Minister Yohei Matsumoto Visits JISPP in Cambodia, Highlighting Japanese Education

Introduction

On September 9, 2026, Yohei Matsumoto, Japan’s Minister of Education, made a significant visit to the Japanese International School of Phnom Penh (JISPP) in Cambodia. This visit emphasizes Japan's commitment to international education and promoting its unique educational practices abroad. Alongside him was Takuto Miura, the Acting Ambassador of Japan to Cambodia, reflecting the government’s support for educational initiatives overseas.

Purpose of the Visit

The Ministry of Education's initiative, known as 'EDU-Port Nippon', aims to develop and implement Japanese-style education in international settings. The visit aimed to observe and learn from the implementation of Japanese educational practices and the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework at JISPP. This engagement underscores the importance of quality education in cultivating globally capable citizens.

Observations During the Visit

During the visit, Minister Matsumoto witnessed firsthand the unique aspects of Japanese-style preschool education, which encourages learning through play and includes activities such as rhythmic gymnastics. The focus was not only on physical activities but also on cognitive development, exemplified by the children's engagement with the educational toy ‘Think!Think!’.

The highlight of the day was the emotional moment when students presented handmade origami bouquets to the Minister, showcasing their creativity and cultural connection. The visit concluded with a heartwarming send-off where the children waved goodbye, holding flags representing both Japan and Cambodia—a symbolic gesture of friendship and cultural exchange.

Exchange of Ideas

Following the visit, there was an engaging discussion about Japanese educational approaches and the IB curriculum. Participants shared views on the future expansion of such programs not only within Japan but also in other countries, exploring the potential to influence global educational practices.

About the Japanese International School of Phnom Penh (JISPP)

Established in July 2024, JISPP caters to children aged 2 to 6. It focuses on nurturing non-cognitive skills such as perseverance, self-control, teamwork, and creativity, all rooted in Japanese educational principles. Having received recognition as an IB candidate school in October 2025, JISPP is on track to attain IB World School status by 2027.

Wonderfy, in collaboration with Mammy's Family Co., is involved in the management of JISPP, with its CEO, Keisuke Kawashima, serving as a board member. The school integrates the ‘Think!Think!’ program and other related materials into daily routines, further enriching the educational experience.

For those interested in learning about JISPP, more information is available on their official website: JISPP Official Site.

For a deeper insight into Wonderfy’s initiatives in Cambodia, refer to their detailed documentation available here.

About Wonderfy

Wonderfy’s mission is to inspire curiosity and intellectual exploration among children worldwide. The company develops educational materials including the STEAM-focused correspondence course ‘Wonderbox’ and the cognitive development app ‘Think!Think!’ which has captivated over 3.5 million children across more than 220 countries and regions.

To learn more about Wonderfy, visit their official site: Wonderfy Official Site.