By Chihiro OKAWA, EXDB

Yokohama, Japan, 08 June 2024 --　The Japan Federation of the Past Pupils of Don Bosco (President: Mr. Shinya Yokoyama) held the 2024 board of directors meeting at Salesio Gakuin High School (Yokohama) on 8 June.

This was the first board meeting after the new organization of the board members, including President Yokoyama, and it was also the first opportunity for Fr. Francis Assisi Atsushi Hamasaki, SDB, the new Salesian Provincial (advisor to the Federation), who had just assumed office on 6th June, to hold his official duties.

At the beginning of the board meeting, Fr. Daniel Masaharu Torigoe, SDB (Principal) gave a welcome speech on behalf of the host school, followed by the discussion and approval of the activity report and settlement of the previous year, and the activity policy and budget plan for the current year. In addition, the working team presented and discussed ideas for the Federation’s activities for the 100th anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco's arrival in Japan (8 February 2026).

President Yokoyama thanked the participants and said, “After COVID-19, the Japan Federation is starting over again. I hope we can add new strength to the Federation while maintaining close contact with each other and promoting your past pupil association." The new Provincial introduced himself as a past pupil of the Salesian School and expressed his hope to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Salesians of Don Bosco's arrival in Japan with the past pupils.

After the board meeting, Fr. Peter Shin Mishima, SDB in charge of the past pupils, gave a mini-study session on the theme of this year's Strenna, “The dream that makes you dream,” followed by a visit to Tsuzuki Catholic Church (new chapel of the school), which is adjacent to the school.

The reception was held to celebrate the inauguration of the new Provincial and to have a chance to exchange information with Don Bosco’s joy.

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