Justin Rankin

Position at the School

Physical Education Teacher/Athletic & Activities Director

Nationality

Canadian 

Where were you born?

Sault Sainte Marie, Ontario 

What year did you come to HIS, and where were you working prior to HIS?

• I arrived at HIS for the start of the 2021/22 school year. 
• Prior to HIS, I was teaching in a remote, Inuit community in the Canadian Arctic.  

What attracted you to come work at HIS?

I had visited Hokkaido many times as a tourist, primarily for skiing, so the opportunity to call Hokkaido home was too good to pass up. Mr. Schlosser certainly didn't have to sell me on the location. 

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

I love spending time outdoors, so belonging to a school community which values outdoor education as one its pillar programs certainly helped to seal the deal. I'm also a big believer that when youth spend time outdoors in fresh air playing and exploring, they are happier and healthier. It's as simple as that. 

How long have you been teaching? How does teaching at HIS compare to other schools you've taught at?

I'm entering my fifteenth year in education serving in various capacities at international and public schools in Canada, Scotland, South Korea, Myanmar, China, Eritrea, and now in Japan. The thing which stands out to me the most about HIS when I compare it to other stops is how positive and supportive our school community is. We are Huskies! 

How would you describe the students at HIS?

Welcoming, athletic, and just happy overall. I see lots of laughter and smiles on campus every day. They're also highly tolerant to cold temperatures. 

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

It might just be nana-chickee from 7-11. I'm a big fan of the konbini culture here in Japan. 

What do you get up to outside of school?

You can usually find me scoping out a tree run at Rusutsu, cruising the aisles at 7-11, or watching some kind of sports on TV. 

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

My favorite book of all time is Lord of the Flies by Sir William Golding. It's a story that is built on a great premise. You can really connect to the characters while you think about how you would handle certain situations that occurred during the boys' time stranded on the island. Ask me why I think Ralph should be considered the antagonist instead of Jack. 

What advice would you give to teachers looking to work in Japan?

It's a fantastic quality of life here in Japan. Bring your powder skis.