Second annual Undoukai day

Finally, Wednesday arrived—the long-awaited day was here. The strong Santa Ana winds, which had picked up two days earlier, were now at their peak, sweeping across the field with a force that added an air of drama to the occasion. For two weeks, students and staff had been eagerly preparing for this day: Undokai, the Japanese sports festival. As dawn broke, some staff members arrived early at the school to set up sound equipment, mark the competition field, and arrange tables and other essentials before the students' arrival. 

Members of the Parent-Teacher Association, who had been up late the previous days preparing prizes and gifts for the participants, also arrived early to set up tables for drinks, popcorn, pizza, and other treats, all intended to raise funds for the school.

Final adjustments were made to the setup as the wind intensified, leading to a change in plans about the canopies. Inside their classrooms, teachers handed out numbered jerseys to the students, who then prepared themselves with a light breakfast and some initial stretches in anticipation of the 9 a.m. start.

With a signal from Mr. Hiroshi, the Undokai sensei, the teams, each wearing colors that distinguished them from one another, took their places on the field. Representatives from each team stepped forward to give brief speeches on sportsmanship, the spirit of competition, and the importance of camaraderie. Then, to the upbeat tune of "Paprika," everyone warmed up together, creating a lively and unified atmosphere as the games began.

For the next few hours, the field was alive with joyful shouts and laughter as the teams competed energetically in various events: sprinting, tug-of-war, ball-tossing into baskets, and more. In the end, it was the yellow team who triumphed, amassing an impressive 1,340 points. Parents joined in some of the games, adding to the laughter and excitement, making it an unforgettable day for all.

After the last event concluded, parents, students, and the entire school community gathered around the food tables, enjoying refreshments and each other's company as they celebrated the day's achievements while the winds gradually died down. It was the perfect close to a memorable event.

Hosting the Undokai sports festival and engaging with Japanese culture through these spirited activities provided not only joy but also a richer cultural appreciation for everyone involved. This has been one of Isaac School’s enduring goals: to foster familiarity with diverse cultures through engaging experiences. Without question, this second Undokai sports festival series had fulfilled that important mission beautifully.