One of the most awaited events every year is the annual carnival. Hosted by the SMPA, the carnival provides fun games, food and drinks from around the world, and St. Mary’s merchandise. The Diplomat received a chance to interview Mr.Kagei, the head of school, about the history, significance, and his experience at the carnival. The paper also had a chance to interview Ms.Takato, the president of the SMPA
“The carnival started around 1960, back when the school was still at the old campus near Sengakuji, close to Shinagawa Station,” he said. The first carnival he attended was back in 1972 as a sixth grader. He has been to over 46 carnivals, some as a student, a teacher, and now as the head of school. When asked about memorable moments, he explained he found the pachinko game interesting. Students would be able to play with the pachinko machines, and the machines would be for sale for about 10,000 yen. Mr.Kagei also enjoyed planning games with his students, such as the bean bag toss, back when he was the sixth-grade homeroom teacher. He also explained that everyone enjoys the food, especially the cotton candy and yakitori from the Japan booth, steak sandwiches by the Australian booth, lamb chops by the New Zealand booth, and the burgers and hot dogs by the American booth.
The significance of the carnival
Not only is the carnival an opportunity for the SMPA (St. Mary’s Parents Association) to raise funds for future school events, but the carnival is also an opportunity for companies and corporations to advertise their products. “It strengthened our connections with companies and corporations. Also, some companies use the carnival as a place where they can show their products.” The carnival is also a great opportunity for the school to make connections with companies. When asked about what he hopes the students will learn/experience through the carnival, he emphasized his hopes that all students have a chance to plan an event and belong to an organization, and encouraged everyone to help out, and perhaps plan something new. “The carnival is a place where you can be a kid again. Whether you’re an adult, upperclassman, it’s a day of fun and a day where you can become a kid again!” 
An interview with the president of the SMPA
How does the SMPA advertise the carnival to people, including those who are not directly involved with the school? “SMPA has a fabulous Publicity team that handles the promotion of the Carnival through our newsletter, social media, posters, website, and raffle ticket sales. We also use the parent LINE groups to share information about the carnival. Additionally, the student-designed carnival posters are displayed on every St. Mary’s bus f
or the broader community to see as the buses travel around Tokyo”, Ms.Takato said. She also explained the importance of students helping out. The students also play a big role in planning and helping out in booths, as well as spreading the word about this big event. Funds raised in the carnival will directly go to improving fine arts, athletics, extracurriculars, and fieldtrips for all students. When asked about changes over the years, she explained that the SMPA made the first carnival website. While paper advertisements and posters are effective and crucial, advertising online can reach even more people. When asked about what new thing she would like to see in the carnival next year, she explained that she wanted more cultural booths to be involved, and said that anybody is welcome to apply for a new booth. “At its heart, Carnival is a celebration that is about the students of St. Mary’s – past and present – made for them, and brought to life by them. It takes a lot of people and effort to put Carnival on, but it’s very special to be part of this community. It’s incredibly rewarding!” In the end, the carnival isn’t just an annual event, but it’s a day of cooperation, community, and creativity.
