#Japan #Kanazawa #Aoba-BBT #International Baccalaureate #A-JIS Kanazawa

A-JIS Kanazawa Educational Initiative

In September 2026, the Aoba Japan International School (A-JIS) group took a significant leap towards its ambitious project of opening the A-JIS Kanazawa. Over the course of two days, the group, led by its chairman Iwao Shibata and president Ryuhiko Mase, engaged in a pivotal event known as the Kanazawa Leadership Retreat in the culturally rich city of Kanazawa, Ishikawa Prefecture.

The event witnessed the participation of 22 leaders and principals from various A-JIS campuses, who gathered at Hokuriku Gakuin University to hold a round-table discussion with members from the local educational institutions, enterprises, and government bodies. Notable attendees included Yoshitomo Yamano, Governor of Ishikawa Prefecture, and Taku Murayama, Mayor of Kanazawa City. Their involvement highlighted the significant interest in the establishment of A-JIS Kanazawa, slated for launch in August 2027 in collaboration with Hokuriku Gakuin University.

1. The Importance of Dialogue

A-JIS recognizes that expanding international education, particularly the International Baccalaureate (IB) options, has primarily focused on metropolitan areas until now. When considering a new location for a school, A-JIS believes it is crucial to first understand the values cherished by that community and the vision they have for the education of their children. This philosophy guided the group’s efforts in creating a platform for listening rather than simply explaining their educational concept.

The official round-table session served as an opportunity for A-JIS leaders to hear from local voices. Understanding the community’s needs and aspirations lays a solid foundation for the upcoming establishment of A-JIS Kanazawa.

2. Overview of the Event

The event unfolded in several segments:

• - Round-Table Discussion: Scheduled for September 10, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 12:15 PM, at Hokuriku Gakuin University, this session featured various local organizations, including Ishikawa Prefectural University, Kanazawa Institute of Technology, and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Hokuriku Center.

• - Courtesy Visits: Following the dialogue, key visits to local educational institutions and companies took place, aimed at fostering partnerships and gathering insights.

• - Parent Engagement: An important follow-up on September 11 involved a meeting with parents to discuss their perspectives on the new school’s concept.

3. Insights from Dialogue

During these interactions, both Governor Yamano and Mayor Murayama expressed optimism that A-JIS Kanazawa will afford local families an enriched educational option. They also emphasized the importance of respecting Kanazawa's rich history and cultural heritage while developing the school.

Constructive feedback was gathered during the round-table, highlighting factors that influence international families' decisions regarding education in the region. From pathways for students post-IB to enhancing collaborative learning with local universities, various stakeholders contributed essential insights reflecting a shared commitment to effective education.

4. A-JIS Kanazawa’s Vision

Moving forward, A-JIS Kanazawa is determined to integrate local culture, arts, and history into its curriculum, while also promoting service learning that connects students with the community and global networks. The school will leverage A-JIS's extensive experience with IB education, having received recognition from the IB organization for online programs, and will innovate with hybrid learning models that blend traditional in-person education with online resources.

Crucially, the lessons learned through local dialogue will not only shape the development of A-JIS Kanazawa but will also inform future A-JIS schools across Japan. The commitment to ‘Leading Positive Change’ encompasses not just students but the broader community served by A-JIS.

5. A Message from Leadership

In reflecting upon this retreat, A-JIS leaders acknowledged their gratitude to all local partners and community members for their participation. They reasserted that their mission extends beyond simply introducing international education to Kanazawa. Rather, it aims to build a school in collaboration with Hokuriku Gakuin and the local community, ensuring it is deeply rooted in the region and contributes positively to its educational landscape.

6. Upcoming Plans

Looking ahead, A-JIS Kanazawa will kick off its admission process in the Fall of 2026, followed by orientation sessions for families in October, aiming at an official opening by August 2027.

7. Learn More and Contact Us

For further inquiries or information regarding the A-JIS Kanazawa project and admission processes, interested parents and press members are encouraged to reach out through the designated channels highlighted in the announcement.