[2016.04.08] Principal Hidetoshi Hanyu’s Address at the School Entrance Ceremony

[yuzurujenn]

*machine translation, inaccuracies exist*

 

Source: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1098594416849926&id=697030440339661 (originally from 
http://www.shiogama3-jh.shiogama.ed.jp/tayori_2016_01.pdf) 

 

 

Principal Hidetoshi Hanyu’s Address at the School Entrance Ceremony 

 

*(Hidetoshi is father of Yuzuru Hanyu. Selected passages translated for their beauty and meaning)

 

Spoiler

“This morning, in my own parking lot, just as in years past, just as in early spring, I was lucky to see the figure of the blue-and-white flycatcher, a bird known to bring happiness, resting on a tree branch. This little blue bird had flown thousands of kilometers across the vast Pacific Ocean, all the way from the southern lands. With its tiny wings beating strong and true, it soars toward the Zao Mountain Range and Mount Funagata, where spring waters flow toward the mountains. (both mountains span the Yamagata and Miyagi prefectures.) Truly, it felt like the spirit of spring, full of life, had arrived.”

 

“Spring marks a new school year, new classrooms, new encounters. From this starting point, I hope each of you will dream, speak of your dreams, and work hard to realize them over the coming year.”

 

“Our school’s educational goal is: ‘To foster students who are physically and mentally healthy, rich in spirit, and able to act with independence and self-discipline.’”

 

“Students who act with self-reliance and independence are, in my view, those who are well-balanced in body and mind, and who show kindness and discipline not only to themselves but also to others. Among all human emotions, the ability to care for others is one of the most important.”

 

“I’ve heard that students at this school have always filled their days with this kind of care for others. I hope that this year as well, you’ll continue to let that kindness fill the entire school.”

 

“It has now been five years since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Each of you carries many different thoughts and memories of that time. But from now on, we must shift our mindset from recovery to renewal. We’ve received so much support and encouragement from others, so let us carry that kindness with us in our hearts with gratitude. As students of our school, as citizens of Shiogama City, as residents of Miyagi Prefecture, let’s move forward together proudly and with strength to overcome the challenges of the earthquake, and let’s share that spirit with others. It is through these efforts that we connect ourselves to a future of renewal. And we, the teachers and staff, will work alongside you every day — in classes, club activities, and daily life — doing our utmost.”

 

“To our 81 second-year students, who now stand in the middle of their school journey: we place great hope in you. To our 78 third-year students, who are now the leaders of the school: I hope you will act with a sense of responsibility. Congratulations on moving up a grade.”

 

“All of the teachers and staff promise to support your health and your admirable ambition. That is my message for the start of this school term.”