The mission of Kaichi Nihonbashi Gakuen is to “cultivate leaders who contribute to realize a peaceful and prosperous international society.” Although this may appear to be a cliché, it reflects the complex challenges of the world our students are entering. Across the globe, deep divisions—rooted in differences of values, beliefs, and economic opportunity—continue to create tension and instability. Even in developed nations, prosperity is not shared equally, and disparities remain a persistent issue. At the same time, the rapid advance of globalization has been countered by movements that prioritize national interests over international cooperation, placing new strains on the global community.

In such an era, young people need the ability to think independently, to seek truth, to consider diverse perspectives, and to communicate their ideas with clarity and responsibility. This is why our school implements the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (MYP) for all students from Grades 7 to 10. The IB’s “Learner Profile” clearly articulates the attitudes and dispositions that learners should embody as they engage with the world.

It encourages students to approach others with empathy, to appreciate different viewpoints, and to pursue understanding with perseverance. It asks them to connect knowledge across disciplines, to construct and express their own ideas, and to take initiative by posing questions rather than waiting to be asked. It invites them to embrace challenges without fear of failure, to reflect on outcomes, and to refine their approach for future growth. Above all, it emphasizes a commitment to fairness and justice—qualities that become even more essential in an age of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence.

The MYP philosophy extends not only to students but also to teachers, who are regarded as members of a “learning community.” Our faculty support students’ inquiry through their professional expertise, learning alongside them and guiding them—at times by example—as students deepen their understanding of themselves and the world. This culture of shared learning is reflected vividly in daily school life.

In our classrooms, students take the initiative to pose questions, engage in dialogue, and develop their thinking collaboratively. School events and club activities are not merely extracurricular; they are opportunities for students to design, lead, and pursue projects rooted in their own interests and passions. Through inquiry projects, students explore social issues or personal areas of curiosity, conducting research, analyzing information, and expressing their findings as they consider how they wish to engage with society. These experiences give concrete form to the values of the MYP.

After completing the MYP, students enter Grades 11 and 12 with a clearer sense of their interests, strengths, and aspirations. With the support of their teachers, they explore academic pathways, refine their goals, and take concrete steps toward realizing them. Many go on to pursue higher education both in Japan and abroad, and ultimately, we believe they will contribute to a more peaceful and prosperous international society by illuminating the communities they join, each in their own way.

Since the founding of our predecessor, Nihonbashi Jogakkan, in 1905, our school has sent countless graduates into society, each responding to the needs of their time. We remain committed to anticipating the forms of human development required by the future and to nurturing young people who help shape a better world.