The 7th volume of the "photo picture book series"
I am creating together with Tamon Yahagi,
“The Working Principal” (Sogensha), was published in November 2025!
I am creating together with Tamon Yahagi,
“The Working Principal” (Sogensha), was published in November 2025!
This time, we focused on a school principal at Kinkaku Elementary School,
located just next to Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The photography took place in March 2025, right in the middle of the graduation season.
located just next to Kyoto’s famous Kinkaku-ji Temple.
The photography took place in March 2025, right in the middle of the graduation season.
I had long hoped to feature school teachers in this photo picture book series.
Among them, we chose to spotlight the principal—a role many people think they know,
yet surprisingly little is actually understood about.
Among them, we chose to spotlight the principal—a role many people think they know,
yet surprisingly little is actually understood about.
The central figure of this book is Principal Go Sato of Kinkaku Elementary School.
Even including my own experience as a former teacher,
I had never encountered a principal who so thoroughly stands by children,
listens sincerely to parents’ voices, and fully supports the teaching staff.
Honestly, I was amazed—thinking, “Does a principal like this really exist?!”
Even including my own experience as a former teacher,
I had never encountered a principal who so thoroughly stands by children,
listens sincerely to parents’ voices, and fully supports the teaching staff.
Honestly, I was amazed—thinking, “Does a principal like this really exist?!”
To be able to genuinely empathize with others’ pain, sorrow, and joy is truly remarkable.
Watching him laugh wholeheartedly with the vice principal and fellow teachers,
clearly enjoying his work,
I often found myself thinking how wonderful it would be to work alongside someone like him.
Watching him laugh wholeheartedly with the vice principal and fellow teachers,
clearly enjoying his work,
I often found myself thinking how wonderful it would be to work alongside someone like him.
At a time when the world of education is often spoken of only in negative terms,
it was deeply reassuring to know that teachers like this do exist.
Even from the perspective of a working professional,
I couldn’t help but admire his approach to work and his remarkable ability to create harmony.
it was deeply reassuring to know that teachers like this do exist.
Even from the perspective of a working professional,
I couldn’t help but admire his approach to work and his remarkable ability to create harmony.
My heartfelt thanks go to Principal Sato,
the children of Kinkaku Elementary School, and all the teachers and staff.
the children of Kinkaku Elementary School, and all the teachers and staff.
“The Working Principal” is now available nationwide at bookstores, libraries, Amazon, and more.
Please be sure to take a look!
Please be sure to take a look!
