Interview 02
Music Specialist
I worked at a Japanese school overseas for nine years. After returning to Japan, I worked in the office of an orchestra, handling tasks such as inviting foreign artists. Since 2023, I have been working as JINIS's first music specialist.
I deeply resonate with JINIS' vision of “cultivating individuals with the passion, skills, and humanity to actively contribute to creating a better world.” This is because I have always believed that education is essential for creating a better world, and I aspired to become an elementary school teacher to contribute to the character development of children. Therefore, I find great joy and fulfillment in being part of JINIS's school-building efforts, which share the same vision.
Currently, I am responsible for music lessons for all students from first to sixth grade, as well as scheduling private lessons for students after school. The culmination of a year's work is the “JINIS Concert” held every December, where all grades perform choir, ensemble, and original dances. We hire professionals for sound, lighting, and filming, so I also coordinate those aspects. It's a lot of work, but seeing the children grow and smile and feel moved makes me feel that it's all worth it every time.
JINIS is a school that encourages proactive suggestions. Of course, not everything can be realized, but once a decision is made, the school will support you all the way. In fact, the current format of the JINIS Concert was something I proposed in my first year at the school, and it was implemented. We were able to positively change from an in-school performance to a concert hall. Since the school is still relatively new, there is less pressure from history or tradition, and the joy of trying new things is greater. However, with more autonomy comes a greater sense of responsibility for my work.
Additionally, I have become more conscious of self-improvement. At JINIS, there is a curriculum where each grade selects a country to study each semester, and music classes also teach the music culture of that country. For example, first graders study Kenya in the first semester, and sixth graders study the United States. Sometimes the language and music are completely unfamiliar, so I also have to learn new things. The awareness of constantly learning has emerged, and I feel this is contributing to my personal growth.
At JINIS, adults watch over the children 24 hours a day, but working hours are clearly defined. The children naturally understand the adults' working hours and talk to other teachers or house parents (dormitory mothers) after those hours. Thanks to this, I am able to maintain a clear separation between work and personal time.
I also strongly feel the influence of the international teachers. Many of them place a high value on the right to work, so there is a culture of taking proper breaks and days off. I often go home during my breaks, and being able to spend my time that way is also appealing.
I live in a log cottage on the school grounds. There, I play the piano, sing with my colleagues, and sometimes host parties. In the morning, I wake up to the sound of birds chirping, and at night, when I step outside, I’m amazed by the star-filled sky. I really love my home.
That said, being on campus can make me feel like I’m always “at school,” which can be stressful, so I try to get out whenever I can. Lately, I’ve taken one-night trips to Okayama, Himeji, and Osaka. Stepping outside the campus grounds allows me to completely switch off, so I feel like I’ve been able to enjoy my personal time more since starting at JINIS.
Since coming to JINIS, I have never once felt depressed thinking, “Tomorrow is another day of work...” This is a completely new experience for me. JINIS is a warm school that makes me want to come back.
What I like about JINIS
At JINIS, everyone—children and adults alike—feels like family. During our weekly staff meetings, we start with a section called “Recent Updates on the Children,” where we share information about all the students across all grades. For example, someone might say, “This child had something great happen to them, so please give them some praise.” The way we all watch over the children with the mindset that “everyone is a JINIS child,” regardless of their class, is what I love most about JINIS.
