Our school holds a whole-school assembly every Tuesday.
Today, the principal introduced two banners generously donated by the Ryōwakai.
They commemorate our alumnus Naru Katsuda, who was selected in the 3rd round of the NPB Draft by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp, and are displayed by the main gate and the south gate.
A message from Mr. Naru Katsuda was shared: even if you are not tall, with steady effort you can achieve your dreams.
He encouraged his juniors at Hokuryō not to give up and to keep challenging themselves.
He also attended last week’s presentation ceremony and entrusted this encouragement to our students.
The principal then spoke about the Cultural Festival.
After two postponements from the original 10/31 date, it will be held tomorrow, 11/19.
He expressed appreciation and high expectations for the chorus preparations, the behind-the-scenes roles, and the sustained efforts of the Brass Band Club.
Finally, the principal concluded with the idea that “today is when efforts are rewarded—and a new beginning starts.”
He asked everyone to make tomorrow both a confirmation of成果 and a launch toward what’s next.
For the 3rd-years, it is a milestone as their last Cultural Festival in junior high.
For the 1st- and 2nd-years, it is a step that leads to future events and to next year.
Keywords: Hokuryō Junior High School / Whole-School Assembly / Principal’s Address / Ryōwakai / Banners / Naru Katsuda / Hiroshima Toyo Carp / Cultural Festival / Chorus Contest / Brass Band Club
All posted photos were taken with school-owned cameras, transferred via a wired connection to staff PCs, and uploaded to the website from a securely managed environment.
Principal’s Address at the Whole-School Assembly (November 18, 2025)
Good morning.
I have two things to share today.
First, many of you may have noticed a new banner by the main gate when you arrived this morning.
Our alumnus Naru Katsuda (Class of March 2019) was selected in the 3rd round of the NPB Draft by the Hiroshima Toyo Carp.
To celebrate this, our alumni association, the Ryōwakai (PTA OB), kindly created two banners.
They are displayed by the main gate and the south gate facing the national highway.
At last Saturday’s presentation ceremony, Mr. Katsuda joined us.
He shared this message: “I’m not tall for a baseball player, but through effort I became a professional.
I want my juniors at Hokuryō to know that if you don’t give up on your dreams and hopes and keep working hard, dreams do come true.”
Let me convey that to all of you on his behalf—and offer him our warmest congratulations.
Second, tomorrow is our Cultural Festival.
Originally scheduled for October 31, it will be held on November 19 after two postponements.
From October 31 to now is about three weeks, and it has not been easy to keep motivation high during that time.
Beyond chorus rehearsals with your classes, many people have supported the event through preparation and behind-the-scenes roles that are not always visible.
To our Brass Band Club, thank you for sustaining both spirit and stamina over a long period of practice.
Especially for the 3rd-year students, I believe tomorrow’s stage will surely reward your three years of effort.
One of my favorite songs is “Shunkashūtō (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)” by Shigeru Izumiya.
It includes these lines:
“Today everything will end.
Today everything will change.
Today everything will be rewarded.
Today everything will begin.”
I take these lyrics to mean: when something ends, you are rewarded—but that is not the end; it is also the beginning of something new.
I believe tomorrow’s Cultural Festival will be just such a day.
For the 3rd-years, it is both the last Cultural Festival of junior high and the first step toward new paths and new worlds.
For the 1st- and 2nd-years, bringing your preparations and rehearsals to an “end” becomes a new start for future events and for next year’s selves.
I hope tomorrow will be a day when each of you feels rewarded, and at the same time, a day when a new you begins.
Join forces with your classmates and clubmates, and let’s make a warm, proud Cultural Festival in the Hokuryō spirit.
I’m truly looking forward to it.
Keywords: Hokuryō Junior High School / Principal’s Address / Ryōwakai / Banners / Naru Katsuda / Hiroshima Toyo Carp / Cultural Festival / Chorus / Brass Band Club
All posted photos were taken with school-owned cameras, transferred via a wired connection to staff PCs, and uploaded to the website from a securely managed environment.
