Nakama Spring 2020

Ft. Hayes Arts and Academic HS Japanese Program

What a CRAZY year!!


Wow what a crazy year!

None of us could have predicted the craziness that was ahead of us! I truly believe what does not break us makes us stronger. We will all come out of this for the better!


This year I taught Levels 1 -5. It is always bitter sweet to see students I've taught for 4 or 5 years graduate and this year brought about another level of sadness as we did not get to end the school year as we usually do. I hope that once it is safe we can all get together for dinner or lunch at a Japanese restaurant!


Let's take a look at all we were able to accomplish this year! For part of each class we went desk less -something I had read about and heard other teachers have success with but wondered if it would work in our classroom. And guess what? It did! I was amazed at how much more speaking occurred as a result! Our goal is to stay in the target language 90% of the time and we came pretty darn close to that goal. I'm so proud the students!


Three students (Jahsenah Baron, Christina Booker and Jakeiah Roy) represented Fort Hayes in the Second annual Ohio Japan Bowl and brought home a 3rd place win!! They worked so hard and put in many hours of preparation.


We also had our yearly presentation by JASCO executive director Dr. Benjamin Pachter. This year he discussed the various directions the knowledge of Japanese can take you in your future. Japanese should be looked at as a job skill instead of a class you took in high school! That was pretty eye-opening advice!!



This summer I am looking forward to recharging and spending time with my kids as we navigate Covid-19. It is an odd summer for sure but I welcome the calm for a bit! I am also getting ready for next school year by participating in various online discussions and classes so that whatever next year may look like I will be ready!!



Stay safe & Rest up! "See" you in the fall!


Ms. Ima

The Paper Crane Project

The Paper Crane Project

In March 2020, the National Symphony Orchestra embarked on an international tour to Asia featuring performances across the foremost cultural capitals of Japan. Marking the Orchestra's first international tour with Music Director Gianandrea Noseda, this major project represents a continuation of the NSO's longstanding history of participating in cultural diplomacy by promoting friendship and understanding through the power of music.
The Paper Crane Project

NSO took 1,000 paper cranes to the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima during their Asian Tour. Fort Hayes students folded and donated over 100 cranes to the project..

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What is your favorite Japanese Snack?

The results are in!! Below are the top 3 Japanese snacks according to Fort Hayes students!!
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Thousands of Ohio students study Japanese

Yearly 1,300+ students statewide are engaged in Japanese language programs at the K-12 level, and another roughly 2,100 are enrolled at the college level.

Documents from Consulate-General of Japan in Detroit

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The 2nd Annual Ohio Japan Bowl

The Japan Bowl® is a Japanese language competition created by the Japan-America Society of Washington DC in 1992. The Japan Bowl tests the achievements of Japanese learners throughout the US and other countries. The Japan Bowl in the United States focuses on high school students.


What makes the Japan Bowl unique is that it goes beyond language and asks students about their knowledge of Japanese culture, society, daily life, history, geography, and current events. Participants compete as members of 3-person teams, based on how many years they have studied Japanese.



Japan Bowl participants say they hope to have a “Japan connection” in their adult lives, whether in business, academia, the arts, or public service. No matter which profession they choose, the knowledge and skills they acquired as Japan Bowl competitors will help them become future leaders in the US relationship with Japan.

Jakeiah Roy, Christina Booker and Jahsenah Baron bring home 3rd place!!

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JASCO June Cooking Class

Friday, June 12th, 6pm

This is an online event.

Join our cooking class! We are making Gyudon, and two side dishes: cucumber salad and miso soup. *pictures is a this picture is an example of Gydon.


Registration


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Number one single in Japan!

  • Release date: May 20, 2020
  • Universal Music
  • "Meteorite Family" theme song
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NOW WHAT?

Now that it’s summer, you probably have a little extra time. So, Why not stay "connected" to Japanese language, culture and people!! Here are some cool ways to keep up and have FUN!! Check them out!