“Dream big!” echoes through the halls of Tokyo Korean School Primary and Junior High School. This school stands as a beacon of Korean education in Tokyo’s Arakawa district. It is run by the Tokyo Korean School Corporation. Let’s delve into its history.
Tokyo Korean School Primary and Junior High School has a rich past. It began in 1945. A Korean language learning center opened in a 12-tatami room. It was part of the Korean Residents Union Arakawa Branch. Eighteen students and one teacher gathered.
In 1946, it was renamed Korean Residents Union Arakawa Elementary School. December saw the formation of the Omonyi Association. This shows early community support. 1947 marked a significant step. A wooden school building was completed. The school merged with Korean schools in Taito and Kita districts. It was then called Tokyo Korean First Elementary School.
A challenging time came in 1949. The Korean School Closure Order was issued. The school was forcibly transferred. It became Tokyo Metropolitan First Korean Elementary School.
The spirit of the community persevered. By 1955, the school underwent its third expansion. It was renamed Tokyo Korean First Primary School. 1959 was a milestone year. The first reinforced concrete school building was constructed nationwide. A junior high school division was added. This led to the current name: Tokyo Korean School Primary and Junior High School. A kindergarten was added in 1968.
In 2014, a new school building was constructed thanks to the community. As of April 2023, the school has 245 students. It is located in Arakawa Ward.
Tokyo Korean School Primary and Junior High School celebrated its 75th anniversary in December 2020. The school continues to strive for academic excellence. Students engage in unique experiences. Middle schoolers interact online with graduates studying in Germany.
The school’s motto is: “First is the best!” This reflects its commitment to achievement. The beautiful singing during the 75th-anniversary celebration reflects the school’s spirit. It is a place where students are encouraged to dream big.