UWC ISAK Japan recently had the distinct privilege of welcoming Takuma Kawauchiya, a master watchmaker from Seiko, who has been honored with the title of Contemporary Master Craftsman by the Japanese government. This accolade is a testament to his unparalleled skill and innovation in the
UWC ISAK Japan collaborates closely with several local Japanese schools in Karuizawa and nearby regions to nurture cultural exchanges. In the 2023 Fall Project Week, our students embarked on a two-day cultural exchange at Miyota Junior High School. The students from UWC ISAK Japan were
From March 12-16, 2023, during Spring Project Week, we embarked on a journey back to the picturesque, although quite rainy, town of Nibutani in Hokkaido, Japan, with a group of enthusiastic student researchers eager to delve into the rich history and cultural heritage of the
A message from our Head of School Malcolm McKenzie What does it mean to be a UWC? Is there one answer to this question? There are 18 United World Colleges, sharing the same label and brand, but existing in very different countries and contexts. Most
Teaching sea safety and preservation One of the first things Lin (Japan / Class of 2020) told us was that she was not good at public speaking. Yet after graduating from UWC ISAK Japan in 2020, she went straight to coordinate and teach classes in
Just as the new school year was about to start in the summer of 2020, UWC ISAK Japan students had a special opportunity of learning from the Ainu of Japan. A group of our students hosted a representative of the Ainu community in a
Community Holds Surprise Summer Festival No summer in Japan would be complete without a festival (“Natsu Matsuri” in Japanese). But in a post-pandemic world, sacrifices have been made and public gatherings have never been less-in-vogue. So, for those students on campus who have been unable
Before we jump in, note that this is a two-part story so be sure to check out Part 1 here. Previously, we looked at some of the highlights of the trip. In Part 2, we are going to delve a little deeper and look at
Written by Lucy (Class of 2020, Canada) “I knew we were lost!” Marah, my roommate from Libya, wails worriedly. I pat her shoulder consolingly, but she pays no attention. “And it’s your fault!” She accuses Ricardo, a student from Ecuador, who is holding the map.
To wrap up our Orientation program, we organized an Obon celebration! Obon, or Bon Festival, is one of the major holidays in Japan and is a time to honor the spirit of one’s ancestors. Celebrated either in mid-July or mid-August (depending on the region of
Written by Daisuke Masui Mr. Masui teaches G10 Japanese at UWC ISAK Japan. He is also the Grade Level Coordinator. “Why do I want my students to learn what I want them to learn? Why is it so essential to me? Why am I passionate
We recently celebrated the third of our Culture Days, with this iteration bringing to the forefront the very best (and strange) of Japanese culture! With easily the largest contingent, our Japanese students organized a day jam-packed with great food, light exercise, and dazzling performances that
Written by Pran (Class of 2018, Thailand/USA) Stop and Clean refers to the time between 1:20 – 1:40 PM everyday where all UWC ISAK Japan students are required to drop everything they are doing and shuffle to their designated areas to clean. To no one’s
During the second week of November, three of our students, Yutaro (G11, Japan), Vichearith (G12, Cambodia) and Ayana (G11, Japan), alongside faculty member Ms. Buitrago, attended the High School Students Islands Summit in Okinawa. The summit, which coincided with World Tsunami Awareness Day on November
At UWC ISAK Japan, we strive to give our students the opportunity to explore Japan. One way they can do this is through excursions that run almost weekly to beautiful sites such as Matsumoto Castle. This past weekend, our students got a truly unique experience
Orientation weekend was capped off with a celebration of the Bon Festival (お盆), which honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. Our students came decked out in their traditional outfits, and it was a real treat to see the diversity of our student body represented in
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