— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

I woke up this morning to find the world outside transformed into a pristine winter wonderland. It felt as though someone had quietly unrolled a giant, pure white canvas overnight. The playground, now under a thick 20-centimeter blanket of snow, looked like something straight out of a child’s dream—a magical kingdom of snow.

At 7 a.m., I joined the teachers for some good old-fashioned snow shoveling. It had been years—perhaps decades—since I last wielded a snow shovel. While I was a bit rusty at first, I soon found my rhythm. Thankfully, my end-of-year golf practice paid off! Sure, I felt a touch of muscle soreness in places I didn’t expect, but my back held up just fine. Who knew perfecting my swing would one day double as snow-clearing prep? Life, you never cease to amaze me.

As we cleared the snow, a miniature Mount Fuji began to take shape, entirely by accident. The children, spotting our little snow sculpture, gleefully turned it into a makeshift “Fuji Station,” zipping down it on sleds and creating a scene so picturesque it felt like it had leapt from the pages of a storybook. Watching them play, I couldn’t help but marvel: This is winter.

Standing amidst Gifu’s snowy landscape, I began to understand why this place is often referred to as a “silver world.” The pristine whiteness blends seamlessly with the surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking harmony that’s uniquely Gifu. Before long, snowmen appeared, built by tiny hands, and the playground became a lively hub of snowy adventures.

The beauty of this setting, with its mountains and sparkling snow, feels like something special—an experience not easily found elsewhere. As I sipped on a steaming cup of coffee afterward, I reflected on the warmth in my heart. There’s something indescribable about that feeling—perhaps it’s the quiet joy of moments like these.

I have no doubt that tomorrow will bring more snowy surprises and magical discoveries. Until then, stay warm and enjoy the small wonders of winter.

Signing off with a smile and a dusting of snow,
Your new manager ❄️

— A Note from the New Kindergarten Manager

And so, Day 2 began. The jitters from yesterday have started to dissipate, replaced by a gentle breeze of calm swirling within me. Today’s highlight? A special visit from two representatives of Gifu City’s Board of Education to observe our little haven of learning.

These weren’t just any visitors—one was a seasoned former kindergarten director, the other a former elementary school principal, both with experience as vast and steady as the captains of great ships navigating life’s wide seas. Their presence alone had me reflecting: life, like an observation, is a dance of perspectives. Some moments call for a wide lens to see the bigger picture; others demand the precision of a close-up view.

Their advice? “In smaller groups, it’s vital to provide time for deeper thinking.” A brilliant reminder. Smaller class sizes mean we have the privilege of truly hearing each child’s voice, giving us the opportunity to nurture their unique growth. Every word they utter carries meaning, and simply listening warms my heart. Watching our teachers handle each child with care and attention, I couldn’t help but feel immense pride in their daily dedication.

At one point, they said, “You can’t lose Suwa Kindergarten.” That struck a chord. Suwa Kindergarten isn’t just any school—it’s a gem, nestled among treasures like Suwa Shrine and the lush hiking trails of Dodo-ga-Mine. Their advice to showcase these natural blessings more was a lightbulb moment. Sometimes, our greatest strengths are the ones hiding in plain sight, waiting for us to uncover them.

The feedback from our visitors was overwhelmingly positive, thanks to the vibrancy of the children and the dedication of our staff. It’s the daily efforts of our teachers that create such memorable, heartwarming moments. Their gentle, attentive care is the foundation of everything we achieve.

As I observed today’s visit unfold, I couldn’t help but think about my own role—what can I contribute? How can I make a difference? Witnessing the seamless harmony between experienced and younger teachers, as well as the childcare specialists, reaffirmed a vital truth: it’s this balance and collaboration that make our kindergarten thrive.

Moving forward, I aim to embrace the little daily efforts that add up to monumental achievements. It’s in these small, steady steps that progress truly blooms.

Thank you for joining me on this journey—stay tuned for the next chapter. I promise to keep finding meaning in the little things and sharing those discoveries with you.

Until next time,
Your new manager, signing off with a grateful heart. 😊