UWC ISAK Japan

On August 1, 2017, the International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK) officially became UWC ISAK Japan, joining 16 other schools in a shared mission to make education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable world.

Along with our new shared mission, we continue to empower our students to be mindful, to take action in the face of discomfort, and to use diversity as a strength. This practice enables our students to develop their own residential management rules, form their own clubs and activities, and create a campus environment that respects every member of our community.

We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to understand and appreciate different perspectives, challenge themselves academically and emotionally, and develop their innate potential as change-makers who can identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.Our school motto reflects our hopes for and dedication to all UWC ISAK Japan students as they journey through one of the most important and exciting times of their lives.

At UWC ISAK Japan, Grade 10 (Pre-IB) students acquire fundamental leadership skills through a year-long program that includes Mindful Self-Discipline and Design Innovation. Through the combination of these courses, students learn how to consider different perspectives and respond thoughtfully in challenging situations, how to see problems as opportunities, and how to create and tell their story in a way that builds consensus. In the spring, Grade 10 students use the skills they have learned to investigate their own personal interests as they begin to develop potential CAS projects for Grade 11.

We understand that choosing a college or university is an individual process, unique to each student. Our two full-time university advisors support UWC ISAK Japan’s fundamental mission to help students develop into transformational leaders by thoughtfully exploring all post-secondary options with an open mind.

We make an effort to expose students to many different types of universities so they can make informed choices about what schools will be the best fit — academically, geographically, personally, and financially. The advisors use a wide range of resources to support students and parents before, during, and after the application process. From college fairs to parent information sessions, we strive to provide the tools and information needed to help our students and families make the best decisions about where to apply.

The rigorous IB curriculum and UWC ISAK Japan’s innovative leadership program make our students highly sought after by universities around the world.

Graduates of UWC Japan have matriculated to college and universities in thirteen countries. Schools in the United States include Brown University, University of California Berkley, Smith College, Carnegie Mellon, Tufts University, and Carleton College. In Japan, students have been accepted to Osaka University, Waseda University, Keio University, and ICU. Elsewhere, students have been accepted to the London School of Economics, University of Amsterdam, Savannah College of Arts and Design (Hong Kong) and the University of British Columbia, among others.

At UWC ISAK Japan, you will share a two-person or four-person bedroom in a house for 12 to 18 students. Each house includes a spacious living room/lounge area, as well as a small kitchenette and free laundry facilities. In nearly all cases, we will assign you roommates from different countries and backgrounds, giving you the chance to learn about other cultures and perspectives on a daily basis. Additionally, you and your housemates are in charge of developing and implementing your own systems for house management, providing you with an opportunity to develop your leadership, problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills. In addition to the Residential Advisors (RAs) — students elected by their peers to keep the house operating smoothly and resolve minor issues — your house will be overseen by a House Mentor, a faculty member whose role is to support you in your residential setting.

Our focus is on access for everyone, with an emphasis on body positivity and health, conservation, sustainability, real-time teamwork and leadership. A wide range of activities are scheduled each year, including hiking, snowshoeing, cycling, climbing, skiing, canyoning, and overnight camps. There is also flexibility for students to propose their own journeys and missions within and outside of these areas.

Traveling by train is the easiest way to get to UWC ISAK Japan from Tokyo’s Narita Airport. From the airport, take the Narita Express train to Tokyo Station. Then connect to the Hokuriku Shinkansen (bullet train) line for a 70 minute ride to Karuizawa. From Karuizawa, take a taxi to campus (approx. 4,000 yen), or take the local Shinano Line train two stops to Shinano-Oiwake. Our campus is a short ten-minute taxi ride from Shinano-Oiwake!