Messages
Masayoshi Shimizu Educational Foundation of Ota Kokusai Gakuen Chairman
“A commitment to English education is like confronting Japanese culture and traditions” was what many people argued when they criticized my idea of establishing GKA. However, we grabbed the opportunity to become the first structural reform zone school. Since then GKA has been treading the path for educational reform. Now, we are a school nurturing students with top level of English proficiency in Japan. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced a plan to increase the number of schools certified to offer the internationally recognized IB (International Baccalaureate) Diploma Programme (DP) to 200 as a way of fostering human resources with effective work skills and ethics in the globalized community. Japanese universities are also in the process of accrediting IBDP qualification. IBDP courses are conducted primarily in English therefore only a few Japanese high schools can meet this IB requirement. The proposed plan suggests that educational policies of the government or universities are now headed in the direction similar to GKA. GKA is full of unique characteristics making us a pioneer school for innovative trends in society and education in Japan. Within the Japanese educational structure, GKA is a future-orientated school. The commitment of the GKA teachers and staff is carrying on the joyful task of assisting students to meet standard expectations. Believing that “I am glad I established GKA,” I feel flattered when I see children demonstrate their creativity and critical thinking skill through confidently expressing their thoughts both in English and Japanese.
Mr. Hiromichi Nozawa, Elementary School Principal
Try to imagine what your child will be like twelve years from now.
Every day, children discover new things. They experience the joy of learning, form irreplaceable friendships, and face the challenges of self-discovery. As children navigate through an abundance of “encounters”, they grow while honing their skills and developing their own unique personalities. Embracing the joy of supporting them through this process as teachers, we will continue to be there for each one of them.
Through consistent education from elementary school through high school, students develop a sense of autonomy that empowers them to forge their own paths. After twelve years of studying English, the children will move on to pursue their own dreams. I look forward to working with you all in supporting the students’ growth to become young adults with lofty aspirations.
Todd Lowery Secondary School Principal
At Gunma Kokusai Academy, we are committed to providing a learning experience that nurtures curiosity, builds character, and prepares students to thrive in an ever-changing world. As an English immersion school offering an internationally-minded Japanese curriculum, we believe that language is not only a tool for communication, but a bridge to understanding diverse perspectives and cultures. Through this, students deepen not only their awareness of the world, but also their appreciation and understanding of their own culture, including the rich traditions and values of Japan.
At the heart of our approach is a simple belief: every child has unique strengths and the ability to grow. Our role as educators is to help each student discover those strengths and develop their full potential. We value effort, resilience, and a love of learning, and we recognize that each student’s journey is different. Excellence for us is not defined by a single pathway, but by personal growth and a sense of purpose.
Our secondary school is an accredited IB World School, offering the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP) to all students. As the final part of a twelve year education, we aim to build on students’ experiences in their elementary education and guide them through to graduation. Through this continuity, we aim to ensure that every student experiences a clear sense of direction, purpose, and support throughout their learning.
We value inquiry, creativity, and student agency, and we strive to create an environment where students feel challenged, supported, and inspired. Just as importantly, we emphasize respect, responsibility, and compassion—qualities that define not only successful learners, but thoughtful global citizens.
We are proud of our diverse and dedicated community of students, teachers, and families. Together, we are building a school where every student is known, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. We look forward to you joining our community and to you joining us on this journey.