Announcements

A message from our PTA president 

I’m sure my fellow volunteer parents go through exactly the same thing most days. These might sound like big sacrifices, but they’re not. They’re choices we make because we feel it matters—to all of us: our families, our community, and our school. We end up prioritizing school over some other things in life. Most days, choosing to volunteer makes us happy. Some days, it makes us frustrated. But every time we see a smiling face because of something the PTA did, it makes it all worth it.

I’m so grateful to everyone who volunteered at school this past week—Appreciation lunch, HS Musical, senior activities, you name it! Whether you planned it all out, spent countless hours making decorations and flower arrangements, ordered supplies, figured out layouts and meals, made mocarella skewers, showed up with three huge cakes, or rushed out to buy more cupcakes because it didn’t feel like we had enough dessert—thank you. All of these big and small efforts come together to create beautiful events, offer a break from routine, and lead to happy smiles. They become part of people’s lived experiences and memories of their school—students, parents, faculty, and staff.

Not sure what I’m talking about? Come spend a couple of hours volunteering at school—cut that cake, serve that plate, fix that picture frame, clean up after everyone has left. You’ll not only make a meaningful impact—you’ll give yourself something to look back on with a grin.

They say it takes a village to raise a child—and I believe that wholeheartedly. Let’s make sure our village isn’t running on the energy of just a few.

Warm regards,
Indre Mackeviciute
On behalf of the ASIJ PTA Board

P.S. The HS musical blew my mind. I’m still walking around with a sense of disbelief—and the Addams Family soundtrack in my head.

P.P.S. Families of seniors, have you signed up for the banquet on May 26? Just checking! Junior parents, roll up your sleeves and come help—it’s the final countdown for our graduating families!

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Do you want to know your awesome PTA board members?
Here’s the full column from the ‘Get Acquainted with Our PTA Board Members’ series!

Follow ASIJ PTA on Instagram – @asij.pta

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SAGE Special Screening
ASIJ SAGE (Students Advocating for Gender Equality) is pleased to host a special screening of Black Box Diaries, an Oscar-nominated documentary by Japanese journalist Shiori Ito. The film follows Ito’s personal investigation into her own sexual assault case, highlighting the challenges survivors face within Japan’s legal system and societal expectations. Her story is both courageous and deeply moving, providing insight into the systemic barriers to justice.

Because screenings of this documentary are extremely limited in Japan, this is a rare opportunity for our community to view the film and participate in a panel discussion and Q&A with Shiori Ito afterward. Student organizations, including SAGE, Enough is Enough, and the Law Society, will help facilitate the discussion.

• Date: Friday, May 15

• Doors open: 3:00PM | Intro: 3:15PM | Film Start: 3:20PM (Runtime: 1 hr 43 min)

• Panel & Q&A: 5:05 – 5:45PM (6 PM bus available)

• Location: ASIJ Theater

Sign up in advance here.

April Appreciation

Whether your child is communicating with purpose as a budding changemaker, harnessing the power of inquiry to solve real-world problems, navigating ambiguity with compassion, or getting ready to graduate and start their next chapter, these transformative experiences are only possible because of the educators who Know, Value, and Care for them every day.

Celebrate your family's experience and honor our educators by making an annual fund gift today. You will help ensure our teachers and staff have the resources and support they need to continue creating meaningful experiences for all of our students.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible ASIJ Leadership Team, brilliant faculty, and entire ASIJ staff at the school in every department for the care, guidance and dedication you have shown our son since he first joined at the start of Middle School. Over the past seven years your support and mentorship have played an important role in shaping him into the confident young man he is today. We are truly grateful for the positive impact you had on his growth, both academically and personally. As he graduates he leaves with a heartful of gratitude and precious memories which will stay with him always. Preeti and Vivek Kothari P'26

Community Gratitude

Our ASIJ community is the best around! We want to honor our unsung heroes by creating space in our PTA weekly emails to recognize members of our community who have let their Mustang Spirit shine bright. Each week, we will highlight those who you have nominated in this space. You may leave an anonymous message here.

• Dear Outgoing PTA Board Members, we are sad—and honestly reluctant—to let you go! Grace, your attention to detail is astounding, and your willingness and ability to make every experience special are exceptional! Brad, your sense of calm and your instinct for always knowing what to do made all the difference! Preeti, the level of your dedication to our school and the pride you take in our faculty are beyond compare! Sabina, your beautiful energy and readiness to step up and share important messages with the community are truly admirable! Jennifer, your organizational skills left us in awe and your deep insight will be greatly missed! Chelsea, your determination to grow a culture of generosity in our community will not be forgotten! We miss you already, but one truth remains: once a Mustang, always a Mustang! We are so grateful to have become friends with you, and we look forward to being inspired by all that you do next. With lots of love, your team mates

• Dear FOFA moms and dads, you rock! Thank you for having taken care of our HS Musical kids. You fed them, you supported them, you fixed their costumes, helped them prepare and spent so much of your precious energy and time for many more things (we can only imagine what it takes to make the kids and spaces presentable)! We loved the production and we love you!

• Dear team parents, thank you for all the support and energy you bring to every game! Not to mention the amazing snacks, without which our Mustangs’ results on the court, track and field would definitely not be the same!

Volunteer Requests

ES Spring Family Picnic at the Park - Apr 25 at 11AM

Spring is almost here! Let’s celebrate the warmer weather with a relaxed family picnic at Yoyogi Park. Bring your own lunch and blanket, and enjoy time chatting with other parents while the kids run and play. We’d love to see you there. Sign up for the event here.

Senior Graduation Banquet - May 26 (RSVP by Apr 27)

Senior Parents! The Senior banquet kicks off graduation festivities for families on Tuesday, May 26, 5:45-9PM at Hilton Tokyo Odaiba. We welcome you to join our Seniors and their families to enjoy a 5-course meal, take photos together, share memories, hear from speakers and enjoy musical performances by members of the class of 2026. Graduates, parents, siblings and extended family are all invited. RSVP to reserve your seats by April 27. Please contact seniorbanquet@pta.asij.ac.jp for any questions.

Parent-Led Clubs

Are you new to ASIJ or to Tokyo, or maybe a returning parent? Do you have hobbies or interests that you would like to share with the ASIJ community? We encourage you to establish a new club. The PTA will support you in starting, managing and promoting the club. If you have a club idea or questions, please contact Parent-led Clubs Chair, Jennifer Min at parentledclubs@pta.asij.ac.jp. 

View the full list of parent-led clubs on our website, including current photos. 

Pakistani Kitchen Club - Apr 29, May 20 at 10:30AM (Setagaya City)

Sign up for the April event is closed but May is now open! Join this new club to explore Pakistani food in an intimate home kitchen setting. From the meat centric, minimalist flavor of the North, to the bold, fiery spices of the South, every corner has its own signature soul.

Led by ASIJ parent, Aneeta Bokuts, May’s menu includes DIY Pani Puri (a street favorite of the region), Chicken Tandoori Star bread (will learn how to smoke the meat), and Goli/Giyaling (traditional Hunza crepes served with apricots, a staple of the valley). The cost is ¥1,200 (cash).

Flower Arranging Club - May 7 at 10AM (Azabu Gardens West)

This event is full but check the sign up for cancellations or to join the waitlist to make a peony-themed flower arrangement. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, our skilled florists and ASIJ parents Nakaba and Rika will be with you to nurture your love for blooms. The cost is ¥6,500/person (cash) including flowers and materials.

Brisk Walk Club - May 8 at 10AM (Yoyogi-koen Station)

Sign up for the next walk! We will meet at Yoyogi-koen Station, walk through Meiji Jingu Gyoen, and end in Omotesando.

Jazz Club - May 9 at 6PM (Jazz Dining Bb, Akasaka)

Sign up to join us for an evening of jazz standards and vibrant Latin rhythms! We are thrilled to hear the Jeff Torchon quartet featuring the Cuban trumpeter Luis Valle. Music charge: ¥4,400 for adults / ¥2,200 for students + 1 drink per person. Doors open at 6PM. While the first set starts at 7PM, we plan to meet by 6:30PM. The deadline for cancellation is May 6th.

Run Happy Walk Happy Club - May 11, 18, 25 at 8AM (Nogawa Park)

Sign up to join a fun run or walk with optional breakfast afterwards. We meet on Monday mornings around 8AM in the parking area at Nogawa Park (next to ASIJ). All paces are encouraged to join this fun and friendly group!

Christian Parents Club - May 12, 19, 26 at 9AM (Zoom)

Sign up to join this weekly club on Tuesday mornings via Zoom. Are you seeking a supportive community where you can pray for your children and their school? We invite you to participate in a time of worship, praise, and intercessory prayer. Our prayers are conducted in English and Japanese.

Neighborhood Explorers Club - May 12 at 10:15AM (Harajuku)

This event is full but check the sign up for cancellations or to join the waitlist to explore the Harajuku neighborhood and Yoyogi Park and learn about its history and connections to the United States military. We will meet at the front of the Kiddy Land store in Harajuku.

Interschool Trivia Night Club - May 12 at 7:15PM (Hobgoblin, Roppongi)

Sign up to join the Interschool Trivia Night Club! Meet up with friends from ASIJ and make new friends with other local Tokyo school parents from BST, TIS, NIS and ISSH. The event will be held at Hobgoblin in Roppongi from 7:15-9:30PM. The event is free but please feel free to buy a snack or drink at the venue.

Hello Nihongo Club - May 14 at 9:30AM (Minamiaoyama)

Sign upfor this club designed for new arrivals and absolute beginners who would like to learn basic Japanese for everyday conversations. The theme will be Children’s Day, offering a great opportunity to learn how this holiday is celebrated in Japan. The club is led by Kimiyo, an ASIJ parent and a nationally licensed Japanese language teacher with extensive experience teaching at a Japanese school for expatriates and their families. The fee is ¥1,500 (cash) per class, which includes learning materials as well as a short tea break with Japanese sweets.

Ikebana Experience Club - May 19 at 10AM (Global Front Tower, Shibaura)

Sign up to immerse yourself in the elegant world of ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arrangement. This 90-minute workshop is led by Rikako, a licensed Ikebana teacher from Ikenobo, Japan’s oldest school of floral art. During this time, you will experience the tranquility of this timeless craft and connect with fellow ASIJ parents. Tools will be provided on site. The cost is ¥5,500 (cash).

Photography Walk Club - May 26 at 10AM (Kagurazaka)

Sign up for a photo walk through Kagurazaka with numerous shops, cafes, and restaurants. We will head to lunch together afterwards. Bring a cell phone/camera!

Sake Club - May 28 at 10AM (Global Front Tower, Shibaura)

Sign up to attend this new event! Dive into the rich traditions of sake with engaging tastings and a brief educational workshop led by sake sommelier, Rikako. During this session, you will explore five distinct sake varieties, helping you discover the perfect match for your palate. Cost is ¥5,000 (cash).

Grant and Speakers Program (GSP)

About GSP

The PTA has funds to help bring cool projects and guest speakers to ASIJ! If you’re a teacher, staff member, student group, or parent with a great idea to boost learning or add something special to school that would go beyond the standard curriculum, you can apply for financial support through the PTA Grants and Speakers Program (GSP). From author visits and student-led gardens to virtual reality in the classroom, past grants have made a difference.

Want to know more or ready to apply? Check out the guidelines and the application form.