EN – Harrow Appi

Ganbatte Nitobe House! 頑張ってニトベ・ハウス!

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Gloria

Nitobe House was this year’s first Boys Formal Dinner with an evening of fine dining, camaraderie, and celebration. The event brought together students, Beaks, and members of staff for one of Harrow Appi Japan’s most cherished boarding traditions.

Dressed in their finest attire, students enjoyed a beautifully prepared three-course meal while strengthening bonds with their Housemates and teachers. The evening concluded with a moving speech from House Master Mr Bartley, followed by inspiring words from several Sixth Form students — including a powerful address from Head Boy, Eann. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room.

More than just a formal occasion, the Nitobe House Dinner celebrated the values of friendship, respect, and tradition that define life at Harrow International School Appi Japan.

Ganbatte Nitobe House! (頑張ってニトベ・ハウス！)

Sixth Form Students visit UK during Half Term

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Gloria

During the school holidays, Harrow Appi Japan’s Sixth Form students travelled across the United Kingdom on an exciting university tour, visiting some of the country’s most prestigious institutions. The trip offered pupils a first-hand look at potential future pathways and a deeper understanding of what life at a top university might hold.

Led by our Head of Sixth Form, the tour combined academic discovery with cultural exploration. Students had the opportunity to meet admissions representatives, explore university campuses, and experience British culture in iconic cities across the UK.

This journey forms an important part of Harrow Appi Japan’s holistic education philosophy — ensuring that every student continues to learn, grow, and discover the world around them, both inside and beyond the classroom.

Boarding Life at Harrow Appi Japan

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Gloria

As students return to campus, the rhythm of full-boarding life once again fills the mountains of Appi Kogen. With the arrival of crisp autumn air, cooler evenings, and golden hillsides, Harrow Appi Japan’s boarding houses have come alive with laughter, warmth, and a renewed sense of togetherness.

From movie nights and friendly games with teachers to the smell of freshly baked treats wafting through the corridors, life in our boarding community is in full swing. Birthday celebrations, late-evening study sessions, and shared moments with friends all remind us why boarding at Harrow International School Appi Japan is such a unique and enriching experience.

There is something truly special about this season at Harrow Appi Japan—when boarders come together to make every moment count before winter’s first snow begins to fall.

Discover boarding at harrow appi japan

To learn more about boarding life at Harrow Appi Japan and meet the educators who make it exceptional, join our Meet the Educator Online Webinar on 20 November.

Elizabeth Formal Dinner

Posted on November 7, 2025November 7, 2025 by Gloria

This year’s Formal Dinner season began in style as Elizabeth House hosted an elegant and memorable evening for its members.

Each Harrow Appi Japan Boarding House organises this special dinner annually, bringing together students and Beaks to celebrate community and tradition. Dressed in formal attire, students enjoyed a beautifully prepared three-course meal, reflecting the grace and camaraderie that define life in a British-style boarding school.

More than just a dining experience, the Formal Dinner is a valued Harrow tradition that encourages students to build deeper connections within their House, celebrate individual and collective achievements, and strengthen the bonds that make Harrow Appi Japan such a close-knit community.

As the season continues, each House will take its turn to host, adding its own unique touch to one of Harrow Appi’s most anticipated events of the year.

International Cultural Day is coming back!

Posted on October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 by Gloria

Our annual International Cultural Day is just around the corner at Harrow Appi Japan.

This special day brings our diverse community together to celebrate the places our students and staff call home. With over 29 nationalities represented in our student body alone, we are proud to showcase the world right here on our remote mountain campus. From games and crafts to delicious food and desserts, it’s a chance to experience cultures from across the globe.

This year, we are also delighted to welcome members of our local community to join the celebration – strengthening the ties between Harrow Appi Japan and the wider Appi Kogen region through shared experiences and cultural exchange.

We’re especially proud to feature the beautiful event poster, designed by one of our talented Sixth Form students.

It’s a celebration of culture, curiosity, and connection – a reminder of the vibrant, inclusive spirit that makes Harrow Appi Japan such a unique place to learn and grow.

Harrow Appi Japan students have 100% success rate in first set of LAMDA examinations

Posted on October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 by Gloria

The first-ever set of LAMDA examination results at Harrow Appi Japan have been released – and our students have achieved outstanding success.

Every current Year 10 pupil entered the exam, and the results speak volumes:

58% were awarded a Distinction — the highest grade possible
42% achieved a Merit

With 0 Passes or Fails, every student excelled at a global standard.

Particular congratulations go to our top scorers:

Audrey (93%)
Amy (91%)
Kiera (90%)

This remarkable achievement is a testament to their talent, dedication, and the guidance of our Drama Department. We are proud of every student who stepped onto this global stage – and we cannot wait to see how they continue to grow.

Mountain Biking Trip to Niseko, Japan

Posted on October 22, 2025October 22, 2025 by Gloria

Our Mountain Bike Team recently travelled from Appi to Niseko for an unforgettable mountain biking trip – an incredible opportunity for our students to put their skills to the test on some of Japan’s most scenic trails.

Trips like this are what make learning at Harrow Appi Japan so unique – taking students beyond the classroom to explore, challenge themselves, and build confidence through real-world experiences.

But don’t just take our word for it, watch the full video below to see everything the students got up to!

Harrow Appi Japan Students Recognised Among Global Top 10% in the International Maths Challenge

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Gloria

Harrow Appi Made: Celebrating Our International Maths Challenge Achievers

Harrow Appi Made is our new series sharing the stories of the extraordinary students who shape our community here in the mountains of Appi. Through these stories, we celebrate the talent, dedication, and ambition that define life at Harrow International School Appi Japan.

We are proud to highlight three Harrovians who recently excelled in the International Maths Challenge, achieving remarkable global recognition:

Harrow Appi Japan student wins Champion Award at the International Maths Competition

Jessica reached the very top, earning the coveted Champion title, placing her in the top 5% globally:

“On June 11th, I joined the first round of the International Maths Competition and successfully qualified for the second round on June 28th. Both rounds awarded me the Champion honor. This experience built on my past practice and gave me more confidence in problem solving.”

Harrow Appi Japan student, Emily, wins Elitist Award at the International Maths Competition

Emily’s brilliant performance earned her the prestigious Elitist title, a distinction awarded only to students in the top 10& worldwide. She reflects on the experience:

“I really enjoy collaborating with students from various countries to challenge diverse mathematical problems. The challenge also made me feel the wide-ranging applicability of math.”

Harrow Appi Japan student, Mai, wins Elitist Award at the International Maths Competition

Mai’s outstanding achievement also earned her the Elitist distinction, demonstrating resilience and innovative thinking:

“To me, math is a difficult subject. Sometimes, I take a moment to relax and calm myself instead of spending time doing practice questions. This math challenge helped me develop a more flexible way to solve problems.”

These achievements showcase the dedication, perseverance, and curiosity we nurture at Harrow Appi. By encouraging our students to participate in global mathematics competitions, we provide opportunities to think critically, collaborate internationally, and excel on the world stage.

Through Harrow Appi Made, we celebrate Jessica, Emily and Mai – three students whose stories inspire others to pursue excellence, embrace challenges, and thrive as part of our vibrant Harrow Appi Japan community.

HELLO Trust Bake Sale

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Gloria

What makes lunch time more fun? A bake sale, of course!

Our students spent their Sunday evening preparing for a delicious bake sale to start the week, all for HELLO Trust. Originally founded by a former student of Harrow Shenzhen, HELLO Trust is a global youth-lead initiative that empowers students to take meaningful action and make a positive difference in their communities.

Whilst spreading joy around the campus, they managed to raise an impressive total of ¥36,190 for UNICEF (The United Nations Children’s Fund). Through their contributions, UNICEF is able to invest more in their mission to helping children, working globally to protect their rights and provide aid for their survival, development, and fulfillment.

Well done to all of the students who took part!

House Short Ex 2025

Posted on October 9, 2025October 9, 2025 by Gloria

That’s a wrap on Short Ex 2025!

Over the past few weeks, our Houses have traded bedrooms for campfires, spending time in the great outdoors and making unforgettable memories in the breathtaking mountains of Appi. From hiking and cooking over open flames to nights filled with laughter, song, and shared stories, each House brought its own energy and warmth to this much-loved Harrow Appi tradition.

Here are just a few highlights: Elizabeth House were treated to perfect autumn weather – crisp, clear skies that set the tone for an evening of burgers, hot dogs, toasted marshmallows, and guitar music around the fire. Lyons House faced a change in plans when the weather turned, but their morning hike, cosy bonfire, and house movie night made for an equally lively and memorable day. For Hearn House, the night was filled with football, frisbee, Uno, karaoke, and a feast of BBQ favourites – including one student who impressively managed five burgers! Meanwhile, Churchill House took on the trails of the Appi Kogen Ski Resort and the Yakehashiri lava flow, exploring some of northern Japan’s most striking landscapes. Ogata House had their fair share of fun (and a little mud), with a few students finding themselves stuck mid-hike – more than once! Nitobe House ended their day on a quieter note, gathered around sharing stories before bed under the clear night sky. And for Masamune House, adverse weather brought a change in plans, but spirits stayed high – finishing a 7km hike with an evening indoors filled with board games, big-screen gaming, pillow fights and more.

Every Short Ex may look a little different, but the heart of it remains the same – teamwork, adventure, and friendship. These moments embody what life at Harrow Appi Japan is all about: stepping beyond the classroom, embracing the outdoors, and growing together as a united community.