Kizuna

I have been thinking over the past few days about the Japanese concept of "kizuna", which means, as close as we can come to it in English, a bond, a tie of friendship, solidarity, empathy. It was mentioned in a BBC report this week about the Japanese Prime Minister thanked nations and their people for the "Kizuna" they had sent to Japan. he did this by posting full page ads in national newspapers all over the world. That's not just communication, that’s style!





"I'm a New Yorker!" came to mind when I heard about kizuna. You will recall that campaign in the aftermath of the 911 attacks when millions of people–hollywood stars, Glasgow taxi drivers, Singaporean teachers–wore badges and T-shirts with "I'm a New Yorker!" on them. They were saying we are with you, we are thinking about you and so, just for today, we are one of you. It was a touching gesture, one that was hugely appreciated by a grieving city at the time. In hindsight, it represented a beautiful example of kizuna - just that I didn't know that word yet. International Schools place a huge importance on developing Internationalism or Global Citizenship. In one word, the concept of kizuna sums up what that should look like better than most books I have ever read on the subject.



We have been hugely impressed by the grace and strength shown by the people of Japan over the past month and we know that the struggle to get back on their feet and back to their homes is not over yet for many people. Activities and fund-raisers continue in the College and throughout Singapore and they still need our support.



On behalf of everyone here in Junior School, we send kizuna (きずな) to our Japanese Community here at the College.



私も日本人です。“I am Japanese.”



Have a restful weekend,



Brian