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Kuni Shimura was happy to see students enjoying themselves at the Greenwich Japanese School's 35th anniversary celebration Thursday. Although not on a diplomatic mission, Japan's ambassador Shinichi Nishimiya was an honored guest and spoke of the benefits of a bicultural environment.
"The school is honored to be in this beautiful location," said Kuni Shimura, office manager of the school. "We are happy for the anniversary and look forward to getting better associated with the Greenwich community."
The hour-long ceremony, mostly in Japanese, touched on the history of the school and its accomplishments and featured a slideshow of school photos and the school song. The school educates 172 students from grade one through nine. It was founded in Jamaica, Queens, in 1975 and moved to historic grounds on Lake Avenue in 1992.
"I think all cultures like anniversaries," Nishimiya said, according to published reports. "By looking back, you can think about the future. I think this is a very good way of rearing and fostering and educating our children in that they are the best of both worlds." Nishimiya has been active with the school, inviting Japanese musicians, artists and even astronauts to the campus.
First Selectman Peter Tesei attended the ceremony and invited students to visit Town Hall to learn more about the town and local government.
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