Field Day

It's time for field day. The students start by doing stretching exercises together. The relay is one of the most exciting events. Keep the eye on the baton! These boys are engaging in group gymnastics. They work together to form a variety of shapes.


Kojimachi Middle School holds a field day once a year, and all students take part. Before the event, many of the more eager students practice with kids from other classes. The 1999 field day, held in September, included relay and obstacle-course races, group gymnastics, and original dances (choreographed and performed by female students). Because it is located in the middle of a big city, Kojimachi has a small schoolyard, with barely enough room for a 150-meter lap track. But the school makes efficient use of this limited space by doing things like using different starting lines for separate track and field events.


Girls perform a dance they've choreographed on their own. The dance consists of graceful motions with fans. Students competing on the obstacle course. Another scene from group gymnastics: Students make a pyramid. As each student climbs on, the ones already in formation have to work hard to maintain their balance.