Shinnen akemashite omedeto gozaimasu.
As we welcome 2026, we extend our warmest New Year wishes to everybody within the Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall (VJLS-JH) community.
This year marks a very special milestone: the 120th anniversary of VJLS-JH. As we step into this anniversary year, we do so with a deep sense of gratitude and a renewed commitment to the community that has sustained this institution for more than a century.
Over the past year, continued upgrades and renovations have taken place across our facilities, guided by careful planning and long-term stewardship. These improvements are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure that the School and Hall remain safe, welcoming, and adaptable spaces—places where Japanese language education, Japanese cultural exchange, and community life can continue to flourish for generations to come.
At the heart of VJLS-JH are the people who make its work possible. We are sincerely thankful to our teachers and staff for their dedication and professionalism, to our many volunteers for their generous contributions of time and energy, and to our donors and supporters for their continued trust and generosity. Your support strengthens not only our programs and facilities, but also the sense of connection that defines this historically and culturally rich community.
As we move through 2026, our focus remains on caring for the legacy entrusted to us while preparing confidently for what lies ahead. We are grateful to walk this milestone year alongside you and look forward to celebrating together.
With sincere appreciation and best wishes for the year ahead,
Yuko Suda and Tomonari Machida
Co-Chairs
To Our Students, Families, and Supporters
Happy New Year!
We sincerely thank all of you for your understanding and support of the Vancouver Japanese Language School over the past year. Thanks to your continued encouragement, we were able to provide a wide range of learning opportunities for both children and adult learners.
This year is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of forward momentum and the power to take action. Here at our school, we hope to channel that energy into learning, helping students of all ages develop the ability to think independently and express themselves through various challenges. We also aim to deepen our learners’ understanding of Japanese language, culture, and the wider world.
In the year ahead, we will continue to foster curiosity and a love of learning, creating an environment where both children and adults can inspire one another and enjoy a fulfilling year together.
We wish you all good health, happiness, and continued success throughout the year.
Kotoe Hisata
Principal
Dear all Children’s World families and community members,
Happy New Year! We are very appreciative of your warm support throughout last year. All of us at Children’s World will continue to do our best to support the children in 2026. We humbly request your continued support.
Thanks to the generosity of all, we are pleased to share that a total of 125 children now attend our school each day, arriving with energy and smiles.
This year marks the Year of the Horse, a year said to symbolize passion and freedom.
At Children’s World, we cherish the growth of children who embrace new challenges with enthusiasm and who continue to grow freely, in their own unique ways.
As we move forward, our educators will continue to watch over each child with warmth and care, honoring their individuality.
Moving through the world with speed and confidence is wonderful.
We hope our children will also grow into adults who know when to pause, look around with kind, clear eyes, and choose wisely.
We sincerely wish you all good health and prosperity throughout the coming year.
Megumi Shimizu
Children’s World Manager