Tokyo International School Group Co., Ltd. (“TISG”), a subsidiary of EdTech company RareJob, Inc. (“RareJob”) that operates kindergarten and after-school programs offering a theme-based learning curriculum taught in English, opened Tokyo International School Minamiazabu Kindergarten, a kindergarten for children aged 2 to 5, on Monday, August 24, 2026.

Background to the Opening

Minamia-Azabu in Tokyo’s Minato Ward is home to numerous embassies and consulates, as well as many international families, including short-, medium-, and long-term residents from overseas, and families seeking a globally oriented educational environment for their children.

At the same time, conventional nurseries and kindergartens in Japan face challenges in flexibly accommodating international children due to language barriers and differences in the academic calendar, which typically begins in April in Japan. As a result, there are very limited childcare and early education options available to international families.

TISG has already been operating an after-school program in the area. In response to the needs of the local community, the company has now established a new campus and opened a kindergarten for children aged 2 to 5.

TISG aims to position the new kindergarten as a truly international learning environment where children from diverse cultural and national backgrounds naturally come together. Beginning with the opening of the Minamiazabu campus, TISG will also strengthen its capacity to welcome international families at its other schools across Japan.

Key Features of Minamiazabu Kindergarten

1．A Multinational Environment Bringing Together Children from Diverse Backgrounds, with English Used Throughout

Taking advantage of its location in Minamia-Azabu, an area home to numerous embassies, the kindergarten will create a highly diverse campus where children with roots in countries and regions around the world—including Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East—can learn together.

English is used throughout the school, not only for everyday communication but also for communication with parents and the handling of various documents. This provides an open and welcoming environment in which international families can feel comfortable enrolling their children.

By being naturally exposed from an early age to different cultures and a wide range of perspectives and values, children are encouraged to develop a truly global mindset.

2．An International Academic Calendar Beginning in August for a Smooth Transition to International Schools

Rather than following Japan’s conventional academic year beginning in April, the kindergarten adopts an internationally aligned school calendar that begins in August.

This makes it easier for returning Japanese children and international children to enroll smoothly, while also facilitating transitions to international schools in Japan and overseas after graduation.

In addition, through its partnership with the affiliated educational institution Tokyo International School, graduates will have access to opportunities such as priority admissions consideration, school information sessions, and campus visits.

3．Theme-Based Inquiry Learning in English and Extracurricular Programs That Foster Both International Awareness and an Appreciation of Japanese Culture

The regular program provides theme-based inquiry learning in English, encouraging children to explore familiar phenomena and topics in greater depth.

Following the regular program, extracurricular activities are also offered from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., including violin, dance, gymnastics, and kendo, which gives children an opportunity to learn about Japanese culture and etiquette.

In particular, gymnastics and kendo are conducted in Japanese, allowing children to become naturally familiar with the Japanese language and culture through their everyday school experience.

While providing a fully English-speaking environment, the kindergarten also encourages children to develop a sense of their own cultural identity and respect for Japanese culture.

Facility Overview

・Name: Tokyo International School Minamiazabu Kindergarten
・Opening Date: Monday, August 24, 2026
・Address: 2F, OJ Building, 2-11-10 Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0047, Japan
・Ages: 2 to 5 years old
・Optional Services: Childcare before and after lessons*, school bus transportation, lunch service, and extracurricular lessons
・Details: https://tokyois-kg.com/en/campus/minami-azabu/

* Before lessons: 8:00 a.m.–9:00 a.m.
After lessons: 2:00 p.m.–6:30 p.m.