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Partnered shops with mymizu provide free water refills. These partnered businesses are displayed as orange pins in the mymizu application, blue for public drinking fountains, and navy for natural spring waters. Partnered businesses generally display an indication, such as stickers, to promote sustainability. Credit: mymizu
The refill revolution
Kuroshima saw about 4 meters of uplift, making it one of the most uplifted coastal areas on the peninsula. Credit: Linn J
The future of disaster resilience: lessons from Noto 
Newly appointed Prime Minister Balendra Shah, popularly known as "Balen", holds his daughter Niloufer Shah as first lady Sabina Kafle stands behind him, while attending his oathtaking ceremony at "Shital Niwas", the presidential building in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 27, 2026. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
A generation’s breaking point: Nepal’s prospects for the future
A demonstrator attempts to hurl a flaming tyre as police try to stop him during a protest following Nepal’s former Prime Minister and Chairman of the Communist Party of Nepal, K.P. Sharma Oli detention by police, who are investigating whether he was negligent in preventing dozens of deaths during the Gen Z protests, in Kathmandu, Nepal, March 28, 2026. REUTERS/Navesh Chitrakar
From hashtags to fire: inside Nepal’s youth-led uprising
An artist working on a traditional Buddhist mandala at the School of Thangka Art Painting. Credit: Mr. Felstehausen
How education is expanding women’s opportunities in Nepal
Test-blind and test-optional policies have left prospective college applicants guessing.
Test-Optional, But Not Really
International student visas are increasingly under scrutiny. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration
Shifting visa policies redirect international study plans
Every night, 30-40 Tōyoko kids gather in Kabukicho, some of them just communicate among themselves, others conduct illegal acts, including underage drinking and underage smoking. As the clock turns to eleven, multiple Shinjuku police officers come in to bring the kids back to their homes or to the welfare center.
Abuse of OTC cold medicine is consuming vulnerable youth
More schools in the USA are moving away from AP curricula.
Beyond APs towards non-test-centered learning
The main building of the HYBE company, one of the top three companies in the K-Pop industry in Seoul.
What is worth sacrificing for the pursuit of stardom?
Finding my 潮時
Finding my 潮時
Our generation has become emotionally detached from the world. Desensitized to real issues. And have chosen to avoid reality to cope.
We need to face reality, Gen Z.
Don't be a snob.
Don’t be a snob.
The Japanese Royal Family greeted the Japanese public on the palace balcony on February 23rd, in occasion of the Emperor’s 66th birthday. Credit: Imperial House Household Agency Official Instagram Account
Why is the Japanese Royal Family so restrained?
A sign cautions viewers about bears, suggesting that those walking alone should turn on a radio or ring a bear bell. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Japan’s bear problem
Media lacked multi-dimensional queer characters, representing to ‘check diversity boxes’ Photo by James A. Molnar on Unsplash
Have we moved past the gay best friend?
“A Beautiful Mind” tells the story of John Nash, a mathematician who suffered from schizophrenia. Despite receiving some criticism, it is seen as one of the films with a more accurate representation of individuals with schizophrenia. Image credit: imbd.com
Films affect how society perceives individuals living with schizophrenia
Laurel Hubbard competing in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
The International Olympics Committee (IOC) should stand by LGBTQ+athletes
Simone Biles competing in the Women’s Balance Beam in Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
What the 2020 Olympics taught us about the impact that mental health can have on athletes
Echo-chambers of online activism are drowning out voices
Echo-chambers of online activism are drowning out voices
Along with immense heat waves, torrential rain also affected Gahtal, India. Image credit: Samir Mondal on Facebook
Hits and Misses 2024: Climate extremes around the globe
This year, FX’s 2024 television series Shōgun received critical acclaim and widespread recognition, breaking the record for the number of Emmys won by a show in one year (18). Image credit: Goodfon.com
Hits and Misses 2024: Shōgun wins 18 Emmy awards
Crows fly over the ruined dome which was abandoned after the World War Two atomic bombing in Hiroshima, western Japan, August 6th, 2025. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Hits and Misses 2024: Nihon Hidankyo receives the Nobel Peace Prize
Jul 23, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani (17) strikes out during the third inning against the Minnesota Twins at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
Hits and Misses 2024: Shohei Ohtani
Hits and Misses 2024: The rise of podcasts
Hits and Misses 2024: The rise of podcasts
Navigating the dilemma of excessive digital connectivity with social isolation. Credit: SHVETS Production via Pexels.com
Broadcasting vulnerability
Various addictive social media apps on screen. Credit: Reuters Image
Brainrot: does it actually rot your brain? 
Credit: Wordpress.com
THERE IS AS YET INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR A MEANINGFUL TITLE
Credit: Pinterest
Brainrot Nation
Harukou prefecture qualifiers. Yee Mon Myat spiking. Credit: getsuvolley.com
Harukou 2025
Navigating the dilemma of excessive digital connectivity with social isolation. Credit: SHVETS Production via Pexels.com
Broadcasting vulnerability
Various addictive social media apps on screen. Credit: Reuters Image
Brainrot: does it actually rot your brain? 
Taylor Swift’s twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, poster. Image credit: Mert Alaz & Marcus Piggott/TAS Rights Management
Has Taylor Swift finally fallen off – or just evolved again?
Image credit: Screenshots from Pinterest
Redefining and weaponizing humor through brain-rot
News from social media is no longer a supplement to traditional news; instead, it has begun to overtake it.
Instant gratification-seeking habits come at the expense of our media literacy
Credit: Wordpress.com
THERE IS AS YET INSUFFICIENT DATA FOR A MEANINGFUL TITLE
Credit: Pinterest
Brainrot Nation
Harukou prefecture qualifiers. Yee Mon Myat spiking. Credit: getsuvolley.com
Harukou 2025
Portraits of 10 Jews of the 20th Century, 1980 Photo: Jimin S
Exploring identity, image, and self
In 2017, Beast rose to fame for his high-budget high-stakes YouTube competition shows.
‘Beast Games’: the Guinness World Record-breaking show is better than it looks
Tacos beyond Taco Rico
Tacos beyond Taco Rico
Navigating the dilemma of excessive digital connectivity with social isolation. Credit: SHVETS Production via Pexels.com
Broadcasting vulnerability
Various addictive social media apps on screen. Credit: Reuters Image
Brainrot: does it actually rot your brain? 
Breaking the chain of negative student habits
Breaking the chain of negative student habits
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by donating to these organizations!
Five Japanese organizations to support during Pride Month
Tacos beyond Taco Rico
Tacos beyond Taco Rico
Around the world, in Hiroo
Around the world, in Hiroo
Illustration credit: Juho K.
Fresh & returning favorites: Cezars Kitchen’s top 10 snacks
Credit: @aubrey.club.house on Instagram
Aubrey House’s Acai Bowls: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem
The best of Cezars Kitchen
The best of Cezars Kitchen
Navigating the dilemma of excessive digital connectivity with social isolation. Credit: SHVETS Production via Pexels.com
Broadcasting vulnerability
Various addictive social media apps on screen. Credit: Reuters Image
Brainrot: does it actually rot your brain? 
Breaking the chain of negative student habits
Breaking the chain of negative student habits
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by donating to these organizations!
Five Japanese organizations to support during Pride Month
Being conscious of the language we use can help us make strides in inclusion.
Be conscious of person-first language
ISSH middle schoolers with matching “NOMMI” blind box figures on their bags.
The blind box craze taking over the world
Extinction, wildfires, droughts, floods — relentless environmental destruction flashing across our screens and headlines is an everyday unavoidable reality. In the midst of this turmoil, one might pause and wonder: what can truly be done in the face of such colossal challenges? fedrelena, Pixabay
Navigating eco-grief in times of climate crisis
Got some change? Spend your spare coins in these affordable 100 yen shops!
Got some change? Spend your spare coins in these affordable 100 yen shops!
Image credit: Juho K
The greenwashing crisis
Circular economy is a way to recreate the supply chain and create a sustainable economy.
elab promotes sustainability through “the power of food”
Does Sacred Heart prepare you for college?
Does Sacred Heart prepare you for college?
Poster by Yena L., class of 2028.
Live a Loving Life 
Isona Kakuchi shared her work as a pediatrician with Médecins Sans Frontières with Sacred Heart high school students. (High School Newsletter)
Healing beyond borders
Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths in front of the Sacred Heart entrance. Image Credits: Linda L, Yuki K
A farewell to the Griffiths
The Class of 2020 smiling brightly for their graduation photo! Credit: ISSH Reflections 2019-20
“We weren’t able to say our goodbyes.”
Mine
Mine
Miki L.
Miki L.
Kanna
Kanna
Mia
Mia
Arina
Arina
Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths in front of the Sacred Heart entrance. Image Credits: Linda L, Yuki K
A farewell to the Griffiths
Ms Bae prepares the MS/HS orchestra for the upcoming Christmas Concert. Image credit: Yuki K
From Seisen to the USA, and then to Sacred Heart: Jisoo Bae connects students through music
Nurse Meaghan
Nurse Meaghan
Sister Wachter
Sister Wachter
Headmistress Hayes
Headmistress Hayes
Partnered shops with mymizu provide free water refills. These partnered businesses are displayed as orange pins in the mymizu application, blue for public drinking fountains, and navy for natural spring waters. Partnered businesses generally display an indication, such as stickers, to promote sustainability. Credit: mymizu
The refill revolution
Show your support for the LGBTQ+ community by donating to these organizations!
Five Japanese organizations to support during Pride Month
The Japanese Royal Family greeted the Japanese public on the palace balcony on February 23rd, in occasion of the Emperor’s 66th birthday. Credit: Imperial House Household Agency Official Instagram Account
Why is the Japanese Royal Family so restrained?
While Sacred Heart students prefer the variety of colorful, diverse clothing options offered by Western retailers such as Urban Outfitters, big Japanese clothing brands such as Uniqlo tend to center on minimalistic, simple clothing instead. Credit: @caeleyvazquez and @ibedoo01 on Pinterest
Nowhere to shop in Japan?
A sign cautions viewers about bears, suggesting that those walking alone should turn on a radio or ring a bear bell. Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Japan’s bear problem

The International

The International
Mina

Mina, News and Features Editor

Mina is half Japanese half Canadian. She is currently a Senior at ISSH. She is also the editor for news and feature articles. Mina enjoys traveling, spending time at the beach, and hanging out with friends. She is excited for another year of writing for the International.

All content by Mina
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