Press Release
Kikokushijo Academy Achieves 75%+ Success Rate in 2025 Returnee Admissions to Japan’s Top Junior High Schools
Exceptional results at Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen, Hiroo Gakuen, Keio SFC and other leading schools
Jun 19, 2025
Exceptional results at Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen, Hiroo Gakuen, Keio SFC and other leading schools
TOKYO — June 2025 — Global KA Holdings Inc. today announced that its flagship bilingual education brand, Kikokushijo Academy (KA), achieved outstanding results in the 2025 returnee admissions cycle for Japan’s top junior high schools.
KA students accounted for more than 75% of successful applicants at some of Japan’s most competitive schools, including Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya Junior High School, Hiroo Gakuen, and Keio Shonan Fujisawa Junior High School (Keio SFC).
At Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya, all successful returnee applicants were KA students — marking the second time KA has achieved a 100% placement at this prestigious institution (previously in 2022).
“In today’s returnee admissions, language ability alone is not enough,” said Charles M. Knudsen, Representative Director of Kikokushijo Academy and Director of Education at Global KA Holdings Inc. “Success requires the ability to think independently and communicate clearly — skills that will serve students well beyond the exam. We are committed to helping returnee and bilingual students achieve their goals not only at exam time, but as they step into the global stage.”
2025 Returnee Admissions Results — Highlights
(KA students accepted / total accepted — % share)
Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Shibuya: 21 / 21 (100%)
Shibuya Kyoiku Gakuen Makuhari: 29 / 35 (83%)
Hiroo Gakuen (December round): 48 / 55 (87%)
Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa (November round): 41 / 44 (93%)
Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa (December round): 40 / 57 (70%)
Hiroo Gakuen Koishikawa (February round): 18 / 30 (60%)
Keio SFC (3-subject returnee exam): 24 / 45 (53%)
Kogyokusha Junior High School: 15 / 18 (83%)
Ichikawa Junior High School: 39 / 54 (72%)
Senzoku Gakuen Junior High School (A): 24 / 33 (73%)
Senzoku Gakuen Junior High School (B): 30 / 45 (67%)
Other results: Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School (12), Kaijo Junior High School (8), Shoei Girls’ Academy (69), Mita International Science and Technology Junior High School (IC: 105, ISC: 68)
A full list of results is available at: https://www.kikokushijoacademy.com
More Than Test Preparation: An Education That Lasts Beyond the Exam
Kikokushijo Academy offers a deeply personalized learning experience for returnee and bilingual students. The school’s curriculum fosters the critical thinking and expressive skills required for academic success and global citizenship.
Core Features:
Curriculum to Develop Thinking and Expression
Courses build critical thinking, writing, and communication abilities. Instruction is customized for English essay writing, interview preparation, and expression beyond language proficiency.Small Group, Discussion-Based Learning
Interactive learning through small-group, discussion-based classes led by an experienced educational team.Positive, Supportive Environment
A warm, inclusive classroom atmosphere allows returnee and bilingual students to learn with confidence alongside like-minded peers.
Voices from Parents
“KA isn’t just a cram school. The classrooms feel like an international school overseas — bright and welcoming. My child, who initially struggled to adjust to life in Japan, quickly found comfort and confidence here. And beyond maintaining their English, they’ve actually improved it, which we’re so grateful for.”
“The classes follow a structure similar to an American elementary curriculum, and all teachers are native English speakers. The homework was challenging, but our child looked forward to every lesson and stayed motivated throughout.”
Bringing High-Quality Education to Families Nationwide
In April 2025, Kikokushijo Academy joined Global KA Holdings Inc. through a strategic integration with Global Step Academy. Together, the group now delivers a comprehensive educational pathway from early childhood through university entrance, with a focus on English and STEAM education.
Families benefit from:
Seamless support from preschool through college preparation
Flexible in-person and online learning options tailored to family needs
About Global KA Holdings Inc.
Global KA Holdings Inc. is one of Japan’s leading international education groups, providing lifelong learning opportunities for returnee, bilingual, and internationally minded students. Its brands include Kikokushijo Academy (KA), KA International School (KAIS), and Global Step Academy.
Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
Representative Director: Charles M. Knudsen
Established: 2025
Group Website: https://globalka.com
Media Contact:
Global KA Holdings Inc. — Communications Team
Email: contact@globalka.com