I’ve been wanting to attend a school sports day for years, but I was always afraid that a lone foreigner taking photos would be looked on more than a little suspiciously at one of these events. Now that I’ve got a baby of my own, I was finally able to attend, and it was no disappointment.

Back in Canada, sports day was just a bunch of boring sack races and hurdle events, but Japanese sports days are far more fun.

The kids do really cute dances, and the teachers have obviously really gone the extra mile to make their costumes and props for the races.

Actually, there seemed to be some people at the event who weren’t parents, so I guess I could have gone to one years ago if I wanted.

Most sports days are held in May, September, and October.