ATHLETICS 2025-2026
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
When we think about school spirit and community, the HJIS Hawks Athletics Team stands out as a shining example of dedication, teamwork, and passion.
At Horizon Japan International School, sports are more than just games; they are a vibrant part of our culture, shaping character and fostering lifelong friendships.
The Four Pillars of Hawks Athletics
Our sports program is built upon four central pillars that offer both competitive and recreational pathways for our students:
Futsal: PYP coed・Middle School Boys/Girls・High School Boys/Girls
Basketball: Middle School Boys/Girls・High School Boys/Girls
Volleyball: Middle School Girls・High School Boys/Girls
Badminton: Middle School Boys/Girls・High School Boys/Girls
Historically, our teams have competed within the International Schools Tokyo Athletics Association (ISTAA) League, consistently playing against premier international schools across the Kanto region. In the 2025-2026 season, HJIS levelled up to compete with schools in Hokkaido and even Thailand, showing its growing strength across Asia.
Take a closer look at our achievements this year and see the secrets behind our success!
The Rise of the Girls Volleyball Team
One of our strongest teams at HJIS Athletics is our Girls Volleyball Team. Composed of our U14 and U18 teams, the girls’ volleyball program has nearly 30 committed athletes ready to represent our school. Just three years ago, we had fewer than 10 players, but with the help of our amazing teacher coaches and parent community, the program has grown each season.
The U18 Girls Team reached a major milestone by winning their first league tournament match, finishing 5th overall!
Meanwhile, our new U14 Girls Team took the league by storm; in an incredibly competitive field of 8 schools, they fought all the way to the finals, missing out on the championship title by just a single point.
Their rigorous weekly training certainly paid off, and their resilience and great sportsmanship shine through their tight team spirit. In traditional Japanese style, the girls always huddle up or “円陣を組む" to ensure that they are one team together.
The Hokkaido Expedition
A defining highlight of this season was our 3-day travel tournament in Hokkaido. The first in our school history to achieve this, our HJIS Volleyball teams competed in the domestic league, where they faced teams from Hokkaido, Kyoto, and Tokyo. Despite it being an away game, the team persevered hard and dove for every ball.
A powerful serve from the Girls Volleyball Team!
The Boys Volleyball Team showed great team spirits throughout their match!
More than the statistics, this northern expedition was an experience filled with deep bonding, determination, and unforgettable memories that these athletes will carry with them long after graduation. We hope to see more of our sports teams travelling and competing against teams beyond the Kanto region!
The Training that Paid Off: Boys Middle School Futsal Team
Our Boys Middle School Futsal team has grown exponentially in the past few years. In the 2025-2026 season, the team was composed of our teacher and alumni coaches, as well as over 20 players, aged G6-8. With a steady pace, our team has placed higher and higher each year, with this year achieving 3rd place in the ISTAA league.
But what makes our team stronger?
Committed training: During in-season our team trains 3 times a week, targeting basic skills like controls and passing, as well as agility and physical training. Players run 7-8km outside of training hours to build their endurance each week, setting them up for power during play time.
Dedicated coaching: With our trained teacher and alumni coaches, the team is pushed to their full potential through intensive training. Our coaches sharpened the team’s training approach by seeing the filed as both a coach and also fellow teammate.
HJIS spirit: Part of the success is due to the powerful community spirit. With training during pre-season as well, our players and coaches dedicate time and energy each week to push each other to the very best. At the same time, our team strives to cultivate a safe and fun environment for all through motivational team meetings.
Together, our team levelled up in their futsal and teamworking skills, allowing us to compete in our Kanto league and beyond with diligence.
Off to Thailand!
This spring, the Boys Middle School Futsal Team travelled to Bangkok for a 7v7 soccer tournament. On the foreign and humid terrain, the tournament proved to be a great opportunity for players to challenge themselves. The team competed against international school students in Thailand, a change from their usual Kanto competitors.
Coaches and students alike felt their skills, teamwork, and communication develop both individually and as a team. Throughout the matches, students demonstrated determination, sportsmanship, and resilience against strong opponents.
The Thai teams proved to be great competition, pushing our players to their limits. Competing in the U13 and U15 leagues, our team had limited substitute players: meaning each and every player was a crucial member on the field. Players and coaches motivated each other to make our HJIS community proud, and it paid off.
“Simplicity over fancy tactics” - Alumni Middle School Coach
Our team won 2 games total: once in the U13, and another in the U15 league. Each and every player contributed to our success. It proved again that with diligent training and strong team spirit, we can achieve success anywhere.
In addition to the tournament, students also had the chance to explore Bangkok, visiting local temples and experiencing the rich culture of Thailand. This balance of competition and cultural exploration made the trip both educational and memorable, strengthening team bonds and creating lasting experiences for everyone involved.
We look forward to more international competitions in the future!
HJIS Community Spirit
Part of the success at HJIS Athletics is due to our wonderful community. This season, our school proudly hosted the first-ever ISTAA U14 Girls Volleyball Tournament, welcoming six schools to our Yokohama campus for a thrilling day of elite competition. We had tremendous feedback from the other schools about our warm community atmosphere, and we were able to show what makes HJIS unique.
We extend a special thank you to our amazing teacher coaches, who dedicate nearly 7 hours of training a week this year, along with our incredible families for their support. Without them, HJIS athletics would not have been able to grow this far.
Take a look at our coaches and teachers encouraging students every step of the way!
Boosting Morale.
Strategising.
HJIS Core Values Shining Through
Together, our HJIS Athletics achievements embody our HJIS Core Values:
Respect: Through continuous sportsmanship, our students learn to work together with their teammates and appreciate even those who are on the other side of the net.
Understanding: Student athletes and coaches alike, they gain a deep understanding of their sports, key techniques, the importance of cooperation, as well as understanding for each other.
Community: With our amazing coaches, families, friends, and of course, our student athletes, we have build a strong community to persevere together and support.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Horizon Athletics
Athletics isn’t just about playing on the field. The time spent training each week, the communication between coaches, families, and players, as well as the supportive environment curated by every member of the team defines athletics at HJIS. As we welcome back students and begin tryouts this week, we look forward to our teams achieving greater success in wider areas.
See below for more information!
