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A Year of Growth at Pikkas International Preschool

Pikkas International Preschool, located in Minato, Tokyo and led by Satiko Nakagawa, is celebrating its first anniversary in April 2026. The past year has been dedicated to creating an educational environment that emphasizes the power of self-directed learning in children. Through engaging with nature and diverse cultures, Pikkas has fostered an atmosphere where children can learn through play and exploration.

Year 2 Plans and Initiatives

As they transition into their second year, Pikkas is set to expand its activities. Collaborating with multicultural institutions and global companies focused on well-being, the preschool aims to enhance its projects further. This is not only about enriching the educational experience of currently enrolled children but also about increasing societal awareness of the value of learning in a supportive English environment.

Highlights from Year One

Throughout the past year, Pikkas has prioritized creating a safe and stimulating space for children experiencing an English environment for the first time. Activities included:

• - Emphasis on Outdoor Play: The preschool incorporated various outdoor learning experiences—nature walks to observe seasonal changes, watering plants at local farms, engaging in art and craft using natural materials, and explorative projects for families.
• - Inclusive Care Practices: Pikkas nurtured an inclusive atmosphere that respects each child's pace and emotions. With an emphasis on children's agency, they provided opportunities for kids to choose activities that interested them, allowing growth both as individuals and as part of a community.
• - Fostering Diverse Perspectives: The preschool offered numerous activities aimed at promoting diversity, including storytelling sessions by a former TV announcer, events featuring guests from Ukraine, and interactions with other preschools. Observing the children's openness to different viewpoints was particularly impressive.
• - Community Connections: Pikkas engaged with local initiatives, like participating in the “Achi-kochi Farm” project for planting and watering flowers, hosting a “Children's Store Clerk” event at a nearby shopping mall, and decorating a Christmas tree at Pullman Tokyo Tamachi. These interactions have deepened children's sense of belonging within their community.
• - Maintaining an All-English Environment: For many children, English is a new language, and Pikkas has focused on creating a natural language acquisition process. This approach has led to notable increases in vocabulary usage and enjoyment in conversing in English.
• - Building a Supportive Community with Parents: To strengthen the partnership with families, Pikkas organized events such as Family Day, parent-child outings, summer festivals, Christmas parties, and seasonal ceremonies, enhancing communication between teachers and parents.

Looking Ahead: Enrollment Information

In 2026, Pikkas will offer classes for children aged 2 to 5, with limited spaces available for new registrations. Interested families can find the latest information on their website or social media. They will also hold pre-enrollment information sessions for the 2027 school year starting in summer 2026.

Collaboration Opportunities

Pikkas International Preschool intends to continue its collaborative efforts with local organizations and businesses. They welcome inquiries from companies interested in contributing to children's social integration and participation opportunities.

A Message from the Director

Satiko Nakagawa, the director of Pikkas, expresses the vision: “At Pikkas, we believe in the power of children to teach themselves. Throughout the year, the smiles, words, and actions of the children validate the strength of our commitment. In our second year, we aim to enrich our educational environment with the support of our local community, staff, and parents.”

About Pikkas

Pikkas International Preschool incorporates global educational philosophies such as the Finnish education model, Montessori, Reggio Emilia, Jena Plan, and Steiner Education, positioning itself as a licensed, non-traditional childcare facility. It emphasizes outdoor activities and interaction with nature, centering its curriculum around empowering children with the essential skills they need for the future while viewing English as a powerful tool for independent thought and action.

Contact Details

• - Location: 3-19-17 Shibaura, Minato, Tokyo 108-0023
• - Company: Sustainable Education Co., Ltd.
• - Access: 8 minutes by foot from Tamachi Station (JR Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku Lines)
• - Operating Hours: Weekdays from 8:30 AM to 6:15 PM

For more details, visit the official website or follow them on Instagram.