Kirsty Kawano
Kirsty Kawano is an Australian who has lived in Japan for many years. She enjoys spending time with her husband and their two beautiful daughters.
Articles By Kirsty
Bullying in Japanese Schools
The Japanese word "ijime" sounds much more sinister than its English translation, bullying. For today’s Japanese parents, their experience of bullying was back in the...
May 23, 2016 | Families
Preparing Your Child to Walk to School in Japan Without You
Perhaps the biggest and most immediate change that accompanies your child’s graduation from kindergarten to elementary school in Japan is her newfound independence. No longer...
March 21, 2016 | Families
Japanese School Lunches: More Than Just a Meal
Fittingly for a country with its own rich traditional cuisine, Japan takes its catered elementary school lunches very seriously. More than just a meal, lunchtime...
February 22, 2016 | Families
Preparing to Enter a Japanese Elementary School
Although the new Japanese school year doesn’t begin until April, there’s a lot to get ready before the entrance ceremony. There’s that heavy-looking elementary-school backpack...
January 29, 2016 | Families
Pros and Cons of the Japanese Public School System
Japanese schools have long been criticized for excessive use of rote learning and cookie-cutter output of students. But as Japanese society changes, its schools are...
December 8, 2015 | Families
Is a Japanese School Best for Your Child?
What is best for my child? It’s an age-old question, and one that is sometimes easy to answer but often very difficult. When the topic...
November 12, 2015 | Families
All You Need to Know About Tokyo Public School PTAs
Parent Teacher Associations and their activities help bring school communities together and, as my local one did for me, can provide you with a safe...
October 1, 2015 | Families