In the shadow of Motoazabu Hills is one of Tokyo's top international schools, with a small yet diverse student body of 450 children from approximately 30 countries around the world. This diverse population enables Nishimachi International School to host interesting cultural events, such as the recent food fair. This festival was open to the public and included delicious offerings from countries like Australia, Ireland, Brazil, Argentina, India and the US.

The area around Motoazabu is home to many embassies, including those of China, Korea and Austria. This, coupled with the high concentration of foreign residents, gives the neighborhood a distinctly international atmosphere. Many of these international residents live in Motoazabu Hills itself, which also houses the kindergarten of Nishimachi International School.

I stopped by the food fair on Saturday to check out the offerings, and I was surprised and impressed by the large crowd the festival had drawn. Visitors were both Japanese and non-Japanese of all ages. It was bustling with activity--volunteers and students shouting out the names of dishes and drinks available and the number of tickets they cost, clowns making balloon animals for children, adults mingling and chatting with friends and acquaintances, and kids running and playing on the jungle gym.

I had already eaten lunch so unfortunately couldn't enjoy as much of the food as I would have liked, but I couldn't resist a just-barbecued hot dog with my friend. All of the food looked and smelled authentic, and I made a mental note to return to the festival next year--and to skip breakfast in order to fully appreciate it.

Kelly