A rite of passage begins

Last weekend Marina participated in her first Sports Day as a kindergarden student. There were weeks of practice prior to the big day and we frequently heard hints of her anticipation and anxiety. Sports day is one of the highlights of the school year and M was clearly excited about it.

Sports day involves various races, events, games and dancing. The activities range from those for the hilariously uncoordinated newbies (first year students), who often seem a chaotic gaggle, and others for schoolmates in the upper grades.

Meanwhile, older siblings watch on the sidelines with a veteran’s gaze and chide the younger kids.

Sports Day is both a ritual and annual rite of passage for parents and children alike.

The grades in M’s kindergarden were divided into first, second, and third-year groups, then further divided into squads with Disney character names. (Here is where my innate skepticism noted branding’s insidious hold on society.) This being Japan, the event was organized with precision and the schedule held even with the packs of easily distracted kids roaming about, surrounded by a ring of camera-toting parents (myself included) and grandparents. The loudspeakers reminded everyone to meet here, take pictures there, teachers go here, teams go there, and so on. I am still astounded when I witness these school events; the pieces fit together like a Swiss clock each and every time.

Although she had practiced diligently and seemed eager before the event, on game day Marina feigned detachment, wasn’t really into posing for pictures, yet she gamely went through the motions: a team player to the end. Naomi was proud, and I remain bemused by the entire spectacle. I should note I have gotten used to it by now and obediently followed the audio prompts and took pictures when and where I was “encouraged” to do so. And, yeah, we were pleased and proud to see our youngest Rising Daughter take another step forward in her scholastic life.