The Connection

Herndon — The children at Fox Mill Elementary School enjoyed a special treat on the

last day of classes before Spring Break – not one, but two performances by teenage singing and dancing group Jr. Exile, then a visit by the 8-member troupe to several of the classes after their last show in the school’s gymnasium.

The name “Jr. Exile” really describes these talented and energetic young men, all between the ages of 14 and 18. They are all winners of a thousands-strong audition in their native Japan that saw them win the opportunity to live in New York for three and a half years while they studied all aspects of their craft and learned English, as well. But their good fortune also meant that they had to leave family and friends behind during that time.

“We are kind of like exiles,” said band member Ayumu Imazu. “We only get to see our families one time a year, but it has been really worth it. We are so grateful.”

So why is a Japanese boy band playing at an elementary school in Herndon? Because Fox Mill Elementary has long been known for its signature Japanese immersion program. Students enrolled in the immersion program learn several of their core subjects in both English and Japanese, and everyone at the school has embraced Japanese culture and traditions.

Fox Mill Japanese immersion teacher Noriko Otsuka Vankeuren initiated the event. A grant from the JCAW Foundation (the nonprofit offshoot of the Japanese Commerce Association of Washington, D.C.) made it possible for Jr. Exile to add the school to its itinerary while they were in the area to perform at the Cherry Blossom Festival and other events.

The visit seemed to please both the students and the performers. Jr. Exile seemed especially touched when they were greeted with homemade Japanese meals provided by several mothers of Fox Mill youngsters.

Fox Mill students also honored their visitors by putting on a show of their own. First a girls group of students on the gym floor. Then a boys group showed off some of their moves, including tumbles and handstands.

Then it was back to a few more numbers from Jr. Exile that left the young audience clamouring for more when it was all over.

Once the autographs were signed and the group pictures taken, Jr. Exile visited first, fourth and fifth grade classes for more interaction, some more Japanese conversation, and a lot more photos. They received welcome notes and other mementos, made especially for them, and expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to feel a taste of home in the unlikeliest of places.

Then it was back to a few more numbers from Jr. Exile that left the young audience clamouring for more when it was all over.

Once the autographs were signed and the group pictures taken, Jr. Exile visited first, fourth and fifth grade classes for more interaction, some more Japanese conversation, and a lot more photos. They received welcome notes and other mementos, made especially for them, and expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and the opportunity to feel a taste of home in the unlikeliest of places.

“This was the best,” said one young Fox Mill gentleman, as he asked to have his tennis shoe autographed by a Jr. Exile member. “This is like Japanese in real life.”