school to school. Americans find pride in new innovation and difference whether it is in how you dress for an occasion or the new spin on the event. No, not in Japan! It is something maybe called tradition? Is there a positive and negative side to this concept? I still can’t figure it all out and don’t think I ever will but nevertheless otsukaresamadeshita!

Junior High School Graduation

Some of my favorite 3rd Year students!