Extra-Curricular Activities
From international programs to competitive sports and vibrant arts offerings, our diverse extracurricular activities provide students with the opportunity to explore their passions and develop essential skills.
Global Education Program
A variety of programs take place throughout the year. Some examples are highlighted below.
New York Leadership Program
Students will have the opportunity to meet leaders from various fields, learn the skills necessary to excel in debates and influence audiences, and take part in a series of leadership-building workshops.
Summer School in the UK
Living in student housing at a prestigious UK independent school provides students with the opportunity to embrace diversity, gain global perspectives, and build lifelong friendships, all set in a quaint Cotswolds setting.
Hana International Symposium, Korea
Through the Hana Academy Seoul initiative, students engage in discussions on global issues and cultivate a strong sense of global citizenship alongside peers from neighboring countries.
Choate Summer Programs, USA
The programs, managed by Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, offers students the opportunity to learn with the Choate students alongside peers from around the world. With over 100 programs and courses, students can hone their talents and discover new interests.
Exchanges with Overseas Students
In collaboration with TCVB (Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau) we will host overseas groups on educational trips to Tokyo, where they will immerse themselves in traditional Japanese culture, explore the latest trends, engage in physical activities, and discuss global issues.
Model United Nations (MUN)
Students take part in a variety of Model United Nations (MUN) conferences, conducted in both Japanese and English, at regional and national levels throughout the year. Through these conferences, they gain firsthand experience in international diplomacy and negotiation, and collaborate to develop solutions to global issues.
TOEFL🄬iBT and IELTS LESSONS
TOEFL and IELTS lessons are discussion-based and take place in small groups. Students and the teacher see each other and engage in dialogue around a Harkness table—an oval table designed to encourage open discussion—to develop their ideas.
Clubs
Sports Clubs
Badminton, Basketball, Batton Twirling, Dance, Gymnastics, Kendo, Lawn Tennis, Rhythmic Gymnastics, Softball, Soft Tennis, Swimming, Table Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Hiking
Music Clubs
Brass Band, Chorus, Light Music, Koto (Japanese traditional harp), Orchestra
Academic and Cultural Clubs
Art, Bible Studies, Camera, Cookery and Sewing, Debate, Drama, English, Film, History, Horticulture, Igo (Japanese traditional board game), Information Processing, Illustration, Japan Red Cross, Kado (Japanese traditional flower arrangement), Literature, Sado (Tea ceremony), Science, Shodo (Japanese traditional calligraphy), Sign Language
Example of Club Activities at Ohyu
Kendo (Way of the Sword)
Rooted in the swordsmanship of the Samurai, Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that uses a bamboo sword (shinai). Students practice Kendo diligently nearly every day, striving to achieve unity of mind and body through disciplined physical and mental training.
Softball Club
Softball is a sport similar to cricket and baseball, played with a larger ball on a smaller field, and featuring only underhand pitches. It has been popular among schoolgirls in Japan since its introduction nearly 100 years ago. Our team has a proud history of success, most recently becoming regional champions in 2024.
Igo Club
Igo, also known as Go, is a traditional board game that has been popular in Japan for over a thousand years. Played by two opponents competing for territory—one using white stones and the other black—it is a game of deep strategy and skill. Our Igo team is recognized as one of the strongest among secondary schools nationwide, having won the Tokyo regional high school girls’ championship in 2024.
Other activities
Cleaning
Cleaning is more than just the act of removing dirt—it is, in Japanese tradition, a form of ascetic practice and spiritual discipline that helps to purify the mind. At Ohyu Gakuen, we take this tradition seriously. All students participate in cleaning classrooms, restrooms, entrances, hallways, and other shared spaces every other day after school.
Outreach
Ohyu Gakuen students actively volunteer in a variety of projects to support both the local and broader community. These activities include assisting individuals with disabilities and organizing recreational events for elderly residents in nursing homes.
Through our social welfare program, students gain hands-on experience by learning braille and wheelchair assistance skills. They also receive white cane training, guided by specialists, to ensure they can effectively support people with visual impairments.
Work Experience
Students visit a variety of workplaces—including government offices, private companies, shops, and factories—to gain insight into different career paths and explore options that align with their interests and strengths. Those pursuing a career in the medical field also have the opportunity to experience clinical environments firsthand.
