Is it just me or does the air around Nishi Kosuge Elementary School seem charged with youthful energy? Nishi Kosuge Elementary School stands as a beacon of learning. It shapes the future of countless young minds in this vibrant Tokyo neighborhood.
But Nishi Kosuge Elementary School is not the Nishimachi International School. That school was founded in 1949. It is an international school in Tokyo. Tané Matsukata founded it. She was the granddaughter of former prime minister Matsukata Masayoshi.
Matsukata had returned to Japan after seventeen years in the U.S. She saw the need for a new approach to education. This approach would stress the human side of learning. It would promote peaceful coexistence. Learning English was a key part of this vision. It would broaden children’s understanding of other cultures.
The Nishimachi school year begins on August 21. It ends on June 12. Middle school students enjoy dances and ski trips. The school owns land in Kazuno, Gunma Prefecture. This land once belonged to Matsukata’s grandfather. It served as a refuge during the US bombings of Tokyo. Today, it is a camp.
Nishimachi International School is accredited by WASC and CIS. It is a member of JCIS and EARCOS. The campus has six buildings. These include the Matsukata House. This was the original family residence. It now serves as the school’s main administrative building. The Yashiro Media Center houses 18000 books. About 70% are in English and 30% in Japanese.
Matsukata House was built in 1921. William M Vories designed it. Takenaka Komuten built it. Seismic tests in 2008 revealed flaws. The house was reinforced in 2009.
Notable alumni include Conrad Anker, Tom Cochran and Joi Ito. Nishimachi’s philosophy emphasizes a global perspective. It promotes intercultural understanding. The school fosters a strong sense of community. It encourages students to become responsible global citizens.
In 1948 Tané Matsukata returned to Japan. In 1949 classes began for four students. The Minato-ku Government formalized Nishimachi School. In 1951 the first school building was completed. In 1955 Nishimachi School was recognized as Gakko Hojin. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government did this.
In 1956 English became the primary language of instruction. Japanese classes began. In 1958 a kindergarten was added. In 1962 Japanese studies became a requirement. In 1963 junior high began. In 1965 Matsukata House reverted to the Matsukata family. The first edition of Ayumi was published.
In 1966 the school name changed to Nishimachi International School. The first junior high graduation took place. Annual ski trips began. The first Food Fair was held. In 1968 the Student Council was established. Camp Rioichiro Arai was dedicated in 1970. The alumni group held a surprise anniversary party for Miss Matsukata in 1979.
The stories and achievements of Nishimachi International School are inspiring. They surely reflect on Nishi Kosuge Elementary School and the importance of education. These halls are more than just classrooms. They are launching pads for future leaders and innovators.