The HIS boys and girls basketball teams had an unforgettable tournament in Tokyo this winter. Facing tough competition, they gave it their all—especially the boys, who had to step up with a key player sidelined by injury. They battled Canadian International School, Christian Academy in Japan, and St. Maur’s, pulling off a nail-biting two-point win in the final game. Parents traveled from Sapporo and Tokyo to cheer them on. But this trip wasn’t just about basketball—it was about bonding, learning, and making memories that will stick with the team long after the season ends.

What's required to create a good story—to make it gripping?
Tension, lots of spine-tingling tension.

Check out Julius' analysis of our very first HIS Writes Champion story: "Pen-Pal."

Are you ready for this? Taylor Kim tackles bestselling novel Ready Player One, examining the riveting story world rife with conflict and character desire. Read his analysis to either inspire you to read this novel or to read it again with a richer understanding. 

Or perhaps it might even get you to "kaizen" 改善. 

When we deconstruct the creations of others, it provides insight how we, too, might construct something of beauty — something that might shed light on the impact actions have on people — and how we might respond in ways that will allow us to become better. 

Yes, a story can really do that.

While the snow continued to fly in Sapporo, Japan, the hot rays of the sun shimmered across the oceans down under for Boarding Program's Jasmine Jordan. See what she got up to during the winter break of 2024-2025.

January is a time for renewal for people all around the world, but for those in Hokkaido, the renewal comes through experiencing fresh snow. Join our high school Huskies on the slopes of Kokusai: Skiing, Boarding, Snow Shoeing!

HIS students from the middle school departed to the Sapporo Science Center to learn about their next big idea: Curiosity. MS students learned about many systems of space, the human body, snow, and physics, and they even got to watch a planetarium show!

Boys and girls are switching dorms mid-year? Yep, that's a thing at HIS Dormitory. During this chaotic time, check out what the dormies are up to in making a new space feel like home.