FSI’s annual Yellow Party was fantastic! This year’s theme was Western (think cowboys) and everything – from the decorations, drinks, and food to the invitations, programs, publicity, and dress code – fit the theme.

In the Old West, cowboys were tough and had to work together as a team to survive. Planning and practicing their skills were important. Communication and teamwork helped them to make a living, but they also had to be independent to get the job done. Like cowboys, the Yellow Party student project team exhibited all of these skills, putting in the extra time and energy needed to make the event a success. These students looked cool and confident even while a million things were happening around them. Little did they know that they were all building skills that will help them in the professional world!

The Yellow Party was very well attended with over one hundred staff, students, and faculty participating. All of the guests were smiling, and chatting, and laughing. This type of party gives everyone an opportunity to see each other in a different way, and students from different years were able to meet each other and have fun while improving communications and understanding at the same time.

Party-goers enjoyed entertainment provided by the “Chiba Jets,” a dance group that actually includes two FSI students! Guests were invited to join the fun with dance lessons. Two professional basketball players from the Chiba Jets, Mr. Kosuke YAHATA, Mr. Takaki ISHIDA, and Ms. Makihira added some more heat to the fire.

The food was delicious and included Western favorites such as BBQ spareribs, roasted chicken, coleslaw, chili-beans with toppings (crackers, onion, cheddar cheese), garlic mashed potatoes, Jamablaya, Shrimp, and apple pie for dessert. Yum! A “saloon” was created as the beverage area, featuring a sangria and other favorites.

Thank you to everyone for making this a great party! The Party Project team worked hard to make this party a success. Other project teams pitched in to help as well. The Entertainment Project team helped with the audio. The Jets Project team provided the dancers. The FSI Office Staff also helped a lot.

A special thank you goes to Dean Yoshida for supporting all of the Projects and providing the enthusiasm and encouragement for these types of events.

Kevin Miller

Student Project Adviser / Lecturer