埼玉県立朝霞西高等学校

Stepping back in time, imagine 1943. Picture a group diligently planting zelkova trees. Their purpose? To protect a nearby military installation from wind and sand. Today, those same zelkova trees stand tall, a silent testament to the past, at Saitama Prefectural Asaka Nishi High School. Saitama Prefectural Asaka Nishi High School, established on April 1, 1979, carries a rich history interwoven with the surrounding area. The school grounds themselves are a fascinating piece of the puzzle. Built on land returned by the US military after the closure of Camp Drake, the school stands as a symbol of transformation. It shares this unique history with the nearby Asaka Chuo Park and Aoba Dai Park, also built on reclaimed land. The very symbol of Asaka Nishi High School, the “Shiinoki,” or zelkova tree, has a special connection to this past. Planted during wartime, these trees have become an integral part of the school’s identity. The school mascot, the charming “Shiinoki Shiichan,” was even created in 2007 to embody this spirit. Now, let’s talk about student life. Asaka Nishi High School is known for its vibrant school events. Students participate in sports festivals, cultural festivals known as “Shiinoki Festivals,” road races, and ball game tournaments. Interestingly, the road race, traditionally held on school grounds, was moved to Lake Sayama in 2017. Imagine students walking or running 15 kilometers for boys and 10 kilometers for girls around the scenic lake. It’s a test of endurance and a celebration of athleticism. Asaka Nishi High School boasts a variety of clubs. There are 17 sports clubs, 12 cultural clubs, and a single music club. Intriguingly, despite its lack of a pool, the school doesn’t have a swimming club. Martial arts are represented solely by a Kendo club, with no Judo club in existence. Asaka Nishi High School is also notable for its unique school uniform. Starting in 2023, a new uniform was introduced. Boys wear blazers and slacks with a charcoal gray check pattern. Girls have a choice of either a blazer and skirt in the same charcoal gray or a blazer and slacks. In a move toward greater student choice, girls can now choose between a necktie or a ribbon to complete their uniform, though a necktie is still required for formal occasions. Asaka Nishi High School prepares its students for the future with a focus on higher education. Many graduates go on to universities, making up 40-50% of graduating classes. Others pursue specialized vocational schools, comprising around 30% of graduates. And finally, a touch of stardust. Asaka Nishi High School has an impressive alumni list, including notable figures like Kenichi Inoue, a voice actor, and Sushio, an animator and character designer. So, as you stand here, amidst the rustling leaves of the zelkova trees, remember the rich tapestry of Saitama Prefectural Asaka Nishi High School. It’s a story of transformation, resilience, and the enduring spirit of learning.