Trailblazer is Japan’s premier junior boarding school for future global leaders

With a bilingual curriculum, immersive cultural experiences and a focus on character development, JINIS offers a unique blend of international education and deep-rooted Japanese culture.

JINIS envisions itself as Asia’s premier junior boarding school, a gateway to the most prestigious senior institutions around the world. This commitment to excellence is reflected in its curriculum, which blends rigorous academics with cultural enrichment, shaping students into globally aware, well-rounded individuals.

As globalization continues to reshape the educational landscape, families in Japan are looking beyond traditional schooling. A true global education isn’t just about speaking English — it is about understanding cultures, thinking critically and adapting to an ever-changing world. JINIS leads this movement, integrating the British-based International Primary Curriculum with Japan’s Ministry of Education standards. By mastering both English and Japanese, students develop a strong sense of identity while preparing for an international future.

The school prides itself on its distinguished faculty, including esteemed advisers such as Michael Rob Gray, a former principal of Switzerland’s Institut Le Rosey, and John Baugh, a former head of the prestigious Oxford Dragon School. Their wealth of experience helps foster an environment where children not only achieve academically but also grow as individuals, ready to step into the world’s top secondary schools.

Gota Yamane, the head of corporate office at JINIS, explains the school’s vision this way: “Speaking English alone does not make someone a true global citizen. We believe that students need a strong foundation in Japanese education before they can confidently step out into the world. Japan’s expertise in mathematics and science is highly respected internationally, and JINIS ensures that students experience both this academic rigor and a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. Whether through tea ceremonies, rice planting or pottery, these experiences enrich their cultural identity while preparing them for an increasingly interconnected world.”

At JINIS, students don’t just learn about culture from textbooks — they experience it firsthand. The school’s Japanese garden, designed by the celebrated landscape architect Kinsaku Nakane, is not merely decorative but an active space for cultural learning. Students participate in tea ceremonies in authentic tea rooms, experiencing Japan’s time-honored traditions in their purest form. Likewise, hands-on experiences such as rice planting and pottery-making ensure that students engage with Japanese heritage through practical immersion, fostering a deeper, more personal connection to their roots.

Beyond academics, JINIS places great importance on four core values that shape strong, responsible individuals with the courage to embrace new challenges, a sense of responsibility toward others and integrity in all aspects of life. The spirit of “endeavor” drives students to approach learning with curiosity and dedication. “Responsibility” instills accountability and a commitment to their community. “Integrity” encourages honesty and an openness to diverse perspectives. Most importantly, “courage” gives students the confidence to express themselves and take the initiative. These principles are more than just words — they are woven into the fabric of daily life at JINIS, ensuring that students leave with the skills needed to navigate an ever-changing world.

JINIS also offers a unique opportunity for younger students and prospective families to experience life at the school through JINIS Camp, an annual summer program. This immersive camp provides children with a chance to engage in JINIS’s distinctive curriculum, participate in cultural activities and build friendships in a boarding environment. JINIS Camp allows families to see firsthand how the school nurtures independence, confidence and a global mindset, making it an ideal introduction to the JINIS experience.

Boarding at JINIS is more than just a place to stay — it’s a second home. House parents and medical staff provide round-the-clock care, fostering confidence and independence within a structured yet nurturing environment. Younger students receive guidance in their daily routines, gradually building self-sufficiency. Regular video calls and daily updates keep parents connected, ensuring they remain an active part of their child’s journey.

Surrounded by the breathtaking Chugoku Mountains, the JINIS campus spans an impressive 830,000 square meters — an area 17 times the size of Tokyo Dome. This vast natural playground offers endless opportunities for adventure, from horseback riding and golf to skiing and swimming. The school’s emphasis on real-world experiences extends to food education as well. Meals, expertly prepared by the acclaimed Cezars Kitchen with collaborations featuring Michelin-starred chef Keisuke Matsushima, are more than just nutrition — they are a lesson in respect for ingredients, culinary traditions and dining etiquette, reinforcing cultural literacy in an everyday setting.

The impact of JINIS extends far beyond its campus. Many graduates, now excelling at institutions such as Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland; Dragon School Oxford, Millfield School, Bilton Grange and Repton Prep in the U.K.; Geelong Grammar School in Australia; College Alpin Beau Soleil in Switzerland; and Nexus International School in Malaysia, credit JINIS with giving them the confidence and adaptability to thrive in new environments. Whether through European trips or the close-knit friendships that students form in boarding life, JINIS provides experiences that prepare students to embrace opportunities worldwide.

Parents consistently express gratitude for JINIS’s holistic approach to education. Families who were initially unsure about boarding school soon found reassurance in the strong support network and transparent communication between staff and parents. They appreciate the balance between academic rigor and character development, knowing their children are growing into self-assured, globally minded individuals ready to take on the world.

Graduates of JINIS frequently secure places at some of the world’s most renowned boarding schools, leaving not only with academic achievements but also with a deep appreciation of their heritage and the confidence to contribute as global citizens.

Education at JINIS is more than just classroom learning — it’s about curiosity, integrity and self-discovery. As students race across open fields, engage in dynamic discussions in multiple languages and form lifelong friendships, they aren’t just preparing for their futures — they are embracing every moment of the present. For families seeking a school that fosters resilience, cultural appreciation and academic excellence, JINIS stands as the perfect place for young minds to take flight.