The British School in Tokyo, which opened in 1989 to offer a British curriculum to students, celebrated the construction of its new building in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward on Thursday with speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, songs and a toast.
The ceremony was attended by about 120 parents, school trustees, British Ambassador Sir David Wright, and representatives of the Education Ministry and various embassies. "The building symbolizes the importance of the British community in Tokyo, and the continuation of their commitment in Japan," said Tetsuo Tamura, chairman of Shibuya Girl's High School, on whose compound the school is located.
Built over a period of two years, the six-story building houses additional classrooms, laboratories, a gymnasium, library and a music room. In addition, the school has made a major investment in information technology. Older students will be able to access the Internet through computers set up in the classrooms.
Classes have already been held in the building since April. "I like the new building because the music room is bigger and it has big windows so I can look out to see the playground," said Rebecca Neduwanna, a 7-year-old student.