AOBA’S HISTORY
As an international school, Aoba has, since the start, been a school where Japanese and foreign students learn in a mutually supportive environment. Indeed, a major objective is the facilitation of bilingual, internationally minded graduates.
AOBA’S
50TH
ANNIVERSARY
AOBA'S TIMELINE
Founding
Aoba International School was founded by Regina Doi as a bilingual early-childhood program for nursery to pre-first grade. Its strong location helped it grow quickly, leading parents to request expansion.
Japan International School Established
With community support, Japan International School was opened, offering elementary and junior high school programs. Initially located near Daikanyama Station on the Toyoko Line, close to the original Aoba early childhood campus.
School Relocations and Growth
The school moved three times during this period to accommodate a growing student body: - Harajuku - Shibuya 1992 – Suginami Ward 1998 – The school was renamed Aoba-Japan International School, marking a new chapter in its development.
Move to Hikarigaoka Campus
In October 2012, Aoba moved to its current campus in Hikarigaoka, Tokyo. This move allowed Aoba to become a full-service school, offering: - A full-sized soccer pitch - Gymnasium - Pool - Playground Expanded facilities for students from K2 to Grade 12
IB Accreditation
Aoba received accreditation from both NEASC and CIS.
Full IB World School Status
Aoba was officially authorized as a full IB World School, offering: - PYP (Primary Years Programme) - MYP (Middle Years Programme) - DP (Diploma Programme)
Bunkyo Campus Opened
Aoba expanded with the opening of a new Bunkyo Campus for high school students, broadening its reach and facilitiesThis new campus has strengthened our educational presence in central Tokyo.
Online IB Diploma Programme Launch
Aoba launched its IBDP Online Course, providing students with flexible, high-quality international education accessible from anywhere.
A Vision for the Future
Aoba continues to foster a new generation of inspired international citizens, building on its legacy of bilingual, inquiry-based education rooted in global citizenship.
Founding
Aoba International School was founded by Regina Doi as a bilingual early-childhood program for nursery to pre-first grade. Its strong location helped it grow quickly, leading parents to request expansion.
Japan International School Established
With community support, Japan International School was opened, offering elementary and junior high school programs. Initially located near Daikanyama Station on the Toyoko Line, close to the original Aoba early childhood campus.
School Relocations and Growth
The school moved three times during this period to accommodate a growing student body: - Harajuku - Shibuya 1992 – Suginami Ward 1998 – The school was renamed Aoba-Japan International School, marking a new chapter in its development.
Move to Hikarigaoka Campus
In October 2012, Aoba moved to its current campus in Hikarigaoka, Tokyo. This move allowed Aoba to become a full-service school, offering: - A full-sized soccer pitch - Gymnasium - Pool - Playground Expanded facilities for students from K2 to Grade 12
IB Accreditation
Aoba received accreditation from both NEASC and CIS.
Full IB World School Status
Aoba was officially authorized as a full IB World School, offering: - PYP (Primary Years Programme) - MYP (Middle Years Programme) - DP (Diploma Programme)
Bunkyo Campus Opened
Aoba expanded with the opening of a new Bunkyo Campus for high school students, broadening its reach and facilitiesThis new campus has strengthened our educational presence in central Tokyo.
Online IB Diploma Programme Launch
Aoba launched its IBDP Online Course, providing students with flexible, high-quality international education accessible from anywhere.
A Vision for the Future
Aoba continues to foster a new generation of inspired international citizens, building on its legacy of bilingual, inquiry-based education rooted in global citizenship.
Celebrating Foundation Day! A-JIS 50th Anniversary
On May 18th, 1976, Ms. Regina Doi founded a small international preschool in Aobadai, Tokyo. From our humble beginnings to becoming a leading international institution, the A-JIS journey has been extraordinary. Today, we proudly mark this significant milestone with half a century of growth, resilience, and a steadfast dedication to transforming education.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the A-JIS story over the past five decades—your support and commitment have helped us build this remarkable legacy.
Across our campuses, we are celebrating this special day and reflecting on our journey, achievements, and future ambitions.
Aoba's School Front
1970
The welcoming face of Aoba-Japan International SchRead more
Japan International School
1980s
Aoba stands proudly among Japan’s top internationaRead more
Aoba-Japan International School
1990s
At A-JIS, students are empowered to become creativRead more
A-JIS Memories
2012
Every moment at A-JIS, from classroom discoveries Read more
A-JIS Activities
2016
From sports to the arts, service projects to studeRead more
Growth Through Challenge
2020
At Aoba, challenges are embraced as opportunities Read more
