When a posting overseas takes a family with children along, what happens to their schooling? The reliable answer for Japanese families in many countries is the Japanese school.
The Japanese School in Costa Rica
Japanese schools abroad are precious places — somewhere children can learn Japanese history and culture while living overseas. Costa Rica's Japanese school enrolls students from elementary through middle school. Once they reach high school, students typically move to a local school or return to Japan.
For students still adjusting to Spanish, the school is also an emotional anchor. The stress of growing up in a country with a different language and culture must be substantial, but at the sports day held in late January 2014, every child was throwing themselves fully at every event.
The Color Run in San José
In mid-February 2014, the capital San José hosted THE COLOR RUN. Billed as "the happiest 5k on the planet," it's a colorful run held in many countries around the world. There have been editions in Japan as well.
Runners cover 5 km, getting showered or pelted with colored powder at stations along the route. White T-shirts at the start become vivid by the finish line.
Many Costa Ricans came in seriously elaborate outfits. Different country, same instinct — looking the part is half the fun, apparently, the world over.
Smiles came naturally to the runners. It was a great chance to give people who don't usually run a reason to start. If you've never done one, try one wherever you happen to be.