In Japan, the school semester ends at the end of January. Therefore, on January 31^st, the judo club held its annual graduation party for the 4^th year students graduating. At the same time, they use this celebration to congratulate the participants in the All Japan University Team Competition which was held in Osaka last October.

First, let me start by explaining the practice that morning. Everyone was obviously excited for the celebration that night. But there was also something else completely different. As I watched, I came to realize that all the 4^th year students were fighting, and it seemed like they were not allowed to say no to anyone. Therefore, fight after fight, they fought and fought, becoming more and more tired. But I guess since this might be one of their last time fighting, they had fun. Everyone was laughing at how tired they were.

For the last 30 minutes of the practice, the graduating students were all put in a line in front and they were allowed to call anyone they wanted to throw three last times. After getting thrown, everyone could throw the senior three times as well. In that moment, I could really see the years that had passed through each member. Every member wanting to get thrown one last time by his seniors, no matter the size, laughing and reminding each other of old jokes. But in that moment, I didn't really feel part of that group. I was still the lonely foreigner. Except, I realized soon enough that one of my friends, Daisuke, was up in line throwing everyone. I had forgotten he was graduating. My leg was still hurting, so I hesitated for a moment, but then trusting my heart, I stepped up in front of him to take my falls. He smiled at me and thanked me for coming. He threw me lightly due to my leg, and then I had a go at three throws myself. We bowed, I congratulated him, and I walked back to join the others waiting on the opposite side of the mat.


The practice ended by an announcement that we had to wear suits for the ceremony.

Except the only problem is that they all own the same exact suit, and I knew that. Three hours later, I showed up at Comsquare, with my grey suit. One of the 4^th year students told me I looked sharp, but as soon as I walked in, as predicted, all eyes landed on me. Imagine this, all these Japanese guys in their black suits, white shirts, and me, the foreigner, showing up with a grey suit and a purple dress shirt. I kind of felt proud, but then again, I believe I was a hot topic of conversation for the first 15 minutes.

Finally, after about 20 minutes of waiting, we were called to the front of the room. Many people came and made speeches, most of which I didn't know, and congratulated the winners of the team competition as well as the graduates. The food had been served in front of us, and only the 4^th year students and the coaches had been allowed to eat. The first, second, and third year student had to wait. And booy did they wait! After about... two hours of speeches and comments, and all these things, they were finally allowed to eat.

I chatted a little bit here and there with some members I knew, took a few pictures, gave a gift to Agemizu sensei, and then I had to say my goodbyes. I had to go DJ at the Farewell party for the International students. Besides, most of them were going to go drink, if they hadn't already. Most of the 4^th year students were already drunk, which made it really funny to watch. After congratulating Daisuke one last time, I took my leave from the room, wondering what is must feel like to be them.