About us

Our Teachers' Educational Philosophy

Principal｜Kaoru Takeuchi

Developing Creative
Problem-Solving Skills

Principal, YES International School /
Science Writer / PhD, McGill University

We are living in an era often described as the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in which technology and AI are evolving at remarkable speed. In this world, what children truly need is not simply knowledge they have memorized. They need the ability to identify problems for themselves and create solutions while working together with others.
At YES, we see learning not as “memorization,” but as “experience.” Through problem-solving and project-based learning, we emphasize how students can use the knowledge they acquire. We recognize the talents and individuality of every child and create an environment where students can try again and again without being afraid of failure. We are committed to developing children who can make their own way through a world where there is not always one correct answer. We invite you to join us in raising children who are ready for the future.

Odawara Campus Representative｜
Hifumi Seto

Bringing Greater Diversity and Choice
to Education in Our Community

Odawara Campus Representative, YES International School
Vice President, Seto Construction (117 years in business)

Odawara is a wonderful place, rich in history and culture and surrounded by the sea, mountains, and nature. I have always felt proud that children are able to grow up in this community. But there was one question that stayed with me: there are so many choices when children attend nursery school or kindergarten, so why do those choices suddenly become so limited once they reach elementary school?

This is particularly noticeable in regional communities. “We want families in our community to have greater diversity and choice in education.” That belief became the starting point for YES International School Odawara.
At YES, we say YES to ourselves, YES to others, and YES to challenges. Rather than simply searching for the correct answer, we nurture the ability to keep asking questions. When a child's eyes light up with a “Why?”, our mission is to help expand that possibility as far as we can.
Together with the people of our community, we hope to support our students' growth and build a school they will always be proud to call their alma mater. We warmly invite you to visit and experience the atmosphere of YES for yourself.

Vice Principal｜
Bukhari

Helping Children Believe in Their Own Abilities

MA in Applied Linguistics and TESOL / University of Portsmouth
BA in Law and Politics / Queen Mary University of London

Learning at YES is about much more than simply teaching knowledge.
Our education helps children think independently and develop the confidence to ask questions about the world around them.
Through dialogue and projects, we deepen learning while valuing both thoughtful reasoning and consideration for others. We want every child to believe in their own “Why?” We will continue to stand beside our students as they grow.

From the Classroom:
Nurturing Everyday Questions

Here, our educators share the ideas and values that guide their work with students every day at YES.
We do more than teach knowledge. We listen carefully to each child's “Why?”
and help students develop the ability to keep thinking, questioning, and exploring.

Akiko｜
Head of Academic Affairs・Japanese Language
Bachelor of Education・Licensed Elementary School Teacher

“Nothing makes me happier than seeing a child's individuality become a strength.”
With more than 20 years of teaching experience across international schools, educational administration, private English education programs, and Japanese public schools, I have worked with children in a wide variety of educational settings.
Through these experiences, I have come to believe that every child has unique qualities and strengths that can shine.
Helping children discover and develop those strengths lies at the heart of my approach to education. I believe that every child's individuality can become a source of strength. Through experiences with nature and culture, and through ongoing dialogue, I hope to walk alongside our students as they develop their own questions and learn to think in their own words.

Lindsay｜
English・Head of Student Guidance
Bachelor's Degree in English Literature & Professional Communication

“English is a doorway to discovering the world.”
Since 2019, I have taught English in a variety of educational settings, including an international school in Korea and public schools in Japan. English is more than simply a communication tool. It is a doorway to understanding and respecting people whose cultures, experiences, and values may be different from our own. At YES, we value the willingness to communicate more than perfect accuracy. Even when the words are not perfect, making the effort to express what you think and feel is what truly connects people. Through dialogue, students encounter different cultures and perspectives and develop their ability to empathize, think, and communicate.

Soneda｜
Head of Moral Education・PE・Foundational Mathematics
Bachelor of Education・Licensed Elementary School Teacher

“Learning means valuing yourself and others.”
With more than 30 years of experience in education at a private girls' school, I have supported and watched the growth of many children throughout my career. I believe education should nurture not only academic ability, but also consideration for others, the ability to think and act independently, and a healthy body. At YES, through Moral Education, Physical Education, and foundational mathematics, I support each child in taking on challenges with confidence and experiencing the joy of saying, “I did it!” and “Now I understand.” By valuing the small steps children take every day, I hope to support each student carefully as they grow in their own unique way.

Meet the People Who Support Our School

• Mr. Anthony｜Science

  

  Through experiments, outdoor activities, and discussion, Mr. Anthony helps turn children's “Why?” into scientific thinking. His science classes encourage students to use all five senses and discover the joy of thinking together with others.

• Ms. Emily｜Mathematics & STEAM

  

  Master's Degree in Computer Science / Texas A&M University-Commerce

  Using songs, videos, creative games, and a wide variety of other approaches, Ms. Emily makes mathematical and programming concepts enjoyable and memorable. Her classes encourage children's creativity and self-expression.

• Mr. Yostin｜Tennis & Pickleball

  

  A professional coach from Costa Rica, Mr. Yostin brings both professional coaching qualifications and great enthusiasm to his classes. Through tennis and pickleball, he helps children develop physically, technically, and mentally.

• Shinnosuke Ishihara｜Marimba

  

  Through rhythm and sound, Mr. Ishihara helps children develop sensitivity and concentration. Experiencing music physically connects “thinking with the mind” and “feeling with the body.” Above all, he values those moments when children realize, “I understand!” or “I can do it!”

• Ms. Akutagawa｜YES School Lunch

  

  At YES, great care goes into everything from ingredients and seasonings to the water used in our meals. Every day's “Delicious!” helps build a healthy foundation for children's bodies and minds through food.

• Kirari｜Musical Theatre

  

  Through music, movement, and language, Kirari teaches children the joy of expressing themselves. By using their voices, moving their bodies, and taking on new challenges, students develop the ability to communicate through their whole selves.

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