Last week, I attended the high school
graduation ceremony at Fujimura. It was my first time to see a graduation
ceremony in Japan, and I found it very interesting to compare it to graduation
ceremonies in the United States. The ceremonies in each country are fairly
similar, but with a few differences. To me, the Japanese graduation ceremony
seemed very serious. Graduates wore their school uniforms and flower corsages.
In the United States, students wear special graduation caps and gowns, and
their choice of formal clothing underneath their gowns. When the students walk
into the ceremony, a “class song” chosen by the students is played. Graduates
walk onto stage to receive their diplomas, and shake hands with the principal.
There is usually lots of clapping and cheering from friends and family in the
audience. Once everyone has received their diplomas, students turn the tassels
on their caps from right to left, and then throw their caps up in the air in
the celebration. It is a very light-hearted and joyful affair. At the end of
the ceremony at Fujimura, I saw some girls crying as they walked out of the
gym. This reminded me of my own high school graduation – I definitely cried
during my ceremony. Regardless of what country you are in, graduating high
school is a big deal, and the students should feel very proud.
- Emma Sletteland
