Current and Upcoming Events
Current and Upcoming Events
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AT A GLANCE
A Message from Our PTA President
Volunteer Requests
Class of 2026 Graduation Events - May 29, 30 and June 1
Lead volunteers wanted for Spirit Day '26
Lead volunteers wanted for Winterfest ‘26
Parent-Led Clubs
Sake Club - May 28
Neighborhood Explorers Club - June 4
Grapevine Club - June 13
Grant and Speakers Program
HS Jazz Album Release
A Message From Our PTA President
How much more special could a week be? Bear with me! For more than 140 of our families, this is a time of intense emotional highs and lows. The immeasurable excitement and pride of reaching a major milestone — senior graduation — is intertwined with moments of deep sadness and the inevitable weight of upcoming change.
As many of us suddenly feel a little unsure about how we are going to get through this, it felt only natural for me to reach out to a parent who graduated from ASIJ last year. Our amazing Hala Rosendaal, mom of Karl ’25, was happy to share this with our community:
“I’m writing these words from Dubai, where we moved last year just as senior year came to an end. Becoming empty nesters and settling into a foreign country happened simultaneously, and it pushed me to look for new opportunities for myself.
In my very first month here, I discovered Dubai Dragon Paddlers (do follow us! Next week, we will be heading to Venice for a 30km paddling event in support of sustainability). I had never touched a paddle before moving here, but I decided to give the sport a try and unexpectedly fell in love with it. The experience reminded me that opportunities rarely come looking for us — we have to chase them ourselves, wherever we may be in life’s journey.
Alongside this new adventure, my Temari hobby, which I picked up in Tokyo, has remained a comforting constant, reminding me of the Japanese appreciation for patience, balance, and finding beauty in every season of life. And now, with my child back “home” for a summer internship — and happily spending time with his parents again after the independence of senior year — I am reminded that even through change, closeness remains.
To all senior parents: your child will be fine. It has been incredibly fulfilling to watch mine grow through his first year at the University of British Columbia. His ASIJ friends are still his go-to circle, whether they are at UBC or scattered across the world, and that continuity has been reassuring for both him and for us as parents.
One thing I have learned — now going through this journey with my second child as well — is that many students experience a dip at some point during their first semester away from home. When that happens, simply be there for them. Remind them of their strengths, their resilience, and the qualities that make them who they are. Sometimes, all they need is someone to help them rediscover the hidden strengths they already carry within themselves.”
The rivers of tears that many of us will swim through this coming week are, in truth, tears of joy, pride, and enormous gratitude for having received such an incredible gift — our beautiful children. It is also a profound and beautiful moment of sending them into their futures with a blessed anticipation for all the wonderful gifts they, in turn, will bring to the world as they slowly become who they were meant to be. A moment truly worthy of heartfelt celebration!
Not yet a senior parent? You will be soon enough! Your kid’s graduation may well become one of the most special times of your life. Look forward to it, and celebrate together with us!
P.S. And while you are at it, listen to the newly released ASIJ High School Jazz Band album, Tsubame Kitaru. What a wonderful tribute to life! And stroll along the fantastic new mural on the Elementary School playground and take that photo!
Tearfully,
Indre
Don’t forget to follow ASIJ PTA on Instagram – @asij.pta
Volunteer Requests
Volunteer Requests
Class of 2026 Graduation Events - May 29, 30 and June 1
Join a cherished ASIJ tradition! While Junior parents traditionally take the lead in "passing the torch," we warmly invite ALL HS, MS, and ES parents to help celebrate our graduating seniors. Flexible slots are available for just a few hours—whatever fits your schedule. Sign up to volunteer here or contact Senior Activities Chairs, Lalaka Fukuma and Atsuko Chiyoda, at senioractivities@pta.asij.ac.jp.
Lead volunteers wanted for Spirit Day ‘26
Spirit Day 2026 is on October 3rd, and we need your energy to make it unforgettable! It’s the perfect chance to meet new families, cheer on our Mustangs, and enjoy great food and live music. Come be a part of the team that builds this amazing community event! We are looking for lead volunteers for the following areas: Grill Stand, Food Truck Co-chair, Bake Sale Co-chair, Decorations, Coffee, Beverages and Popsicles. Ready to join the team or learn more? Reach out to Olga and Nicole at spiritday@pta.asij.ac.jp.
Lead volunteers wanted for Winterfest ‘26
It may only be May, but planning for our magical Winterfest this December is already underway! We are looking for enthusiastic lead volunteers to help shape and manage the event. Open roles: Food, Decorations, Communications, Activities, and Volunteer Coordination. Interested in joining the planning committee? Contact Maricris at winterfest@pta.asij.ac.jp.
Parent-Led Clubs
New to ASIJ, new to Tokyo, or want to share a hobby? The PTA is here to help you start, manage, and promote your own club! Have an idea or questions? Contact our Parent-Led Clubs Chair, Shino Torigoe-Yeh, at parentledclubs@pta.asij.ac.jp. You can also view the full directory and photos on our website.
Explore Tokyo:
Neighborhood Explorer’s Club - June 4 at 10:15AM (Sugamo)
Discover "Granny Harajuku"! Browse traditional Japanese rice cracker, candy, and sweet shops—perfect for picking up summer travel souvenirs. Sign up here.
Culinary & Culture:
Sake Club - May 28 at 5PM (Global Front Tower, Shibaura)
An engaging educational workshop and tasting session exploring five distinct sake varieties, led by licensed sake sommelier Rikako. Sign up here (cost: ¥5,000 cash fee).
Grapevine Club - June 13 at 6:00PM (Gallery 11, Shibuya)
Celebrate the year-end and final Grapevine hosted by Lisa and Alan at a Rooftop in Shibuya! Enjoy small appetizers and free-flow drinks in great company with fellow ASIJ parents. Join Grapevine WhatsApp. Sign up here (Cost: ¥10,000 cash)
Grant and Speakers Program (GSP)
Grant and Speakers Program (GSP)
Did you know the PTA has funds to bring unique projects and guest speakers to ASIJ? If you are a teacher, staff member, parent, or student group with an innovative idea that goes beyond the standard curriculum, we want to help fund it! Past highlights include: author visits, taiko drums for the ELC, HS Jazz Band album, and the ES Community Mural on the playground. Ready to bring your idea to life? Review the GSP guidelines and apply here.
GSP Spotlight: HS Jazz Band Album
We are proud to celebrate a milestone project by our student musicians. Funded through the PTA Grants and Speakers Program (GSP), the ASIJ HS Jazz Band has officially released their latest album, Tsubame Kitaru. This project highlights how the GSP program supports creative, high-impact opportunities that extend beyond the standard curriculum. Grab your headphones and support our talented Mustangs! Listen now on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.
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