This is a story from around 40 years ago.
On the final day of the Kyoto-Nara school trip for Saitama Prefectural U High School, the chosen ryokan (traditional Japanese inn) felt like a grand banquet hall.
The first and second days were relatively calm, but as time passed, inhibitions disappeared. It's worth noting that in Japan, both then and now, consuming alcoholic beverages under the age of 20 is prohibited. By the last day, it was common for each room to have one or two cans of beer opened, and toasting became a regular occurrence. Despite the teachers visiting the rooms for inspections, they turned a blind eye to the strong smell of alcohol in the air, despite their flushed faces. In short, they chose not to address the situation. However, noone smoked in the rooms, and there were no incidents of alcohol-related emergencies. This restraint may have been influenced by the students attending a prestigious academic school where some self-control was expected.
The problem arose after the school trip.
Rumors spread that teachers from other schools staying at the same ryokan had complained. It even reached the board of education. However, "U High School students drinking and having a party at the ryokan during the school trip" never made it into the news.
Perhaps at the time, there was an atmosphere of "well, it's not that bad," or maybe powerful alumni connections throughout the prefecture helped cover it up.
Nonetheless, most students were prepared for some form of disciplinary action.
About two or three days after the school trip, during what must have been a lengthy faculty meeting, it was announced over the intercom, likely by the principal himself, that the following message was to be conveyed to the second-year classrooms:
"Any student who is aware of having consumed alcohol during the recent school trip, please gather in the gymnasium immediately."
More than half of each class headed towards the gymnasium.
For reference, I was extremely shy when it came to alcohol and interacting with girls. I also lacked the courage to take such initiatives, and coincidentally, I was engrossed in playing Napoleon (a card game) every night, which kept me from drinking. If someone had told me, "Come on, have a drink!" I don't know what would have happened. The fact that I didn't drink was simply because I was timid and lucky.
About two hours passed. My classmates returned, most of them with dejected expressions, and I believe there were some who were crying.
Seeing their state, I sympathized with them to some extent and, out of curiosity and irresponsibility, asked, "How was it?" Then what they told me about Pincipal M's speech completely overturned my expectations and imaginations.
According to my friends, Principal M apologized to the students, stating that he himself was responsible for allowing such behavior to occur during the school trip. He emphasized that while the students took responsibility for gathering in the gymnasium, he, as the principal, was responsible for the actions that led to such behavior during the school trip. Therefore, he decided not to impose any punishments on the students.
It had been just over half a year since he was transferred from U First Girls' High School. Since then, Principal M cleaned the school with the students, participated in physical education classes, and even completed a 50-kilometer racewalking marathon, clearing all checkpoints. When a student skipped class to watch the first girls' high school sports festival and was caught by Principal M (who was invited to the festival as a guest), expecting trouble, he simply said, "Hey, the weather is nice today. Good job!" He was the type of person who, during assemblies and school events, would receive applause as before, not in mockery but as a sign of admiration. He always spoke calmly, and everyone would be captivated by his words. After he finished speaking, the applause returned to normal, but it was applause of appreciation, not mockery. I believe he was one of those ideal educators.
At last year's 35th reunion, I heard the update, "Principal M is doing well."
This morning, I received an email informing me that Mr. Kohei Maeda, Principal M, had passed away.
I am truly saddened by this news. May he rest in peace.
