Saturday, February 21, 2026 —
International School of Nagano, Saku Kirihara Campus Pre-Opening Ceremony
Saku Kirihara Campus Pre-Opening Ceremony
Ahead of the opening of the new ISN Saku Kirihara Campus in April 2026—located on the former Kirihara Elementary School site—International School of Nagano (ISN) will hold a Pre-Opening Ceremony to introduce the new campus to the community.
Through the programs outlined below, the ceremony aims to share ISN’s educational philosophy directly with local residents.
▼ Campus Tour
A guided tour of our bright, open learning environment that supports world-class education
▼ English Activities
Hands-on, sensory-based English activities led by international teachers
Scenes from classes at ISN Shimauchi Campus
The Educational Foundation of the Saku Region
Saku City has long been known as a region that places great value on learning and education.
In recent years, the city has also seen a steady increase in families relocating to the area—particularly those raising children—due to factors such as:
● Easy access to the Tokyo metropolitan area
● A rich and abundant natural environment
● High standards of medical care and education
Especially in the Eastern Shinshu region, including Saku City and extending to the Karuizawa area, more families are choosing to relocate while continuing to work in the Tokyo area, as well as families who select where to live based on educational priorities.
Nagano Prefecture’s High Educational Standards and the Growth of International Education
Nagano Prefecture has long been recognized nationwide for its strong interest in education and high educational standards.
In recent years, there has been growing interest in inquiry-based learning and education that respects diverse values. As a result, international schools and global education options have been steadily increasing throughout the prefecture.
This trend reflects a shift from the traditional belief that international education is only available overseas, toward a new perspective: delivering world-class education locally, within Japan.
Why ISN Is Opening a Campus in Saku
ISN began with the opening of its Minami-Matsumoto Campus in 2012 and has since grown over the past 14 years to operate programs from preschool through middle school across Nagano Prefecture (Minami-Matsumoto, Shimauchi, Gojo, Nagano, and Nakano).
Each campus integrates nature-based experiences with a curriculum grounded in the International Baccalaureate (IB), offering a distinctive educational approach.
At the Saku Kirihara Campus, ISN will take on a new challenge by launching its first childcare program starting from infancy (from 7 months old).
With panoramic views of Mt. Asama and the Chikuma River flowing nearby, Saku’s rich natural environment serves as an ideal “classroom” that stimulates children’s intellectual curiosity from the very beginning of life. In this nurturing setting, children will engage all five senses and learn deeply from nature during their most formative years.
We are confident that the Saku region itself will further enrich ISN’s inquiry-based learning.
The Vision Behind the Pre-Opening Ceremony
This Pre-Opening Ceremony is more than a simple facility tour.
It is an opportunity to share with the local community:
● How ISN approaches education
● Why ISN chose this region for a new campus
● What kind of learning experiences we hope to provide for children
ISN will continue to work in collaboration with Saku City and surrounding communities to build a strong foundation for the learning of the next generation.
Pre-Opening Ceremony Details 📝
Date & Time:
Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10:30 a.m. – around 2:00 p.m.
Location:
ISN Saku Kirihara Campus
100-1 Naka-Odagiri, Saku City, Nagano Prefecture
(Former Kirihara Elementary School)
Schedule:
10:30–10:45 Doors Open
10:45 Greetings from Saku City Mayor Seiji Yanagida and ISN Representative Kuribayashi
10:55 Introduction of the Saku Kirihara Campus
11:15 Interviews with current ISN students
11:30 Campus Tour
12:00 Open Conversation (Enjoy light refreshments from food wagons)
1:00 English Activities and more
2:00 Closing remarks by ISN Representative Kuribayashi
2:05 Event concludes
We warmly invite everyone to attend this ceremony. No reservation is required.
Residents of the Saku Kirihara area, alumni of the former Kirihara Elementary School, community members, families connected to existing ISN campuses, Saku City residents, and anyone interested in international education—please feel free to join us with your family and friends.
Warm food, our new campus, and the ISN staff look forward to welcoming you ✨
