Our Businesses
Kikokushijo Academy (KA)
Supporting Returnee and Bilingual Students for Over 20 Years
Founded in 2004, Kikokushijo Academy (KA) is Japan’s premier afterschool program dedicated to the academic success and cultural confidence of returnee and bilingual students. With over two decades of proven results, KA has helped thousands of students re-integrate into the Japanese educational system while preserving and building on the international skills they developed abroad.
KA offers a rigorous English academic program designed specifically for students who have lived overseas. Its curriculum focuses on reading, writing, critical thinking, and test preparation for international and bilingual school entrance exams in Japan. Students are encouraged to develop not only fluency but clarity of thought, expressive power, and a growth mindset.
More than just a cram school, KA is a space where globally minded children thrive. By honoring their unique experiences, KA empowers returnee students to see their backgrounds as strengths — preparing them to succeed not only in school, but as future global leaders.
With thousands of alumni and an unmatched reputation, Kikokushijo Academy continues to set the standard for returnee education in Japan.
Global Step Academy (GSA) is a pioneering online education platform and international school network that delivers high-quality English and global education to students across Japan and around the world.
Combining cutting-edge technology with world-class teaching, GSA provides flexible and personalized learning experiences in English literacy, STEM, critical thinking, and more. Students can study live with certified teachers from anywhere — making it ideal for busy families, expat students, and globally mobile learners.
GSA’s programs are aligned with international standards and are designed to build real-world communication skills, academic fluency, and intercultural understanding. Beyond its online platform, GSA also operates a growing number of international schools across Japan, all united by a shared mission: to nurture confident, capable, and globally fluent learners.
Whether through online classes or physical campuses, Global Step Academy prepares students not just for the next test — but for a future without borders.
KA International School (KAIS) is a boutique international school in Tokyo serving students from early childhood through high school. An accredited member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), KAIS combines rigorous international curricula with a supportive, close-knit community where each student is known, challenged, and empowered. With small class sizes, personalized learning pathways, and a faculty deeply committed to student growth, KAIS offers an education that is both intellectually challenging and emotionally nurturing. Students are encouraged to think critically, embrace creativity, and take ownership of their learning as they build confidence and resilience.
As Japan’s first Visible Learning Certified School, KAIS has strengthened this vision with a research-based framework that makes learning transparent and purposeful. Students gain clarity about what they are learning, how to measure their progress, and how to apply their knowledge across different contexts. This culture of visible progress, combined with a rich selection of electives such as robotics, filmmaking, cooking, and manga, equips students not only for academic achievement but also for personal growth, community engagement, and global citizenship.
The International School Times (IST)
Connecting news, voices, and visions that shape international learning
The International School Times serves as a trusted hub for education news and perspectives. Featuring expert interviews, school profiles, and community stories, IST provides readers with a well-rounded view of the international education landscape. Its coverage spans everything from parent and student voices to the latest developments in schools and universities, creating a space where diverse insights come together.
Beyond day-to-day coverage, IST also highlights the bigger picture of where education is headed. With content ranging from test preparation and educational theory to long-term initiatives, the platform connects current issues with future possibilities. By bringing together stories, analysis, and forward-looking perspectives, IST equips its audience with knowledge to better understand and shape the future of learning.