Lunar New Year at NIS this year was more than just a festival—it was a vibrant celebration that brought our community together over a series of days in a unique and meaningful way. Against a backdrop of colorful lanterns, and other decorations the school was transformed into a space where tradition, culture, and community were on full display.
The seeds of this event were planted when many members of the NIS community saw how successful the Diwali celebration was organized by staff, parents and students in November. Since the school encourages the community to determine how it wants to come together to share and celebrate our cultural traditions, some of our students and parents were inspired to lead a Lunar New Year celebration this year even further than last year’s hallway decorations and classroom activities. Planning began by a group of parents and students as far back as October.
Lunar New Year is celebrated in many countries and communities across Asia, and as it marks the first new moon of the Lunar calendar, this year that fell on Jan. 29. Since the NIS Family-Staff Association was already coincidentally planning to host a Winter Welcome Dinner on Jan. 31, plans to merge the activities emerged. And this was perfect because, the one common tradition in all of the cultures that celebrate Lunar New Year, the holiday is marked by several days of celebrations and time with family—and of course, food!
Lantern decorations in the front entrance, hallway and library were hung from the middle of January, and a week of lunchtime activities for Primary students was planned by Secondary students from our Home Language Club. A Lion-Dance group was formed, traditional Korean songs were planned, and rehearsals began. In addition to library riddle games, the Home Language Club also organized a special daily menu featuring different country-specific food for the week. From the moment students walked into school, they could sense the excitement!
But the bulk of the pre-celebration dinner activities were saved for January 31, with big plans for a Lunar New Year-themed Primary Assembly, Korean food booths and an afternoon of traditional Chinese performances and activities. The highlight of the afternoon assembly was the lion dance, performed by elementary students from various cultural backgrounds. Dressed in dazzling outfits, they welcomed the younger primary students with drumbeats and the lively movements of a roaring yellow and red lion. The wonder in the children’s eyes was unforgettable, a moment that captured the spirit of the day. Parents stood by, watching in awe at the artistry and enthusiasm of some of our youngest students as they excitedly played their part in the day’s festivities.
As the day continued, student-led Chinese performances and activities kicked off. Students and parents gathered to enjoy traditional songs and another performance of the lion dance in the East Building MPH. The enthusiasm of the students was contagious, setting the tone for an evening filled with cultural appreciation and shared experiences.
Of course, no celebration is complete without food, and the culinary delights prepared by our Chinese and Korean parent communities were the heart of the event. In addition to Korean and Chinese delicacies from parents, Cezars Kitchen had a buffet highlighting the week-long Lunar New Year-themed dishes, and all three offerings drew long lines of eager attendees. Food has a way of bringing people together and is one of the best ways to share culture and tradition. The sight of families and staff enjoying meals side by side underscored the deep connections that food fosters within a community.
Performances continued later in the evening, with Korean students taking center stage after a final lion dance performance. Parents could be seen donning beautiful hanboks, and younger students performed traditional songs. As the older students belted out K-pop favorites, the primary students joyfully jumped, danced, and sang along. As one parent reflected, “Bringing everyone together in this room, listening to the kids perform, makes you remember how the closeness of the Commons can bring the community together.”
The event’s success was the true reflection of the dedication and passion of those who helped organize it…our students, parents, and staff. One key organizer from the Korean community shared that his favorite part of planning was “organizing an event that enriches our whole community.” He emphasized the importance of “communication and compromise” in making the event a success. For him, the goal was clear: “Sharing different cultures within the community helps strengthen the bonds between groups.”
One teacher who was also involved, echoed this sentiment, noting that the Lunar New Year celebration was a testament to NIS’s greatest strength—its vibrant and inclusive community. “Despite the varied ways in which different cultures mark this occasion, the event underscored our collective commitment to fostering international-mindedness.”
For one parent, the event had a deeply personal impact. She shared that her children had never truly experienced traditional Korean culture here in Japan, but through preparing for the celebration, they learned about the Lunar New Year and traditional Korean songs and dances. She also found joy in seeing fellow parents come together: “Before becoming moms, many must have been experts in different fields. Seeing them bring out their past professional skills to make this event a success was truly joyful.”
As we reflect on this incredible celebration, it’s clear that events like these are more than just performances, decorations, and food. They are opportunities to build connections, celebrate diversity, and create shared experiences that strengthen our NIS community. Whether it was through music, dance, or a shared meal, Lunar New Year at NIS was a reminder of the richness that comes from embracing and honoring each other’s cultures!
