Liceo Mexicano Japonés

Beyond the walls of the Liceo Mexicano Japonés, a unique story unfolds. This isn’t just any school. It’s a testament to friendship, a bridge between cultures, and a symbol of the enduring bond between Mexico and Japan. The Liceo Mexicano Japonés sits in the Pedregal neighborhood of Álvaro Obregón, in southern Mexico City. Its story began over a decade before its doors opened, culminating in a merger of a preparatory school and three of Mexico City’s part-time Japanese schools in 1974. The proposal was met with controversy within the Nikkei community, but the importance of such an institution prevailed. The school’s founding followed a visit by Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, who donated 300 million yen for its construction. In September 1977, the Liceo Mexicano Japonés officially opened, inaugurated by Mexican President Luis Echeverría and Secretary of Education Porfirio Muñoz Ledo. The school catered to Japanese Mexicans, children of temporary Japanese workers, and even Mexicans with no Japanese heritage. Interestingly, Carlos Kasuga Osaka, the director of Yakult Mexico, founded the school and served as its chair. It became the first transnational educational institution within any Nikkei community. The Liceo Mexicano Japonés quickly gained prestige. President Carlos Salinas de Gortari even sent his children there, further solidifying its reputation as one of Mexico’s best schools. This choice, in part, reflected the growing Japanese influence in Mexico during a period of expanding trade between the two nations. The school offers a dual curriculum: a Mexican section following the SEP and UNAM curriculum, and a Japanese section adhering to the MEXT curriculum. This bilingual and bicultural approach extends from kindergarten through high school, immersing students in both Mexican and Japanese traditions. Beyond academics, the Liceo Mexicano Japonés fosters a vibrant community through extracurricular activities. From athletic events and picnics to cultural programs and excursions, the school provides a rich environment for students to connect with their heritage and each other. The Liceo Mexicano Japonés stands as more than just a school. It’s a living embodiment of cultural exchange, a place where two worlds meet and create something truly special.