Hello, this is Yuri Makada from the office. On Saturday, June 20th, 2026, Sports Festival for1st, 2nd, 4th and 5th grade students was held at Kanazawa Campus.

The event featured four activities: volleyball, dodgeball, an obstacle race, and tug-of-war. Students were divided into six mixed teams composed of members from different grade levels, and each team competed in all events in a rotation format. Throughout the day, 1st and 2nd year students were seen encouraging and communicating with their 4th and 5th senior students. They do not usually do this since the 1st and 2nd year students study at the Hakusanroku Campus while the 4th and 5th year students study at the Kanazawa Campus. This created a strong sense of unity across the venue. All competitions were highly engaging and intense, filled with the excitement of serious matches and loud cheers from participants and spectators alike. While students experienced both victories and defeats, what stood out most was how they praised and supported one another. 

After the competitions finished, one MVP was selected from each team and awarded a selection of snacks. In addition, all participating teams received snacks as participation prizes.

This Sports Festival provided a valuable opportunity for students to step away from their daily academic routines and experience the joy of teamwork and a sense of achievement. Through the mixed-grade team activities, students from both campuses were able to deepen their connections, making the day a lively and memorable one.

Opening Ceremony

Volleyball

 

Dodgeball

Obstacle Relay

Tug of War

Closing Ceremony and Awards presentation

Yuri Makada

Hello, this is Yuri Makada from the Hakusanroku office. From Saturday, June 6th to Wednesday, June 17th, 2026, six high school students from Columbia, Missouri, USA visited the Hakusanroku Campus. They stayed at the Hakusanroku Campus dormitory and experienced school life together with 1st and 2nd year ICT students.

During their stay, the students from Columbia took part in various programs, including hands-on manufacturing activities and classes alongside ICT students. They also went on a sightseeing excursion in Kanazawa and took part in a homestay program in Hakusan City organized by the local government.
In addition, on Saturday, June 6th, an event titled “Sister City Exchange Program with Columbia, USA – Let’s Interact with American High School Students!” was held at the Hakusanroku Campus. It was organized by the Hakusan International Exchange Association. Elementary and junior high school students from Hakusan City, as well as ICT students, took part. After the visiting American students gave a presentation about Columbia, event participants enjoyed interacting with them in English through quizzes, games, and a campus tour.

For the ICT and American students, even within this relatively short two-week period, living together in the dormitory provided valuable opportunities to learn and build friendships. This made it an irreplaceable and meaningful experience.

American students arrive at the Hakusanroku Campus

Kanazawa sightseeing

Hands-on manufacturing activities and classes alongside ICT students

Sister City Exchange Program with Columbia, USA – Let’s Interact with American High School Students!

Farewell party

Yuri Makada

Hello again! I’m Sharmee Abuan, one of the Learning Mentors at ICT Hakusanroku Campus. It’s been just over a month since the school year began. In my last entry, I shared about the workshops we handled throughout the previous year. This time, I’d like to share about something we did on a smaller scale but is just as important: the mini workshops we held for our new students about a week into the academic year.

Before classes officially started, the Learning Mentors got together to think about how we could help incoming students settle in more smoothly. Adjusting to a new school can already feel overwhelming, so we decided to focus on practical skills. These are the things students would actually use every day at ICT.

The mini workshops ran for four days, with each session lasting about 15 to 20 minutes during the first part of our Learning Sessions from April 13th to 16th, 2026.

Day 1 – eSyllabus Workshop

We started by introducing the eSyllabus and explaining why it’s important to check it regularly. It is very important that they understand how to use the eSyllabus because it is the main system students use to view their class curriculum, content, and tasks. At first, some students seemed unsure as they navigated the system on their own. You could tell they were carefully trying to figure things out. Before long, though, they began clicking around more confidently and asking questions when they got stuck. By the end of the session, it was clear they felt more comfortable using it.

Day 2 –Microsoft Word Workshop

As ICT students write reports and reflections in their classes, this session focused on the basics of creating documents such as formatting, using shortcuts, and saving files properly using Microsoft Word. Students then created a short self-introduction document using what they had learned. Some went straight into organizing everything neatly, while others immediately started experimenting with different fonts. It was actually fun to see their personalities come through as they use the program.

Day 3 – E-mail Workshop

Day three was all about writing and sending e-mails properly with subject lines, greetings, polite wording, attaching files, and making sure messages go to the right person. Students practiced writing short e-mails on their own, and many of them reread their messages several times before hitting the send button. They were also asked to use the output they made in the previous workshop as an attachment to their e-mail. Mastering how e-mails work will be very useful not only in their ICT life but also in their professional journey.

Day 4 – Review

The final day was mostly a review: checking the eSyllabus, using Word, and sending e-mails again. Compared to day one, the atmosphere felt noticeably different. The room was more relaxed, and students seemed more confident. It was a small change, but an easy one to notice.

The workshops themselves were simple, but going through them was a good reminder of how much these “small” things matter. Checking the eSyllabus or sending a clear e-mail may seem minor, but they can make a big difference in how smoothly someone adjusts to a new environment. Sometimes, it’s not about doing something big but about feeling capable in the everyday moments.

Sharmee Abuan

Hello. I am Masaaki Shikada, ICT President.
On Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, I helped with the planting of Beni Haruka sweet potato seedlings as part of Engineering Design II (2nd year students), marking my fourth year participating in this activity. While the previous three years were all blessed with fine weather, unfortunately this year we had rain.
I was also pleased to see that, because of the large number of 2nd year students, Kodaka sensei requested that each student plant approximately 10 to 15 seedlings. In the first year (three years ago), one person planted an entire row of the nursery bed alone. Although we had rain this time, the work progressed smoothly thanks to the larger number of students, and the planting was completed in about 50 minutes.
I left shortly after the seedling planting was finished, but the installation of the electric fence also appeared to be proceeding without any problems. In sunny weather, watering is necessary immediately after planting; however, this year the rain provided natural watering, which seemed to save time as well. I hope, once again this year, that the seedings will grow well. I would also like to take part in the harvest in autumn.
As is customary, an Open Campus will be held at the Hakusanroku Campus on Saturday, November 7th, and Sunday, November 8th. To coincide with this event, roasted sweet potatoes are scheduled to be sold at the Sena Roadside Station. If you have time, please consider stopping by the Sena Roadside Station on either of those days.

Thursday, April 16th, 2026
Soil preparation and digging rows for planting.

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
Planting Beinharuka soil and ridges for planting Beniharuka seedlings.

Thursday, May 7th, 2024
Electric fence installed around fields to prevent monkeys from entering.

Masaaki Shikada

Hello, my name is Domyson Abuan, and on behalf of the Learning Mentor team, we would like to reintroduce you to Hakusanroku Campus’ Learning Session (LS).

LS is an evening learning time held every weeknight from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Living Commons and the Library & Work Commons on ICT Hakusanroku Campus. During LS, students work on classwork, homework, projects, and language skill development. Faculty members called Learning Mentors are always present to support, guide, and help when needed. Students are also encouraged to use English as much as possible during LS to improve their communication skills in a natural and supportive environment, especially because they will study abroad in New Zealand in their 3rd year.

Over the past years, we have seen wonderful growth in how students use Learning Session time. Many students describe our learning atmosphere as a cozy, welcoming study space that is almost like a cafe. With wooden floors, warm lighting, Hakusanroku wood furniture, and tables designed for collaboration, the space naturally encourages focus and shared learning. We often see students quietly working on their own tasks, asking for help, and confidently sharing what they know with others.

Because of these positive habits, we decided to name and strengthen this culture through our new Learning Session Mindset, called “Cozy Productivity.”

Our Learning Sessions are guided by three key principles.

① I Sustain My Pace

During LS, students are encouraged to work at their own rhythm. Everyone learns differently, and that difference is respected. Students are reminded to stay calm, focus on their own goals, and keep moving forward step by step without feeling pressured by others’ pace. This practice teaches them self-management and consistency by learning how to pace oneself and continue even when progress feels slow.

② Each One, Teach One

Learning becomes stronger when it is shared. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explain ideas, and help one another. Teaching a friend is one of the best ways to deepen understanding and build confidence. Asking for help from Learning Mentors or classmates is always encouraged, whether it is about academics, English practice, or sharing ideas. By learning how to explain ideas clearly and work well with others, they strengthen their skills on communication and collaboration.

③ We Finish with Intention

Learning Session despite being cozy, is also a time for focused effort. Students are encouraged to use this time wisely and take responsibility for their learning. Finishing work with intention adds positive energy to the room and helps create a productive learning environment for everyone. Of course, students are also encouraged to take short breaks so they can reset their focus. Learning how to commit to tasks and complete them with care and purpose teaches them responsibility.

Ultimately, the Learning Mentor team hopes that these guiding principles will become core values for our students. These are important life skills that students can carry with them not only when studying abroad, but also as more independent learners at the Kanazawa Campus, and later as young professionals and global innovators. Learning Session is not just about finishing homework. It is about learning how to learn, how to support others, and how to grow with intention.

Domyson Abuan