江戸川区立南葛西中学校

Clutching my well-worn copy of “Botchan,” I find myself drawn to Edogawa, Tokyo. It’s not Natsume Soseki who brought me here, but another educational institution, the Edogawa Kasai Minami Junior High School. This junior high is part of the rich educational tapestry of Edogawa Ward, a place teeming with schools, from elementary to high school, both public and private. Edogawa Ward itself is a fascinating blend of old and new. Established in 1937, the ward bears the name of the Edo River, which flows along its eastern boundary. The river, a constant presence, has witnessed the ward’s transformation from a collection of towns and villages to a vibrant part of Tokyo Metropolis. Now, standing here, amidst the energy of students and the quiet flow of the river, the story of Edogawa Ward and its Kasai Minami Junior High unfolds. Edogawa Ward is known for a surprisingly large Indian population. About 10% of Japan’s Indian population and 30% of Tokyo’s Indian population call Edogawa home. Many settled in the Nishikasai area because of its convenient access to the Tozai Line. This line connects them to their workplaces and has contributed to a thriving “Little India”. Perhaps, as students at Kasai Minami Junior High head home, they pass by these Indian restaurants, catching the fragrant aromas of spices. They might even hear snippets of Hindi or Tamil, adding another layer to the diverse cultural experience of growing up in Edogawa. Kasai Minami Junior High School is one of many junior high schools administered by the Edogawa Board of Education. Its presence here speaks to the ward’s commitment to education. As we conclude our visit to Kasai Minami Junior High, let us reflect on the lives touched by this place, the dreams nurtured within its walls, and the vibrant community it serves. It’s a small piece of a larger story. It’s a reminder that even in a bustling metropolis like Tokyo, local stories matter. These stories provide texture and depth to the city’s identity.