Undokai: Japanese School Sports Day in Miami

On December 9th, 2023 the Sports Day, or “Undokai” in Japanese was held at the Miami Japanese Language Supplementary School (Hoshu-Jugyo-Ko, also known as “Hoshu-ko”). At the Miami Hoshu-ko, about 100 students between five and fifteen years old are studying core subjects such as Japanese language or math based on textbooks used in Japan. In Japan, a school’s “Sports Day” is the biggest school event and is held around the Sports Day holiday (Taiiku no hi) on October 10, which promotes children’s health and teamwork and is attended by the childrens’ parents. On a Sports Day, students are divided into two teams (red and white) and compete with each other in a wide range of races such as a “basket-ball race”, three-legged race, tug-of-war, and relays.

This year, at the beginning of the Sports Day, a cheering competition was held between the red and white team cheering groups, where they wished their team victory and the other team good luck.

Deputy Consul General Fumiyo Tsuda, who was invited to the event, congratulated the Miami Hoshu-ko for holding this memorable Sports Day during its 40th anniversary year since the school’s establishment, and wished the children their best in showing the results of their daily practice and excellent teamwork.

While the white team was victorious at this year’s Sports Day, parents and children enjoyed collaborating together in the races, and praising each other’s best performance.

Article brought to you by Consulate General Japan in Miami.