Winners announced for Harrow Appi’s Lord Byron Writing Prize

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Named in honour of Old Harrovian Lord Byron — one of the greatest English poets and a defining figure of the Romantic movement — this prize celebrates the literary heritage that connects our students in the mountains of Appi Kogen to more than four centuries of Harrow tradition.

Led by our English Department, students across the school were invited to craft an original piece of creative writing, with entries read aloud in assembly before the whole school community. It was a wonderful celebration of imagination, courage and craft — qualities we believe every young writer deserves the stage to share.

Creative expression sits at the heart of a Harrow Appi education. For students aged 11 to 18, opportunities such as this build not only literary skill, but the confidence, voice and love of language that will serve them throughout their academic journeys and far beyond.

Congratulations once again to our three winners: Marissa L, Pebble I, Karen L.

Harrow Appi Student Wins Third Place at Worldwide High School Chinese Language Contest

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We are immensely proud to share that Thomas has been awarded Third Place at the 19th Hankobashi Worldwide High School Chinese Language Contest Japan Tournament, held in Tokyo on 23 May.

Already multilingual in Japanese, French and English, Thomas chose to pursue Chinese out of pure passion — and since joining Harrow Appi Japan, he has dedicated himself to mastering the language through curiosity, discipline and determination. His achievement reflects not only remarkable linguistic talent, but the genuine love of learning that defines him as a student.

It is precisely this spirit we seek to nurture in every young person at Harrow Appi. Within our full boarding environment, students aged 11 to 18 are known, guided and championed as individuals — given the time, space and expert support to pursue their passions far beyond the curriculum, and to discover just how far those passions can take them.

Our special thanks to Ms Hou, whose invaluable guidance and encouragement supported Thomas throughout this journey.

Congratulations once again, Thomas — we cannot wait to see where your passion for languages leads you next.

A Gift of Timeless Literature for Our Students

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We were honoured to welcome members of the Association to Remember Setouchi Jakucho, alongside distinguished guests from across Iwate Prefecture, for a truly special occasion: the donation of the Japanese and Korean translations of The Tale of Genji, rendered into modern Japanese by the late Setouchi Jakucho.

Written by Murasaki Shikibu in the early 11th century, The Tale of Genji is widely regarded as the world’s first novel — a cornerstone of Japanese literary heritage. Jakucho’s celebrated translation has made this masterpiece accessible to generations of readers, and her deep connection to Iwate makes this gift all the more meaningful to our school community.

For our students aged 11 to 18, these volumes are far more than books. They are an invitation to engage with over a thousand years of Japanese culture — nurturing the curiosity, cultural fluency and global perspective that define a Harrow Appi education, where world-class British learning meets the rich heritage of our home in Japanese nature.

Our sincere thanks to the members of the Association to Remember Setouchi Jakucho, and to our distinguished guests representing the Chamber of Commerce of Kitakami City, the Joboji Temple General Branch of Ninohe City, the Self-Governing Council of Kunai-cho, Kitakami City, and the Iwate Baseball Association, for honouring us with their visit.

Harrow Appi Japan student receives offer from Tsinghua University

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Congratulations Marissa! 🌟

Marissa, a member of our pioneering graduating Sixth Form cohort, has received several outstanding university offers including Tsinghua University, one of the most prestigious universities in the world and often referred to as the MIT of China.

To Marissa and to every member of our graduating cohort – as your examinations approach, we are behind every single one of you.

Go and show the world what you are made of!

University of Cambridge visits Harrow Appi Japan

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We were delighted to welcome Dr Luis Perez, Regional Manager of International Admissions from the University of Cambridge, to Harrow Appi Japan. His visit provided an exceptional opportunity for both our staff and students to gain firsthand knowledge from one of the world’s most prestigious and selective institutions.

about the university of cambridge

The University of Cambridge is one of the oldest and most celebrated universities in the world. Consistently ranked among the top two universities globally, Cambridge comprises 31 historic colleges, each with its own unique character and community. The University has an extraordinary legacy of academic excellence, counting among its alumni and faculty some of the most influential figures in human history –  from Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin to Stephen Hawking and numerous world leaders, Nobel laureates, and pioneering thinkers across every field of human endeavour.

a visit with the sixth form team

Dr Perez began by meeting with our dedicated Sixth Form Team and University Counsellors, offering invaluable insight into every stage of the Cambridge admissions process. From helping students decide whether Cambridge is the right path for them as early as Year 12, to navigating the nuances of the application itself, Dr Perez equipped our team with the knowledge and confidence needed to guide students through one of the most rigorous university processes in the world. 

He also addressed what parents should understand and expect throughout the journey — ensuring that families feel informed and supported every step of the way. This session was an incredible investment in our team’s ability to provide truly world-class university counselling.

meeting our sixth form cohort

Dr Perez then spoke directly with our Year 12 and Year 13 students in what proved to be an inspiring and highly informative session. He went beyond simply showcasing what Cambridge has to offer, diving into the specifics of the interview process, the qualities and achievements Cambridge looks for in prospective applicants, and the practical steps students can take right now to best prepare themselves. For many of our students, hearing this directly from a Cambridge admissions professional brought both clarity and genuine motivation to their university ambitions.

Opportunities like this matter enormously. Understanding the expectations of the world’s most prestigious institutions early gives our students the foundation to make the most of every moment of their time here — academically, personally, and beyond the classroom.

At Harrow Appi Japan, we are committed to creating exceptional opportunities for both our staff and our students, ensuring everyone has the very best chance to excel in everything they do. We are immensely proud to have hosted Dr Luis Perez and the University of Cambridge, and deeply grateful for the knowledge and inspiration he brought to our community. The rest, as always, is up to them.

Four Seasons at Harrow Appi Japan

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One school. Four seasons. A landscape that transforms completely around our students from one term to the next – and a school year that looks quite unlike anywhere else in the world.

Snow-covered slopes in winter. Cherry blossoms in spring. Lush green mountains in summer. Golden valleys in autumn. This is the backdrop to a Harrow Appi Japan education – and we would not have it any other way.

Watch Now: The Start of Graduation

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A night we will never forget.

This video captures the beginning of our very first graduation celebrations at Harrow Appi Japan (with many more yet to come!)

A Torch Lit Descent down the mountain as darkness fell. Our first ever Leavers Dinner. And our first ever Prom – a Starlit Garden brought to life, and made all the more special by the decision of our Year 13s to open the doors to Year 12 as well. Because that is exactly who they are, a year group who, from the very beginning, have led with generosity, warmth and the kind of fellowship that will define them long after they leave these slopes behind. Pioneering in every sense of the word.

To our entire Sixth Form community — we are so incredibly proud of everything you have built together. And to our Year 13s, as your examinations approach, we want you to know that every single member of this school is behind you. Go and show the world what a Harrow Appi Japan upbringing looks like. 

We love you, Sixth Form. ❤️

Optional Expedition: Trip to the Dragon Eye

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Right on our doorstep, and never any less extraordinary.

Last weekend, our students explored two of Hachimantai’s most breathtaking natural wonders as part of our optional expeditions:

First, the Hachimantai Aspite Line – home to the longest snow corridor in Japan. A wall of white stretching as far as the eye can see, and a reminder of just how incredible the landscape surrounding our school truly is.

Then, the Dragon Eye. Kagami-numa Pond, nestled near the Hachimantai Summit, transforms each spring as the snow slowly melts to reveal a striking natural phenomenon – a crystal clear lake that bears an uncanny resemblance to a giant dragon’s eye gazing up at the sky.

At Harrow Appi Japan, the world beyond the campus is as much a part of our students’ education as anything within it.

Children’s Day (こどもの日) Celebrations

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To mark the occasion, our Houses have spent the past week designing and painting their own Koinobori — the iconic Japanese carp streamers symbolising strength, perseverance and the hope that children grow up healthy and strong. The campus has been awash with colour, creativity and friendly rivalry, with large Koinobori and smaller flying Koi adorning boarding throughout the week.

Sunday’s judging brought it all together with traditional foods and festival-style stalls. A huge thank you to Mr. Caine for introducing this wonderful new tradition to our community. The effort and imagination on display have been truly exceptional.

Trail Running Through Tokyo

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26.6km. Three days. One unforgettable Kyoto adventure.

Our students hit the trails of Kyoto this week, covering over 26km on foot — including an impressive 15.2km on Day 2 alone, which by all accounts became a firm favourite. Running through the iconic torii gates of Fushimi Inari, taking on a city-wide scavenger hunt and finishing at the Kyoto Station Sky Way – it was a trip that asked something of everyone, every single day.

At its heart, this trip was about perseverance and resilience — the willingness to keep going when the kilometres pile up and the legs start to ache. Well done to all students who participated!