May 2 was AMICUS’s “Colorful Day.” The children came to school dressed in their favorite colors, each expressing their individuality. The purpose of this event is to help students feel free to express themselves. Of course, participation was not mandatory, and some children came in their school uniforms.

For this kind of activity to succeed, it is essential to have an atmosphere where everyone respects and accepts each other’s choice of colors and styles. If children worry about being laughed at by friends for being “different,” it becomes difficult for them to come to school in their favorite colors or in slightly bold outfits.

AMICUS places great importance on respecting and embracing diversity. Our school is home to students and teachers from various cultural and value backgrounds. In fact, AMICUS itself is a school that values diversity at its core.

In February of this year, we held “Crazy Hair Day,” which went even beyond “Colorful Day.” On that day, students came to school with creative and wild hairstyles, and they celebrated each other’s individuality and boldness.

There are no rankings or awards given for these kinds of events. That’s because there is no single “measuring stick” for determining a winner. Personally, I believe that our current high school and university entrance exams, which rely on uniform criteria for selection, should be re-examined in the future (though that’s a topic for another occasion). This is because society is not seeking people who can smoothly do what anyone can do, but rather people who have something unique that only they can offer.

AMICUS is not just a school with a strong English program. Even in public schools, the importance of education that respects diversity has long been emphasized. In that sense as well, I hope AMICUS can continue to serve as a pioneering model school.