Local Schools Visit Harrow appi Japan

Over 400 students and teachers from the local schools joined us for an exclusive showing of our student production of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It was a pleasure to welcome both familiar and new faces into our Speech Room as they gathered to enjoy the performance our students had worked so hard to perfect.
 
We were equally proud to see our Communication Committee collaborating with the Beaks to support and coordinate the smooth running of the event. Their professionalism, teamwork, and leadership contributed significantly to creating a memorable experience for our guests.
 
A huge congratulations to our students for their outstanding work, and sincere thanks to everyone who came to watch and support the show.

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Drama Performance

Our students delivered a phenomenal performance of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, the beloved 1950s classic by British author C. S. Lewis. From the powerful singing and expressive acting to the lighting, sound, and backstage management handled entirely by our students, the production was a testament to their talent, discipline, and creativity.
 
The evening was made even more special by the many parents who travelled to campus as part of Parent Week — our dedicated programme that invites families to experience life at Harrow Appi Japan. Their enthusiasm and support added to the warmth and excitement of the night, creating a performance to remember.
 
A huge well done to all students involved.

Akkado Caving Adventure

On Sunday, a group of our adventurous students set off early to explore Akkado Cave, the longest limestone cavern in Japan, located in Iwaizumi, Iwate Prefecture.
 
After a two-hour journey, they ventured into deeper sections of the cave not normally open to the public. Crawling through narrow passages, navigating uneven terrain, and challenging themselves both physically and mentally, they returned tired, muddy, and incredibly proud of their achievements.
 
A true taste of adventure and resilience — just one example of the unforgettable experiences our students enjoy at Harrow Appi Japan!

Yuki-Ita Snowboard Project

At the end of every term, our students take part in one of Harrow Appi Japan’s most unique traditions — creating their own yuki-ita snowboards.
 
Led by professors from Aomori University, this annual workshop introduces students to the craftsmanship behind yuki-ita, a Japanese invention and early form of snow surfing that predates modern snowboards. Students learn how to shape, carve, and finish their boards by hand, gaining insight into local winter culture while building practical skills in design and creativity.
 
A memorable blend of culture, craft, and adventure — and a highlight our students look forward to every winter.

Student Baking Competition

As part of our Saturday Night Activities, students from all seven Houses put their culinary skills to the test in a full-school Come Dine With Me competition, inspired by the very popular British TV show of the same name! From planning and cooking to presenting their creations, every House brought creativity, teamwork, and plenty of friendly rivalry to the table.

This fun-filled evening is more than just a cooking challenge — it’s a perfect example of our holistic education model in action.

A huge congratulations to joint winners Ogata House and Nitobe House — your dishes and teamwork were truly outstanding!

White Season Concert 2025

Congratulations to all our students who took part in the White Season Concert, Harrow Appi Japan’s annual celebration to welcome the White Season! ❄️

Over 60 students shared their talent and dedication, performing pieces they had spent weeks perfecting for the whole school and visiting guests. From solo performances to ensemble pieces, the concert was a beautiful showcase of creativity, skill, and the hard work of our young musicians. The audience had so much fun – singing along to the festive classics, nodding to the rhythm, and fully immersing themselves in the spirit of the season.

A huge well done to everyone involved – your music brought warmth and joy as the White Season began!

Weekends at Harrow Appi Japan

One frequently asked question we get as a full-boarding school is “what do full-boarding students actually get up to on the weekend?” At Harrow Appi Japan, weekends are not just for resting – they’re for discovering new passions, building confidence, and exploring the world around them.

Our Optional Expeditions Programme, designed by the Expeditions Team, gives students the chance to experience the outdoors in new and meaningful ways. And while most teenagers might choose a long lie-in, our students were up early last weekend, heading straight to the climbing gym to challenge themselves, support one another, and push past their comfort zones.

It’s all part of our commitment to helping students learn about themselves – not just in the classroom, but in every corner of the beautiful environment they call home.

Students perform at Morioka Malios Hall

Last weekend, three of our talented musicians — Yuma, Ayaka, and Takuto — took to the stage at Morioka’s Malios Hall, performing on the stunning Steinway piano as part of a concert celebrating the work of Sakuraba Sensei’s students.

A group of Harrow Appi students travelled to cheer them on, and our performers delivered beautiful, confident renditions of works by Handel and Chopin. Their poise, musicality, and dedication were evident in every note.

A truly special afternoon, and a wonderful showcase of the talent nurtured within our Music Department.

White Season has arrived!

In true Appi fashion, the snow has arrived far earlier than expected — and in just one night, the landscape has been transformed into a winter wonderland. Students wrapped up warm and headed outside, swapping trainers for snow boots as they waded through fresh powder that reached up to their knees.

With the usual trails hidden beneath a thick blanket of snow, they carved out new paths of their own, embracing the adventure and making the most of Appi’s extraordinary natural environment before the end of term.

Early snow, endless exploration. Only at Harrow Appi Japan!

Ogata Formal Dinner 2025

Ogata House hosted a truly memorable Formal Dinner last week — an evening marked by care, creativity, and connection. Students put remarkable effort into the event, crafting personalised invitations and beautifully handwritten place cards that set the tone for a special night.

This was also the first Formal Dinner of the year that came with a seating plan, carefully decided by the students to encourage all students and Beaks to sit with someone new, spark fresh conversations, and strengthen bonds across the House.

A wonderful evening of elegance, friendship, and House spirit — an Ogata tradition proudly upheld.