Founded Alongside the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations: Celebrating the 60th Anniversary of The Japanese School Singapore this year — Shimada Michio, The Japanese School Singapore, Clementi Campus (Primary School)　Principal

The Beginning in Singapore

Q：What was the turning point that your faced while walking alongside Singapore’s development?

Our institution embarked on its journey in September 1966, precisely as the modern diplomatic relationship between Singapore and Japan began to unfold. At its inception, the school was a  close-knit community operating with just 3 teachers and 27 primary school students.

As the decades progressed, our enrollment expanded steadily in tandem with the rapid economic development of the region. This consistent growth culminated in the establishment of the Junior High School division four years later, which eventually moved to its own dedicated campus.

To accommodate this expansion, a school district system was introduced for the primary grades, prompting the birth of the Changi Campus. Establishing this robust, unified three-campus structure was the turning point that shaped our current form. At its peak, enrollment neared 3,000 students. While the overall student population has decreased in recent years, we remain profoundly proud to stand as one of the largest and most prestigious overseas Japanese educational institutions in the world.

Core Strengths

Q：What core values and philosophies have been passed down through the generations as part of your organization’s unchanging “DNA”?

The core educational mission shared across all three campuses of The Japanese School Singapore is “to nurture individuals who possess a rich international mindset and a proactive desire to connect genuinely with people worldwide”.

Living in Singapore—a masterclass in multicultural coexistence—our students are constantly exposed to a beautiful array of diverse heritages. This cross-cultural literacy is further deepened through our active, long-standing exchange programs with local schools. In a contemporary international landscape where societal division can often feel increasingly prominent, I believe the single most vital attitude we must protect and instill in our youth is this earnest drive to connect with others. We have always been, and will remain, deeply committed to raising children who possess the capacity to build meaningful, lasting relationships not just with Japan, but with the global community.

The Road Ahead

Q：What kind of footprint or legacy do you aim to leave over the next 10 to 20 years?

In this fast-changing environment, our school must continually upgrade its methodologies. We fiercely preserve our rich institutional traditions and values while seamlessly ensuring absolute continuity with the rigorous educational standards of Japan. While prioritizing a rock-solid mastery of academic basics, we are actively enriching our English language curriculum, expanding our international education through local school exchanges, and elevating our ICT and special needs education frameworks. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate with the definitive aim of standing as the premier Japanese international school globally.

What I Love About Singapore!

Q：What elements of Singapore’s culture or urban lifestyle do you find truly wonderful and inspiring?

I find the magnificent abundance of lush greenery across this island to be truly extraordinary. Right near our campus, we are blessed with two expansive public parks, which our faculty regularly utilizes as open-air classrooms for hands-on, experiential learning.

This remarkably safe, secure, and supportive environment is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most beautiful and reassuring charms.

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Interviewee Profile

■ The Japanese School Singapore, Clementi Campus (Primary School)

◉Providing comprehensive primary school education in strict compliance with the National Curriculum Standards of Japan. 🏢Address：95 Clementi Rd S129782 🕚Opening Hours：7:45-16:30, Monday to Friday 📅Closed Days：Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays(May 1st to May 5th, and the New Year holidays.) 📞Phone：6775 3366 📩E-mail：otoiawase@sjscle.edu.sg 🌐Website 📱Instagram

　

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