An Exhilirating Undoukai Experience

It was a fun and exciting day for the teachers, parents and especially the students of Asahi Higashi Shogakko and Shiba Hinotsume Shogakko as they held their annual undoukai last June 7.

Jeremy Vader Kurane, Grade 4, Shintaro Amano, Grade 4, Satoru Watanabe, Grade 2, and Nahid Caguimbay, Grade 1, all of Japanese fathers and Filipino mothers, were among the exuberant faces in the crowd who really enjoyed this undoukai experience. Competition is alive and well even among school kids. Also, it was bonding time in a grand scale for mothers and children!

Mothers Jovy Amano and Jackie Watanabe yelled their hearts out in cheering for their kids' performance. You'd think that mothers ran the races and played in the games, too, at the rate they shouted, yelled and jumped up and down.

"Mas maganda at mas masaya ang undoukai ngayon kesa noong nakaraang taon," said breathless Jovy.

"Parang katulad din ito sa atin sa Pilipinas na may sports fest, nakakatuwa," Jackie expressed in delight.

Relays, rope pulling, pyramids and dance presentations were some of the episodes in this event. A nutritious and satisfying "o-bento" was part and parcel of the undoukai.

Undoukai or "exercise meet" is a common happening and required regimen of Japanese education. It is a yearly, traditional event wherein team spirit and sportsmanship among the students are given emphasis and free rein.Undoubtedly, a fitting time for parents to show support for and participate in their children's education.

*published in the July '08 issue of "Education", Philippine Digest Magazine*

*photos by Florenda Corpuz*