EN – Harrow Appi

Harrow Appi Alpine Festival

Posted on March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 by Gloria

Last week, Harrow Appi Japan welcomed students from Harrow Shanghai and Harrow Beijing for the Harrow Appi Alpine Festival – and what a week it was!

For many of our visiting students, strapping on skis for the first time was no small thing. They embraced every slope, every fall and every breakthrough with real Courage – a value that was visible from the very first run to the last. Our own students, meanwhile, showed what Fellowship looks like in practice: welcoming, generous and genuinely delighted to share their mountain home with fellow International Harrovians from across Asia.

Off the slopes, the week was just as rich. Our Communications Committee hosted a Japanese Cultural Evening on Tuesday and a disco on Friday night, with the week rounded off in style with a Giant Slalom race on Saturday morning!

There is something special about young people who have never met, brought together by a shared set of values, leaving as friends. That is the Harrow family at its finest – and this week, it stretched all the way to the mountains of Iwate. We cannot wait for the next one!

Lyon’s House Formal Dinner

Posted on March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 by Gloria

Last week, Lyon’s House gathered for their Formal Dinner — an evening of elegance, celebration and the very best of house fellowship.

Dressed impeccably for the occasion, students and staff came together for a refined evening that was a true reflection of the Lyon’s spirit. It was a wonderful night and the girls really enjoyed themselves, returning to the house smiling, tired and happy.

These evenings matter. Beyond the occasion itself, they are a reminder of the bonds that form when young people share a home, a table and a sense of belonging. The camaraderie and character on display were a credit to every member of the House.

Here’s to Lyon’s House. 🥂

White Long Ducker 2026

Posted on March 20, 2026March 20, 2026 by Gloria

The White Long Ducker returned this term, bringing with it the spirit of one of Harrow’s most cherished traditions. This year, every student took to the snow-covered course in snowshoes – completing two laps, and carrying their house team with them, quite literally, on sleds.

It was a day that asked something of every participant – not just physically, but as a house, as a team, and as a community. The effort, encouragement and camaraderie on display were a reminder of what makes this tradition so enduring.

A huge congratulations to Hearn House for not only experiencing the White Long Ducker for the first time, but winning!

Then vs Now: Our Beaks

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

It is easy to forget that every adult was once a child too.

Before the classrooms, the degrees and the experience, there were dreams, nerves on the first day of school, favourite subjects, inspiring teachers, and moments that shaped who they would become.

At Harrow International School Appi Japan, our staff draw on those very memories every day. They remember what it felt like to be encouraged. To be challenged. To be truly seen. And they use those experiences to shape an environment where every pupil is known, supported and stretched to achieve more than they thought possible.

We would not be a school less ordinary without an extraordinary team. Because creating an exceptional school begins with never forgetting what it feels like to be a child.

To see the full Instagram post, click here!

Trip to Tanzania

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

Snow boots swapped for shorts!

The world remains the greatest classroom. We are proud to offer opportunities that challenge perspectives, broaden horizons and embody our belief in a school life less ordinary. This half term, a group of our students traded the slopes of Japan for the vast plains of Tanzania.

From experiencing traditional arts and crafts at Safariland, to visiting a Maasai Boma Camp where they met the son of the village chief, wore traditional Maasai dress and were welcomed with song and dance, students were immersed in rich local culture. In Arusha, they learned to communicate in sign language with artisans at Shanga, a social enterprise employing deaf and blind craftspeople.

The adventure continued through some of Africa’s most iconic landscapes: the Serengeti Gate, where they witnessed wildebeest and zebra roaming the plains; the historic Oldupai Gorge; the breathtaking Ngorongoro Crater; and the vast Serengeti itself.

Our sincere thanks to our Beaks — Mr Alexander, Ms Alexander and Mr Shota — and to the exceptional Kwetu Tours for making this experience so memorable.

See more photos on our Instagram here!

15 Years Since Tōhoku Earthquake

Posted on March 13, 2026March 13, 2026 by Gloria

On the 11 March, we paused to mark fifteen years since the Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami – remembering the lives lost and honouring the extraordinary resilience of this region. As a school in Tōhoku, this anniversary is close to home. For many of our staff and students, it is a deeply personal moment of reflection.

In the fifteen years since the disaster, Tōhoku has rebuilt with remarkable strength, unity and determination. That spirit is not lost on us. We are proud to be part of a region that continues to grow, thrive and inspire.

東日本大震災で被災された方々をはじめ、東北のコミュニティの皆様へ、心よりお見舞い申し上げます。

Poetry at Heart Competition

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Led by our English Department and involving the entire school, students recently participated in the Poetry by Heart competition. Students were asked to select a poem of their choice and commit it to memory, performing it within their English lessons. From there, finalists were chosen to recite in the Black Box Theatre before a panel of judges.

Students were assessed not simply on accuracy, but on their ability to truly inhabit the poem – to communicate meaning, emotion and intention, and to move their audience through confident, heartfelt delivery.

Congratulations to every student who took part, and a special well done to our finalists and winners. An inspiring reminder of the power of words when they are spoken from the heart.

To learn more about what the students get up to at Harrow Appi Japan, download our prospectus here!

Harrow Appi Japan Students receives award for John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Huge congratulations to Leo C (Year 12) on receiving a Very High Commendation in Economics for the prestigious John Locke Institute Global Essay Prize – placing him in the top 2% of candidates worldwide.

The John Locke Institute Essay Prize is one of the most competitive academic essay competitions globally, attracting thousands of submissions each year from students across leading schools worldwide. Essays are judged by senior academics and scholars from the University of Oxford and other renowned institutions, with entrants assessed on the originality of argument, depth of analysis, clarity of reasoning, and intellectual rigour.

To be recognised at this level in Economics is an exceptional accomplishment and a testament to Leo’s analytical ability, independent thinking, and academic ambition. We are immensely proud to see our students competing – and excelling – on the global stage. Well done Leo!

World Book Week at Harrow Appi Japan

Posted on March 5, 2026March 5, 2026 by Gloria

Happy World Book Day! This week, our Harrow hats told stories.

Students were asked to dress up their hat to tell their story. Items, symbols, colours, favourite characters, well-loved books, hobbies, ambitions, even the wonderfully random objects that make each child unique.

Wednesday’s Assembly looked a little different as a result. The sea of decorated hats transformed the room into a celebration of imagination, personality and storytelling. It was fantastic to see so many pupils embrace the challenge with such creativity and confidence.

At Harrow International School Appi Japan, reading is never just about words on a page. It is about curiosity, self-expression and the courage to share who you are with the world. A wonderful reminder that every story matters – especially your own.

To learn more about life at Harrow Appi Japan, please feel free to download our prospectus here.

House Stomp and Shout 2026

Posted on February 20, 2026February 20, 2026 by Gloria

Did someone say House Stomp and Shout? 🎤

One of the most anticipated House events of the year, House Stomp and Shout saw students spend weeks rehearsing their dance routines and vocal performances, ready to take to the stage and compete for House glory. The energy in the room was electric as each House brought creativity, confidence and serious competitive spirit to the spotlight.

With our esteemed judges watching closely and the holidays just around the corner, you would never have guessed anyone was slowing down. Another unforgettable evening that captures the spirit, talent and camaraderie at the heart of life at Harrow Appi Japan. Well done Elizabeth House for winning Stomp and Lyons House for winning the Shout!