Are you looking for a truly international school but are concerned about your child losing their Japanese language skills or connection to their identity in Japan?
Nishimachi International School, a prestigious and long-established school in Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku, offers a solution to one of the biggest concerns in international education: the risk of 'double limited,' where a child becomes semi-proficient in both Japanese and English without mastering either.
In this article, ELT, experts in international school admissions and overseas university placement, will provide a thorough analysis of Nishimachi's greatest appeal: its daily Japanese Program, its outstanding track record for placing graduates in prestigious high schools after Grade 9, and strategies for navigating the highly competitive screening and interview process.
1. What is Nishimachi International School?
Founded in 1949 by Tane Matsukata, Nishimachi International School is a co-educational school for students from Kindergarten to Grade 9 (equivalent to the third year of junior high school), located on a campus in the quiet residential area of Moto-Azabu, Minato-ku.
The core of the school's educational philosophy is the dual focus on "Internationalism" and "Japanese Language and Culture." While English is the primary language of instruction, the school is committed to fostering a deep understanding of Japanese culture and developing students into true global citizens who can thrive anywhere in the world.
2. Strong Japanese in a Truly International Setting: The Unique Japanese Program
What attracts most families to Nishimachi is its distinctive daily Japanese Program, which sets it apart from other international schools.
Daily Required Classes with 9 Proficiency Levels
Japanese language classes are a mandatory part of the daily curriculum for all students. In the Middle School (G6–9), the schedule is particularly robust, with four periods of Japanese (Kokugo) and two periods of Japanese Social Studies within a five-day cycle.
Students are placed into one of nine proficiency levels, allowing for class compositions tailored to individual needs.
- Levels 1–4 (for native speakers): Students learn advanced content based on the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) national language curriculum.
- Levels 5–9 (for non-native speakers): These classes focus on acquiring Japanese as a second language, with placement determined by an assessment upon admission. Students can advance to higher levels as their skills improve, and the program culminates in a comprehensive graduation thesis (including a presentation) with the goal of reaching native-level proficiency by graduation.
Rich Japanese Cultural Experiences
Nishimachi's strength lies not only in language but also in fostering cultural understanding through hands-on experiences.
- Rice-Growing Cycle: Grade 5 and 6 students participate in rice planting and harvesting at a sister school in Gunma Prefecture (Kurohone Gakuen) and experience making mochi (rice cakes) with the harvested rice in the winter.
- Nature and History Trips: Numerous opportunities are provided to connect deeply with Japan's nature and history, including a ski trip to Niigata for Grades 4–9 (focusing on safety and teamwork), a Mount Fuji climb for Grade 9, and a graduation trip to Kyoto, Nara, and Hiroshima.
3. Graduating in Grade 9: What Are the Pathways?
Since Nishimachi's program only goes up to Grade 9 (equivalent to the third year of Japanese junior high school), the lack of a high school can be a point of concern for prospective families. However, the matriculation record of its graduates reveals how effectively Nishimachi functions as a powerful preparatory school. The school also provides comprehensive high school placement counseling.
Primary High School Destinations for Nishimachi Graduates
- International Schools in Japan (approx. 63%): The American School in Japan (ASIJ) is by far the most common destination, with an impressive track record. Approximately 56% of graduates who continue at international schools in Japan matriculate to ASIJ, making Nishimachi a very strong feeder school. Other popular choices include Yokohama International School (YIS, 17%) and Seisen International School (6%).
- Overseas Boarding Schools (approx. 30%): Attending prestigious boarding schools in the United States and Switzerland is another well-established pathway. Nishimachi sends many students to world-class institutions such as Phillips Academy (Andover) and Phillips Exeter Academy in the U.S., the renowned Taft School in the Northeast, and Institut Le Rosey in Switzerland.
- Japanese High Schools (approx. 7%): Some students also advance to top-tier private and public Japanese high schools, including ICU High School, Shibuya Makuhari High School, Tokyo Metropolitan Hibiya High School, and Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School.
4. Tuition and the Strong Community That Requires Parental Involvement
Estimated Required First-Year Fees
As a long-established international school in central Tokyo, the tuition fees are among the highest in the country. The estimated total for the first year, based on 2026-27 information, is as follows.
Fee Item | Amount (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | Approx. 3,129,000 JPY | |
Registration Fee (First Year) | 300,000 JPY | |
Building Maintenance Fee (First Year) | 825,000 JPY | |
Education Enhancement & School Development Fund | Total 400,000 JPY | 200,000 JPY each |
Total Required First-Year Fees | Approx. 4,654,000 JPY | A separate 30,000 JPY application fee is required. |
The 'Tomo no Kai' (Friends Association) and Parental Commitment
A key aspect of the Nishimachi experience is the 'Tomo no Kai' (TNK), the school's parent association. All parents become members and are instrumental in planning and running major school events like the Food Fair and the annual Gala auction. While participation is officially 'voluntary,' the reality is that a higher level of parental cooperation and contribution to the community is expected compared to a typical PTA.
For this reason, it is strongly recommended that at least one parent can communicate smoothly in English. Parental English proficiency is considered essential for communicating with the school and participating in TNK activities.
5. The Key to Admission: Preparing for the Screening and Family Interview
Admission to Nishimachi, especially for Kindergarten (K5), is extremely competitive. Priority is given to legacy applicants (siblings of current students or children of alumni), though admission is not automatic and is based on the screening results. Therefore, for new families without prior connections to the school, thorough preparation is essential.
The Reality of the Screening Process
For Kindergarten (K5) applicants, applications are submitted between September and October, followed by a group interview that includes a parent interview between October and November. In January, a 'two-hour group screening' is conducted with groups of about 13–14 children. During this session, the child's ability to interact in English and their social skills are carefully observed through play and various tasks.
Three Strategies to Succeed in the Family Interview
The parent interview delves deeply into whether a family respects the school's mission and is prepared to contribute to the community.
- Demonstrate a Deep Alignment with the Bilingual Philosophy: Be prepared to answer, 'Why Nishimachi over other international schools?' in English. You should be able to articulate a clear family commitment to balancing Japanese culture and English, referencing specific aspects like the daily Japanese classes and the rice-growing experience.
- Show Eagerness to Contribute to the Community (TNK): Specifically explaining how you plan to actively participate in and support the school through TNK activities (such as bazaars and event management) is the most powerful way to demonstrate that your family is a good fit.
- Prove Your English Communication Skills: It is essential to handle the interview's Q&A session smoothly in English to assure the interviewers that you can collaborate effectively with the school and other parents after enrollment.
Conclusion: Start Preparing for the Highly Competitive Family Interview with Professionals
Nishimachi International School provides an exceptional bilingual environment in English and Japanese, serving as one of Japan's top preparatory schools that feeds into ASIJ and prestigious overseas boarding schools. However, joining this community requires not only a high level of English proficiency and social skills from your child but also a family educational philosophy and parental English communication skills that meet the school's extremely high standards.
"I need help writing an English application that truly resonates with the school's philosophy."
"I want to practice for the parent interview with a native English-speaking instructor to effectively convey how I can contribute to the TNK."
"I need to prepare my child's English and social etiquette for the group screening."
If you have these or similar concerns, we encourage you to schedule a private counseling session or a trial lesson with ELT. Our professionals, who possess deep expertise in international school admissions, will provide powerful support for your family as you aim for a place at the highly competitive Nishimachi International School.
