K. International School Tokyo logo

K. International School Tokyo

Secular, Founded 1997

Updated July 2026

Co-edGender
DayType
700Students
Non-profitOwnership

Accreditations

Languages

English flagEnglish

Founded in 1997, K. International School Tokyo (KIST) is a leading, co-educational IB World School in Koto-ku, Tokyo, serving students from Kindergarten through Grade 12. It is a private, non-religious institution recognized for its rigorous academic environment and global university placement success.

Teaching approach

The school is guided by a philosophy of developing youth who possess both academic excellence and high moral character. It promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, and international understanding through inquiry-based learning in a non-religious, diverse environment that respects mutual understanding. The school emphasizes the values of respect, responsibility, and safety.

Programmes

KIST offers a structured progression of curricula designed to prepare students for the IB Diploma Programme (DP). This includes the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for Kindergarten to Grade 5, a customized Lower Secondary Programme (LSP) for Grades 6–8, and the Edexcel International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Grades 9–10. The final stage is the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for Grades 11–12.

Outcomes

KIST maintains a near 100% university progression rate, with over 80% of graduates advancing to prestigious global institutions, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Ivy League universities. The Class of 2025 achieved an average IB Diploma score of 42.0 points. The school is an official SAT Test Center.

Student support

EAL support
Not offered
Learning support
Not offered

Learning support

The school does not employ a learning needs specialist and is unable to accept applications for students with special learning needs. Physical disabilities are considered on a case-by-case basis. A Student Care Office, staffed by trained Care Coordinators, provides support for personal concerns and peer conflicts.

Frequently asked questions(6)
What curriculum does K. International School Tokyo offer?
K. International School Tokyo offers IB PYP, IB Diploma and IGCSE.
How much is tuition at K. International School Tokyo?
Annual tuition at K. International School Tokyo is ¥2.9M–¥3M. Fees vary by year group — confirm the current schedule with the school.
Is K. International School Tokyo a day or boarding school?
K. International School Tokyo is a day school.
What accreditations does K. International School Tokyo hold?
K. International School Tokyo holds accreditations including CIS and IB.
Is K. International School Tokyo co-educational?
K. International School Tokyo is a co-ed school.
Where is K. International School Tokyo located?
K. International School Tokyo is an international school in Tokyo, Japan.

Tuition & fees

Annual tuition by grade

2026-2027
Annual tuition by grade
GradeAgesAnnual
K1–K3¥3M
Grades 1–9¥2.9M
Grades 10–12¥3M
Other fees(6)
Other fees
Application fee· Upon application. Non-refundable. All grades.¥30K
Enrolment fee· When first admitted to KIST. Non-refundable. Reduced rate of 60,000 for students re-enrolling within three years. All grades.¥300K
Registration fee· Capital Fee. When first admitted to KIST. Reduced rate of 140,000 for students re-enrolling within three years. All grades.¥700K
Registration fee· Building Maintenance Fee. All grades. Will be reduced for students first enrolling from April.¥200K
Registration fee· Community Association (CA) Fee. All grades.¥1K
Registration fee· Program Progression Fee. Grades 1, 6, 9 and 11. Invoiced separately.¥5K

Admissions

KIST is a selective school that welcomes academically motivated students from internationally minded families. The admissions process involves a comprehensive screening of application documentation, followed by testing for successful candidates, with a focus on English proficiency and academic potential. The school maintains a diverse student body by balancing cultural backgrounds and gender at each grade level. Applications for students requiring language support are not accepted for Grade 8 and above.

Calendar

The school year begins in mid-August. The cut-off date for enrollment age is July 31.

Facilities

GymnasiumSports fieldLibraryScience labsMusic roomPlayground

About the campus

The campus features a gymnasium with a full-size basketball court, a spacious field, and specialized science laboratories for Chemistry, Physics, Biology, and Environmental Systems and Societies. Academic facilities include extensive libraries, computer labs, and soundproofed music studios. The school also provides a student lounge, a multi-purpose room for events and dance lessons, an ECE playground, and on-campus dining options including the NK Café and K-Shop.

Co-curriculars

Extracurricular activities are a core pillar of the school, fostering teamwork and leadership through inter-school competitions in basketball, volleyball, cross country, futsal, and baseball. Specialized instruction is available in soccer and golf, while arts education includes music, drama, and visual arts. A signature annual musical production allows students to collaborate on a comprehensive performance.

  • Dr. Kevin Yoshihara
    Dr. Kevin YoshiharaHead of School

    Dr. Yoshihara has been with KIST since 2009, serving as a classroom teacher and Elementary School Principal before becoming Head of School in 2019. He holds a Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership and is a PYP workshop leader for the International Baccalaureate Organization. Originally from Canada, he is a father of two children, one of whom is a KIST graduate.

  • Hiro Komaki
    Hiro KomakiVice Head of School/DP Coordinator

    Hiro Komaki joined KIST in 2013, serving as a teacher and counselor before becoming DP Coordinator in 2019 and Secondary School Vice Principal in 2024. He holds a Master of Arts in Applied Educational Leadership and Management and is an IB examiner for Mathematics. He is also an editorial reviewer for IB DP Mathematics textbooks.

  • Mark Cowe
    Mark CoweSecondary School Principal

    Mark Cowe joined KIST in 2007 as the IB Diploma Programme Coordinator, later becoming Secondary School Vice Principal in 2011 and Secondary School Principal in 2014. He holds a Master of Arts in modern history and politics and has extensive teaching experience in the UK, Qatar, and El Salvador. He is also an IB examiner for History and Theory of Knowledge.

  • Matthew Archer
    Matthew ArcherElementary School Principal

    Matthew Archer joined KIST in 2021, initially working in the Secondary School before being appointed Elementary School Vice Principal in 2024 and later Elementary School Principal. He has worked in education since 2008, primarily in the UK, and previously served as Vice Principal at Abingdon House School. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature.

  • Eri Ozawa
    Eri OzawaElementary School Vice Principal (K1–K3)

    Eri Ozawa joined KIST in 1998 and has over three decades of experience as an Early Childhood Education educator, including serving as ECE Coordinator for 10 years. She holds a degree from Monash University and a master’s degree in Teaching English to Young Learners from the University of York.

  • John Rose
    John RoseSecondary School Vice Principal

    John Rose joined KIST in 2013 as a Subject Area Coordinator for Science, later becoming DP Coordinator in 2014 and Secondary School Vice Principal in 2019. He holds a Master of Education in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics and a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering. He is an IB examiner for Chemistry and has taught in multiple countries including Hong Kong, Beijing, Bangkok, and Dubai.

  • Keith Erickson
    Keith EricksonIGCSE Coordinator

    Keith Erickson joined KIST in 2011 as a teacher, served as Individuals and Societies Subject Area Coordinator starting in 2012, and transitioned to IGCSE Coordinator in 2023. He holds a Master of Arts in Secondary Teacher Education and a Master of Business Administration in Global Management. He began his teaching career in 2005.