Dear ICU alumni and friends,

During these difficult days, as many of you are under self-quarantine in your homes, I would like to share a life-affirming message from ICU.

I am living on the ICU campus this year with my family. For two weeks now, the schools have been closed in Japan, and we have been semi-quarantined in our campus residence. This morning, I went for a run out of the south gate of ICU, down Tohachi-doro, around Nogawa Park, and back up to ICU. The spring sun was shining, the trees glistened, and a great egret stood regally in the flowing Nogawa. I passed several people out for their morning strolls. We bowed and shared morning greetings. Simple human interactions like these are imbued with meaning during these days of social distancing.

Meanwhile, life is rapidly returning to Mitaka after the winter months. The mature sakura lining the kassoro, with their dark bark and thick mangled branches, are on the verge of blooming. Sure enough, a few eager buds have sprouted. Each spring, the sakura remind us of the miracle of life, as well as its fleeting beauty. Green shoots also carry additional meaning during these dark days. Let us not forget to celebrate life, and live every day to the fullest.

ICU’s mission is the “cultivation of internationally minded citizens who perform service to God and humankind and make contributions to lasting peace.” As we collectively navigate the Covid-19 pandemic, I am reminded of the importance of ICU’s mission, and the need to advocate for more education, international experience, and compassion towards all living creatures. JICUF will continue to do our part to further these goals.

JICUF’s offices are temporarily closed and we have implemented a work from home policyfor our staff. If you would like to reach us, please email at information@jicuf.org. Also, ICU announced this week that it will be starting the Spring Term with remote learning. We do not know yet when ICU will resume in-person courses. Click here to read ICU’s full response to Covid-19.

Please stay safe during these trying times. You are all in our thoughts, especially those of you impacted directly by Covid-19, and those of you who are self-quarantined in your homes.

Sincerely,
Paul Hastings