About
Reading Time: < 1 minuteHanabi is the online student publication run by high school students at the American School In Japan. We brought back “Hanabi,” the name of the publication at ASIJ some decades ago, to continue the tradition. “Hanabi” means “fireworks” in Japanese, and we hope to spark readers’ interests like fireworks light up the night sky. We aspire to establish ourselves as a publication beyond the limitations of a traditional student newspaper, publishing content for and from both the high-school student body and the entire ASIJ community. We showcase student work, opinions, and achievements. We aim to be informative, entertaining, and insightful.
Article by Meredith Michels, Writer
September 12, 2025
We sat in rows under humming fluorescent lights, fanning ourselves with crumpled paper schedules. It was the first day of summer camp, and the room buzzed with quiet nerves. The projector at the front...
Article by Sophie Lee, Writer
September 2, 2025
Revocation, termination, deportation. In the era of the Trump administration, what should international students know about visa safety during these uncertain times? Every year, hundreds of thousands...
Article by Nadja Petreski, Writer
May 28, 2025
Serbia, a country located in southeastern Europe, has recently seen some of its history's largest student-led protests. Though many remain unaware of their existence, the protests have hosted crowds of...
Article by Sarah Higashio Gocsei, Writer
May 28, 2025
Have you ever watched the movie Armageddon? When it hit theaters in 1998, viewers were drawn in by the dramatic storyline and unforgettable theme song by Aerosmith. In the film, a massive asteroid the...
Article by Berenice Paul Bregeon, Writer
May 27, 2025
As the weather continues to get warmer, and the month of May draws near its end, anticipation for the next month also rises. The thought of June brings many exciting events to mind: graduations, summer...
Sea Turtles vs. Light Pollution: Hamataro’s Story Sheds Light on a Growing Threat
April 16, 2025
Do you know how old the world’s oldest loggerhead turtle is? On August 13th, 1950, Hiwasa Junior High School students near Ohama Beach hatched a baby turtle named Hamataro. Today, Hamataro is 74 years...
Trump’s Foreign Policy: Is America Returning to Isolationism?
April 10, 2025
Since his inauguration as the 47th President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has made sweeping changes to American diplomatic norms and its overall doctrine. He has seemingly abandoned allies...
ASIJ MUN V: HRC Debates Refugee Integration
April 8, 2025
For the annual 2025 ASIJMUN conference, the HRC (Human Rights Committee) focused on the global affair of the social and economic integration of refugees. Throughout two lengthy committee sessions, HRC...
Article by Hiromi Shelton, Writer
April 8, 2025
During this year’s Model United Nations conference, SOCHUM—the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee—hosted a very fruitful and intense debate. As one of the six main committees of the United...
Article by Elizabeth Rexrode, Writer
April 8, 2025
The dissolution of the Soviet Union on December 8th, 1991, may mark the end of all Communist ideals and Russian influence as Western nations encroach onto former Soviet territory. As Russia exerts what...
Article by Berenice Paul Bregeon, Writer
April 8, 2025
The first day of debate in the SPECPOL committee ended with a resolution submitted by Brazil passing, and a resolution submitted by France waiting to be voted on tomorrow. A third resolution is expected...
Article by Shivaan Kothari, Editor-in-Chief
April 8, 2025
In 2000, traditional center-left and center-right parties maintained around 75% of the vote across major Western democracies. In the 2020s, they are struggling to overcome newcomer far-right parties. So,...
Article by Lysandre Stone-Bourgeois, Writer
April 8, 2025
Once a shy first grader who wasn't sure how to fit in, Junu Min became a confident and passionate leader ready to take on the responsibility of representing the student body—his story is one that a lot...
Kate Clement: There’s no Debate, Vote for Kate!
April 8, 2025
Having attended ASIJ since first grade, Kate Clement (‘26) is a true ASIJ veteran. Over her 11 years at the school, the connection she’s formed with the ASIJ community has played a pivotal role in...
Zayden Ashraf: Zay Leads the Way!
April 8, 2025
Zayden Ashraf (‘26) says that ASIJ’s students are the foundation of its success. In just his second year at ASIJ, he’s used his Class President experience from his former New Jersey school to become...
Why the Beatles Are Not Overrated
April 2, 2025
A quick Google search on who is the biggest band in music history will immediately present you with the Beatles. Their “Abbey Road” album cover appears as an easter egg in countless movies, “Here...