House Stomp and Shout 2026

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!

Early University Offers for Harrow Appi Japan’s First Sixth Form Cohort

Harrow International School Appi Japan is proud to announce the early university offers received by our first Sixth Form cohort— a threshold moment for their future adult lives as it is for Harrow Appi.

Although this is still an early stage in the university admissions cycle, our graduating class have already secured more than 70 early offers from leading institutions across the UK, US, Japan, Canada, Hong Kong and Australia. This includes 38 offers from Russell Group or other Top Ten ranked universities in the UK. This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to the dedication of our students.

These offers reflect not only academic excellence, but also the ambition, character and global outlook that define a Harrow Appi education. Students join us at Appi from all over the world, and we are now discovering that they will move on from us to further study all around the world as well.

Importantly, these represent just the first wave of offers, with further decisions — and undoubtedly more exciting news — still to come. We look forward to celebrating the continued success of our pioneering Year 13 students in the months ahead.

House Igloo Building Competition 2026

The much loved House Igloo Building Competition returned this term — and this year, the igloos were bigger, bolder and more imaginative than ever!

Our highly skilled (and highly competitive) students transformed blocks of snow into architectural masterpieces. There were multi-room designs, beautifully decorated interiors, a private cinema room, and even an igloo complete with its own slide!

After three full days of planning and construction, a group of adventurous students took the challenge one step further by choosing to stay overnight inside their creations — enduring temperatures of -12°C. 🥶

Congratulations to all Houses for their outstanding effort, collaboration and ingenuity and a huge thank you to the professors at Aomori University for helping the students with their builds. Be sure to watch the video to see these incredible snow structures come to life!

Ski Race Trip to Tayama Ski Resort

A great day on the slopes at Tayama Ski Resort in Hachimantai!

Our recent ski race trip challenged students to test their technique in a new environment, building confidence and resilience beyond familiar terrain.

By visiting a variety of local ski resorts throughout the season, students are encouraged to adapt, explore, and enjoy the excitement of skiing somewhere new – all while developing their skills and love for the sport.

Hearn House Formal Dinner

Hearn House recently hosted its very first formal dinner since opening in August 2025 — a special milestone for the House. With a Casino theme, students dressed in their finest attire and enjoyed an evening of games and shared celebration in a refined setting.

Beyond the occasion itself, it was wonderful to see the strong bonds already formed between Housemates. In just one term, students and the House team have created an impressive sense of fellowship and community, reflecting the spirit that sits at the heart of life at Harrow Appi Japan.

What happens at Parent Week at Harrow Appi Japan?

As a 100% full-boarding school, families often ask how they can stay closely connected to their child’s life at Harrow Appi Japan. During term time, this comes through regular tutor communication, a whole-school monthly newsletter, and weekly updates from our boarding houses.

At the end of term, Parent Week brings this connection to life. Parents are invited to ski and snowshoeing sessions, watch performances such as the school musical, and spend time with our academic and pastoral leaders in a relaxed, informal setting — experiencing first-hand what makes Harrow Appi a school less ordinary.

What does leadership look like at Harrow Appi Japan?

As part of the final stage of our Head Student selection process, six shortlisted students took part in a collaborative challenge designed to test communication, empathy, and teamwork. Split into two teams, they were tasked with baking cookies — with a twist: one student could not see, one could not hear, and one could not use their hands.

Observed by our Senior Leadership Team and current Head Students, the challenge required clear communication, adaptability, and mutual trust at every step. While the task was light-hearted and fun, it offered a powerful insight into how these students support one another, problem-solve under pressure, and lead with compassion.

A fitting reflection of the kind of leadership we value at Harrow Appi Japan — well done and good luck to all students who participated!

Internationally acclaimed Steinway artist visits Harrow Appi Japan

We were deeply honoured to welcome Warren Lee to Harrow Appi Japan.

As Principal Music Director of the AISL Harrow Group and an internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist, Warren Lee spent time working closely with our students, providing a piano masterclass, performing for the entire school during assembly, and meeting with many of our talented young musicians. These moments offered students a rare and inspiring insight into musical excellence at the highest level.

Having made his televised debut with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of six, Warren’s career has since taken him across five continents, from Carnegie Hall in New York to leading concert halls around the world. His visit was an exceptional opportunity for our students to learn directly from a musician of such distinction.

Experiences like this are incredibly rare, and we are truly grateful to have welcomed Warren Lee to our campus. His generosity, artistry, and passion for music left a lasting impression on our community.

Weekends in White Season: Snowshoe Expedition

Weekends during White Season at Harrow Appi Japan offer students the opportunity to explore the mountain environment in new and meaningful ways. This weekend, students took part in an optional expedition that saw them venture beyond the ski runs to experience a day of snowshoeing.

Moving through the winter landscape at a slower pace allowed students to connect with their surroundings, appreciate the natural beauty of Appi, and challenge themselves in a different way. Snowshoeing encourages resilience, balance, and teamwork, while offering space for reflection and quiet confidence-building away from the classroom.

Experiences like this are an integral part of life during White Season. Our optional weekend expeditions provide students with the freedom to try something new, deepen their relationship with the outdoors, and develop independence—making the most of an environment that allows learning to extend far beyond the school day.

Harrow Appi Japan Student Wins Iwate Manga Art Competition

We are delighted to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Tsumugi (Year 10), who has been awarded First Place Overall in the Iwate Prefecture Manga Art Competition.

The competition was introduced to students through our annual Manga Workshop in September, led by professional manga artist Yuushi You. The workshop provides students with the opportunity to explore manga as a serious art form, developing both technical skills and creative storytelling under expert guidance.

Tsumugi received the Grand Prize in the 1–4 panel comic category (Under 15). Her work was selected from a total of 194 entries, including 78 submissions within her category, representing participants from across Japan and 12 countries worldwide. Her entry stood out for its creativity, originality, and artistic quality.

This achievement is a wonderful reflection of the creativity, ambition, and dedication of our students, as well as the breadth of opportunities available to them at Harrow Appi Japan. We are incredibly proud of Tsumugi and look forward to seeing her continued growth as an artist.

Congratulations, Tsumugi, on this remarkable accomplishment.