Today is July 7, the day of Tanabata, the Star Festival.

In the common area for Grades 1 and 2, bamboo branches decorated with colorful Tanabata ornaments were displayed. Tanzaku, small strips of paper on which the children had written their wishes, were gently swaying from the branches.

Some of the wishes written by our elementary school students were:

“I hope I can become a professional soccer player.”
“I hope I can become a dentist.”
“I hope I can become a better dancer.”

In their simple and honest words, the children expressed their dreams for the future and the things they hope to achieve.

Among them, I found one tanzaku that said:

“I wish for my mother to stay healthy.”

The child must be deeply concerned about their mother. I was touched by the kindness and earnest feelings expressed in those few words. I, too, sincerely hope that the child’s mother will remain healthy and not become ill.

The junior high school students had written wishes such as:

“I hope I can pass the EIKEN Pre-1 exam.”
“I hope I can concentrate better on my studies.”
“I hope I can speak many different languages.”
“I hope I can pass the high school entrance examination.”
“I hope I can enter the IB course at Okinawa Shogaku High School.”

As children grow older, their wishes become more specific, and we can see that they are beginning to think seriously about their futures and the paths they wish to take. I was inspired by the determination of our junior high school students to work toward their goals.

The children of AMICUS are always cheerful, energetic, and hardworking. As Head of School, I sincerely hope that each and every one of their wishes will come true.

While looking at the bamboo display in the Grade 1 area, I noticed a tanzaku with my name on it. I did not remember writing one this year, so I asked a Grade 1 teacher who was nearby.

The teacher replied,

“We kept the tanzaku you wrote last year.”

Hearing this reminded me that I had indeed written a wish at Tanabata last year. It said:

“I hope that all the children of AMICUS will enjoy a safe and healthy summer vacation and return to school together, full of energy, after the break.”

That wish remains exactly the same this year.

What touched me even more, however, was the kindness of the teacher who had carefully kept my tanzaku from last year and placed it on the bamboo display again this year.

The tanzaku displayed at Tanabata carry not only the dreams and hopes of our children, but also their love for their families, their determination to achieve their goals, and the care and affection of the teachers who watch over them each day.

Summer vacation will soon begin. Once again, I sincerely hope that all our children will stay healthy and safe and return to school after the break with bright smiles on their faces.

And may all the wishes of the children of AMICUS come true, little by little.

Ken Oshiro
Headmaster