By YU KAMATA/ Staff Writer
April 6, 2021 at 17:25 JST
Silent new first-graders temporarily remove their masks for a commemorative photo at Koyama elementary school in Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward on April 6. (Sayuri Ide)
As the novel coronavirus pandemic enters its second year, many new students across Japan are entering their first year of grade school and being welcomed at scaled-back entrance ceremonies.
On April 6, 64 new first-graders went to school for the first time alongside their parents at Koyama elementary school, which is run by Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward.
They took commemorative photos in front of the school gate and attended the entrance ceremony while wearing face masks.
“Congratulations on entering our school. We will support you, so please come to the school with no worries,” said Yutaka Namoto, the school principal. “It is your time to blossom as a unique flower in the world.”
As was the case last year, the number of parents or guardians in attendance at the ceremony was limited to up to two per student as a measure to prevent crowds from forming.
Before the pandemic, current students could also attend the ceremony to welcome the first-graders in person. But instead, they greeted them with video messages.
The school also played audio recordings of the "Kimigayo," Japan's national anthem, and the school’s song instead of having everyone sing them.
After the ceremony, the students put on big smiles as they played with their friends in the school playground.
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