3-nensei Graduation

On Friday, March 8th the san-nensei (3rd grade) JHS students had their graduation. The school and grade system is a bit different here in Himeji than in the U.S. Junior High is very difficult and there are three grades, instead of two. The third grade (equivalent to a high school freshman) students must take a very difficult test at the end of their 3rd term to see what high school they are placed in.

When the tests are over, the school holds a very formal and serious graduation ceremony. In many ways it is similar to our high school graduation...we process in and out of the ceremony, people sing and give speeches. But, in many ways it is different. There are no receiving of diplomas and there is basically no clapping, but a LOT of bowing. At the end of the ceremony the entire school, along with family members line up on the school's field to see the students off. Here are the pictures of Katie's students...