“Eighth Middle School” or “Yacchu” as it is known locally stands here. This public junior high school is in Tokyo’s Setagaya district. Let’s delve into the story of \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821.
\u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 maintains a strong connection to its roots. It forms the “Sogiso Gakuen” with Hachiman Elementary School and Kuhonbutsu Elementary School.
In April 1949, \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 opened its doors. Tanaka Katsuzo, the first principal welcomed 298 students and seven staff members. Initially, classes were held within Hachiman Elementary School. By July, a new school building was ready. The school marks September 20 as its founding anniversary.
Legend says the name “Hachiman” comes from nearby Okusawa Hachiman Shrine. The shrine was once called Okusawa Hachiman. A temple school operated within the shrine grounds. This school later became Hachiman Elementary School in 1879. \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 took its name from this elementary school.
Look at the mosaic mural in the gymnasium. It depicts “Tokiwa Hime” a character from the local folktale “The Heron Grass Story.” The story links to Okusawa Castle now Kuhonbutsu Joshinen Temple.
In 1950, \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 created its school song. A class for students with intellectual disabilities opened in 1955. The school established standard uniforms in 1958. Full lunch service began in 1971.
\u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 embraces three core educational goals. Autonomy means students learn, think and act for themselves. Independence means students respect rules and others. Self-respect means students value themselves and cultivate their minds and bodies.
The nearest stations to \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 are Jiyugaoka Station a 10-minute walk away and Kuhonbutsu Station an eight-minute walk.
\u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 offers various club activities. Sports clubs include baseball, soccer, track and field, soft tennis, FD track, basketball, and badminton. Culture clubs feature brass band and art. Step activities include band seminars and hip-hop dance. \u4e16\u7530\u8c37\u533a\u7acb \u516b\u5e61\u4e2d\u5b66\u6821 continues to educate students. Its history is rich with tradition. The school adapts to modern times.