Graduation Cake

Big Sister graduated from high school on Saturday. Aunt bought her this cake. The bouquet of roses is made out of a lemon flavored candy. It says Omedetou. That means "Congratulations!" Those are sakura (cherry) blossoms stenciled on top of the cake in pink sugar.

Hakama Rental

Big Sister wore a hakama for graduation. We rented it from this shop. Note that either boots or traditional sandals could be rented. She chose to wear traditional shoes with it.

The shop's name is Suzunoya.
www.e-hakama.com 0120-753-411

6th Grade Graduation

Little Brother graduated from 6th grade today. There was a ceremony in the gym at his school. He had to wear a suit. Before the ceremony this morning, a fifth grader pinned this silk boutonniere on his lapel. All sixth graders wore them.

Fifth graders were there in their usual clothes. They played music as the sixth graders came into the gym. Each sixth grader went on stage to receive a big diploma from the principal. Each student took it from him with two hands and bowed. Then each graduate went down the steps and bowed to the distinguished guests from other schools. They were sitting on the left.

Then the graduates walked past them and went to this table. Two fifth grade teachers were standing there. The teachers and the graduates bowed to one another. The graduates presented the diploma to them with two hands. The teachers rolled the diploma and then slid it into one of these cardboard rolls. They put a top (the short pieces) on the roll. The graduates bowed again and went back to their seats.

The principal made a speech. There were speeches by some guests and the head of the PTA (they say PTA, too!) The graduates went to the stage and stood as a group. They sang songs and recited some rehearsed memories and wishes for the future. They practiced a lot beforehand. Afterwards, all the parents and students gathered for a group picture by a professional photographer.

Outside, the sixth grade teachers gave each student a rose. Parents lined both sides of the walkway. The graduates walked through the line. Parents clapped or took pictures.

Graduation from Junior High

Today was Big Sister's graduation from junior high school. Here is a picture of the gym. The graduating students came in by class and filled the empty chairs in front. The eighth graders filled the chairs behind them. Parents sat along the walls. Everyone stood to sing the national anthem of Japan.

After the principal gave a speech, the curtain was opened. This mural was behind the curtain. It was made by the graduating class. The birds are made of folded origami cranes. The cranes were glued flat onto the paper to form the birds.

Here is a detail. Click to enlarge. I have seen pictures made of gold and silver cranes for weddings.

Students went to the stage one by one to get their certificates. First Big Sister bowed to the principal. He handed her the certificate with both hands. She received it with both hands. She stepped back and bowed holding the certificate out. Then she turned and walked off the stage. She turned to bow to the stage and then turned to bow to the teachers sitting along the wall.

The eighth graders sang a song. Students gave speeches. This picture is blurry, but I posted it anyway. I wanted to show you that speeches are wrapped in paper. See the paper with the folded ends in the girl's left hand? She had wrapped her speech in it. The other speakers did the same. The graduating class sang a song. Parents and students cried. I am glad I took a handkerchief.

Afterwards the eigth graders lined up along the walkway. As the graduating class filed through, they gave the graduates flowers.

Big Sister was given orchids.