Akiko Gotoda

Parent of Kazu (Class of 2029) and Toshi Gotoda (Class of 2026)

Nationality

Japanese

Where were you born?

Sapporo, Hokkaido 

How many children do you have at HIS? 

2

What attracted you to send your kids to HIS? Alternatively, what attracted your kids to ask you to send them here?

Education in English, the music department, and outdoors programming

How important was it to choose an international school with an emphasis on the outdoors?

Very. I want my children to discover nature more than spend time using electronic devices.

How important was it to choose an international school with an emphasis on experiential learning?

Important. I would like my child to learn through an inquiry-based approach.

What school programs do you value the most and why?

The research program.

Please describe a memorable moment at HIS for your child/children and how that has had an impact on you and your family.

The cross-country day (Kazu improved a lot since the previous year). 

Please describe a memorable moment from your time at HIS and how that has had an impact on you and your family.

The end-of-year music concert (after Covid 19; 2022). The concert was fantastic!

What's your favorite part about living in Japan? How about living in Sapporo, Hokkaido? 

Close to nature; close to family. 

What do you get up to in your free time?

Meeting people.

What's your favorite book of all time? Alternatively, what's your favorite movie? Why? What do you love about it?

Stand by Me

If you could interview any past-living historical figure, who would it be, what would you ask them, and what do you think they'd say?

It’s not a historical figure, but my mother about parenting. My mother would give me so much advice, I’m sure. 

What advice would you give to parents considering HIS for their kids?

Student needs to be able to act independent and if parents feel education is important, parents should get involved in school activities.