The International
While Japan’s working-age population and thus national income shrinks, the number of elderly who receive pension payments is increasing at a faster rate than ever, increasingly pressuring the nation’s labor market and social security system. Photo: Pixabay
Japan’s declining population creates risks and opportunities
Four years, forty-three stories
Four years, forty-three stories
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
As technologies rapidly develop in the modern world, so does the concern regarding the wise and balanced use of such tools in educational fields. Image: generated by ChatGPT
Smart Tools, Smarter Schools?
While Japan’s working-age population and thus national income shrinks, the number of elderly who receive pension payments is increasing at a faster rate than ever, increasingly pressuring the nation’s labor market and social security system. Photo: Pixabay
Japan’s declining population creates risks and opportunities
As technologies rapidly develop in the modern world, so does the concern regarding the wise and balanced use of such tools in educational fields. Image: generated by ChatGPT
Smart Tools, Smarter Schools?
Interacting with and becoming familiar with a country's media isn’t just about broadening an individual student’s knowledge base: for international students, it is a powerful tool in forming valuable relationships with their international peers.
Shared songs, shared screens
Even in the rain, the glowing signs of Korean eateries light up Shin-Ōkubo’s streets, drawing in customers.
Shin-Ōkubo: The “Little Seoul” in Japan
Image credit: Yuki K
When bilingual students mix languages, it’s more than just communication
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
2024, at Starbase, Elon Musk provided an update on the company’s plans to send humanity to Mars, claiming it as “the best destination to begin making life multiplanetary.” Image: @spacex on X
Musk’s Mars
The importance of the “personal brand” is that it allows you to differentiate yourself from others and stand out from the crowd.
Do you need a ‘personal brand’ for university?
As IBDP is a two-year long program, it allows the student to delve deeper into their subject for a longer period of time. On the other hand, AP offers students the chance to learn more information over the course of one school year.
Exploring the strengths of IB and AP programs in shaping future scholars
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
Image credit: Screenshots from Pinterest
Redefining and weaponizing humor through brain-rot
Interacting with and becoming familiar with a country's media isn’t just about broadening an individual student’s knowledge base: for international students, it is a powerful tool in forming valuable relationships with their international peers.
Shared songs, shared screens
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
A typical Pinterest feed features a soothing and uniform format with their colorful yet understated logo. Image credit: Eloise A. ('26)
Still Pinterested?
Cover picture for Whee In's summer single, "coco water" Image credit: THE L1VE LABEL
Mamamoo’s Whee In introduces a new taste of summer: “coco water”
The best of Cezars Kitchen
The best of Cezars Kitchen
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Chinese Cafe 8: a nostalgic encounter with authentic Chinese food in Tokyo
Chinese Cafe 8: a nostalgic encounter with authentic Chinese food in Tokyo
From trend to neglect
From trend to neglect
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!
The best of Cezars Kitchen
The best of Cezars Kitchen
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Chinese Cafe 8: a nostalgic encounter with authentic Chinese food in Tokyo
Chinese Cafe 8: a nostalgic encounter with authentic Chinese food in Tokyo
Circular economy is a way to recreate the supply chain and create a sustainable economy.
elab promotes sustainability through “the power of food”
Photo credit: Prasha S.
Coffee beyond Starbucks
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! (Via ISSH Reflections 2019-20)
“We weren’t able to say our goodbyes.”
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
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

The International

The International
Yuki K. ('26)

Yuki K. (’26), Japan Editor

Yuki is a junior at the International School of the Sacred Heart. She grew up in Australia, cultivating her love for nature walks, running, and vegemite. Yuki was previously a member of the middle school newspaper club, inspiring her to become a journalist in high school. This is her third year writing for The International. Yuki has always enjoyed writing about Japanese culture, and she hopes to publish more pieces regarding social issues in Japan.

All content by Yuki K. (’26)
While Japan’s working-age population and thus national income shrinks, the number of elderly who receive pension payments is increasing at a faster rate than ever, increasingly pressuring the nation’s labor market and social security system. Photo: Pixabay

Japan’s declining population creates risks and opportunities

Yuki K. (’26), Kayla L. (’26), SJ Lee (SMIS’27), and Kaito Parsons (SMIS’27)
June 10, 2025
Image credit: Yuki K

When bilingual students mix languages, it’s more than just communication

Yuki K. (’26)
May 29, 2025
Mr. and Mrs. Griffiths in front of the Sacred Heart entrance. Image Credits: Linda L, Yuki K

A farewell to the Griffiths

Yuki K. (’26) and Linda L. (’26)
April 24, 2025
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

Linda L.(’26) and Yuki K. (‘26)
November 28, 2024
Japan is widely regarded as a safe nation, but this perception masks a deeper issue: the country’s intolerance towards those who are simply different from Japanese mainstream society.

Japan must accept refugees, not create them

Yuki K. (‘26), Japan Editor
October 28, 2024
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

Yuki K. (‘26)
May 23, 2024
Heso Production’s “sontaku” red-steamed bun that gained widespread popularity in 2017. Image Credit: Heso Production

Redefining sontaku (忖度)

Yuki K. (‘26)
January 25, 2024
Within the G7, Japan stands alone as the only nation to ban dual nationality.

Japan takes a controversial stance with dual nationality ban

Yuki K. (‘26)
October 18, 2023
"Trust your instinct!- Elena K.

“Trust your instinct!- Elena K.

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 9, 2023
"Don't Stress too much" - Eri I. ('23)

“Don’t Stress too much” – Eri I. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 8, 2023
"Realize the little things" - Mikaela O. ('23)

“Realize the little things” – Mikaela O. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 8, 2023
"Surround yourself with people who inspire you"- Payton O. ('23)

“Surround yourself with people who inspire you”- Payton O. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 8, 2023
"Talk to your upperclassmen"- Prathika R. ('23)

“Talk to your upperclassmen”- Prathika R. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 8, 2023
"Rest Well" - Kiana F. ('23)

“Rest Well” – Kiana F. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 7, 2023
"Cherish the Moment" - Rio T. ('23)

“Cherish the Moment” – Rio T. (’23)

Julianne T. (‘26), Yuki K. (‘26), and Khwaish J. (‘24)
June 7, 2023
Many predict that there are higher prospects for Japan to welcome more tourists in the years to come, especially because there are countless factors that make Japan an attractive destination for traveling.

Kick-starting post-pandemic tourism in Japan

Yuki K. (‘26)
April 12, 2023
Grilled fish

Dango

Takoyaki

Lantern in Ebisu

Markets in Kyoto

Dotonbori in Osaka

Snowy Mountains in Hakuba

Mt. Fuji

The beach in Chiba

Tokyo skyline in autumn

Yuki (1)

Yuki

Photo credit: Pixabay

Mothers who regret the maternal experience: #regrettingmotherhood

Yuki K. (‘26)
January 18, 2023
Many Japanese plantation farms recruit Technical Intern Trainees as part of the Technical Intern Training Program.

Realities behind the Technical Intern Training Program

Yuki K. (‘26)
November 16, 2022
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