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
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
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
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
Young carers manage extensive caregiving and housework while also handling their schoolwork and personal life. Photo credit: Haruka. L (‘27)
Is there an end to a caregiving role for young carers? A life-long question for young carers in Japan
Azabudai Hills' greenery marks its presence in the busy city of Tokyo. (Image credit: @Dezeen on Youtube)
Azabudai Hills: Heatherwick’s futuristic vision of urban harmony
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
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
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?
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
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?
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
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”
Sacrifice for Paraiso: The Cost of History
Sacrifice for Paraiso: The Cost of History
Image credit: @aubrey.club.house on Instagram
Aubrey House’s Acai Bowls: Tokyo’s Hidden Gem
Frank Ocean’s 2016 album cover, “Blonde.” (Image credit: Blonded.co)
Frank Ocean’s last album, should stay his last
Poster by Yena L., class of 2028.
Live a Loving Life 
Image 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
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
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Watatta Hanten: Perfect imperfection
Image 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
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”
Poster by Yena L., class of 2028.
Live a Loving Life 
A Sacred Heart student buys a Red Bull from a convenience store.
Confronting the energy drink epidemic
The barriers around seeking mental health support
The barriers around seeking mental health support
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
Beneath the surface: mental illnesses in Japan
Beneath the surface: mental illnesses in Japan
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”
Plastic bottles, containers, and other waste piled together. (Photo credit: y Magda Ehlers)
Plastic recycling for a greener future
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
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
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