Every student at ASIJ knows the feeling: the electrifying energy that fills the cheerful atmosphere, echoing through the gym during a volleyball game, the overwhelming sense of pride we feel as we watch students perform in the Fall Play. At ASIJ, we all recognize that being a Mustang isn’t just about repping black and gold—it’s about showing up, standing with your peers as they give it their all, and the excitement and enthusiasm you bring to every school event.

However, what you might not be aware of is the group responsible for the charm that makes extracurricular events more memorable: the Athletics and Activities Council. If you’ve ever seen a bunch of students running around campus interviewing athletes with a mic in their hands, scrambling to put together responses for Mustangs Uchiawase columns, and helping to MC our spirited pep rallies, that’s the Athletics and Activities Council, working to uplift student activities at ASIJ through increased recognition and cheer.

Dedicated to fostering ASIJ spirit and energy, the council consistently facilitates large events such as the YUJO tournament and the Kanto Classics, manages the @asijactivites Instagram account, and keeps parents informed and updated about what’s new at ASIJ.

One of the council’s most recent efforts was coordinating the YUJO volleyball tournament, which brought schools from all over Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong to compete in intense volleyball matches. The team got to work several days before the tournament, creating over 360 goodie bags for athletes and organizing the awards ceremony. When asked about YUJO preparation, council member Hiroko Harigaya (‘26) remarked, “We dedicated several hours during our breaks, free periods, and after school to make this happen. It was really time-consuming, but at the end of the day, I realized it was all worth it as I saw both athletes and spectators have fun.”

The A&A Council’s biggest goals at the moment include organizing the fall sports pep rally and transforming the Sports Recognition event into something more than just a mandatory awards ceremony. Instead, the council envisions an occasion during which athletes can enjoy themselves and genuinely feel proud of their hard work and accomplishments. Members of the council are currently working with Athletics and Activities Director Ron Schnell, Assistant Director Craig Noon, Communications Graphic Designer Johnson Lin, and captains/leaders of various activities to achieve their ambitious goals.

Whether you see them on Instagram Reels conducting interviews, setting up for sports games, or holding a meeting in the Athletics and Activities Office, the Athletics and Activities Council is always at work, ready to promote and cultivate a lively and spirited ASIJ culture for both participants and observers.