Emerging from the merger of Osaka Prefectural Higashi-Toyono High School and Osaka Prefectural Tottori High School, Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School opened its doors in April 2007. This public high school, located in the Tamajima area of Toyonaka City, caters to both boys and girls. It utilizes the former Higashi-Toyono High School grounds and falls within the first school district, covering northern Osaka City and the Hokusetsu region. Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School offers a comprehensive curriculum with a wide array of elective subjects. This allows students to tailor their educational path to their interests and future aspirations. Students can choose from several areas of study, including “Life and Ecology,” “Welfare,” “Learning and Research,” “International Understanding,” “Information and Broadcasting,” and “Art and Sports.” Within these areas, specialized courses and free electives are available.
Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School’s school song was composed based on student submissions. The lyrics were carefully crafted by the School Song Committee, and the music was composed by a music teacher at the school. The arrangement was done by Wataru Watanabe, adding a professional touch to this student-driven creation. In 2018, Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School transitioned to a course-based system, further enhancing its educational flexibility. The school emphasizes character education alongside academics, fostering keywords like “trust,” “challenge,” and “continuation.” This focus aims to cultivate well-rounded individuals equipped for success in society.
Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School engages in unique programs like the “21st-Century Construction Project” in collaboration with Ritsumeikan University. This project introduces first-year students to construction techniques, enriching their understanding of daily lessons. The school also has a vibrant international exchange program with Pathum Thani High School in Thailand, facilitated by a local NPO. This program provides invaluable opportunities for cultural understanding and global awareness. Students engage in video letter exchanges, online communication via ZOOM, and even in-person study tours to Thailand. This provides firsthand experience of different cultures.
Moreover, Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School boasts three specialized courses: Humanities and Social Sciences, Social and Cultural Communication, and Arts and Creative Expression. These courses, along with three academic streams (General, Nursing/Medical, and Science), provide focused learning experiences. The school’s Arts and Creative Expression course has seen notable achievements, with student artwork showcased at national competitions. For instance, Chiharu Sakata’s piece, “Summer of the Dragonfly,” represented Osaka Prefecture at the 48th National High School Integrated Cultural Festival. Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Tsubasa High School also actively participates in disaster relief and recovery efforts. Following the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, students felt a strong urge to contribute. This led to ongoing support activities, including visits to Kesennuma City in Miyagi Prefecture. Students engage in various tasks, from park cleanup to interacting with affected communities. They even assist with reforestation efforts in areas devastated by the tsunami. The school is a designated UNESCO School, further demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility and global citizenship.