Yoyogi International School:
Building a Global Learning Community in Shibuya

October 1, 2026 at 3:16 pm
last updated: October 13, 2026 at 2:20 pm by admin

　　Located in the heart of Shibuya, Yoyogi International School was founded in 1999 and has since welcomed children from more than 2,000 international families. Its educational approach is guided by three core values: encouraging students to be curious, confident and compassionate.

Founder’s Background & vision

　　Yoyogi International School’s CEO, Dr. Yuko Muir, first became closely aware of the realities of international education in Japan as a parent. Around 30 years ago, when her daughter began attending an international preschool, Dr. Muir grew increasingly conscious of the need for a different approach to international education in Japan. That experience led to a determination to create an educational environment that would develop children’s potential while preparing them to participate confidently in an increasingly international world. Yoyogi International School was founded as a result of that vision.

　　Speaking about the school’s development over the 27 years since, Dr. Muir explains that her vision has always extended beyond language learning. “An international school is not simply a place to learn English,” she says. “The question has always been what kind of education enables children to think independently, understand others and participate confidently in an international society.” In practice, that has meant creating an environment that nurtures independence, curiosity, intercultural understanding and an international outlook.

　　Leading an international school has brought Dr. Muir into close contact with children and families from a wide range of cultural backgrounds. Over time, these experiences deepened her interest in the psychological dimensions of cross-cultural adaptation and identity. Alongside her work in educational leadership, she pursued advanced study in psychology and later earned a PhD in International Psychology.

　　With students from over 35 countries now attending Yoyogi International School, that perspective is particularly relevant to an environment in which students, teaching staff and families bring a wide range of experiences and assumptions with them. For Dr. Muir, understanding these differences is fundamental to building a community based on mutual respect. That philosophy will remain a guiding principle as the school enters its next phase of growth, following the launch of its first Grade 9 class in August 2026 and its planned expansion to a complete secondary education through Grade 12.

Dr. Yuko Muir

Dr. Yuko Muir is the Founder and CEO of Yoyogi International School and has more than 27 years of experience in international education and school leadership.
She holds a PhD in International Psychology, bringing together extensive practical experience and academic study in her approach to international education.

Global Education in the Hart of Shibuya

　　Yoyogi International School is a CIS-accredited school and an IB World School authorized to offer the Primary Years Programme (PYP).
Currently a candidate school for the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the school is also preparing its application for the Diploma Programme (DP). As it expands into secondary education, Yoyogi International School aims to provide a seamless IB continuum from early childhood through Grade 12.

While clear learning objectives provide academic direction, teaching across the school emphasizes inquiry and active student participation. Students are encouraged to pursue questions, make connections and develop their interests within a structured curriculum. The result is a teaching environment where students can flourish, pursue areas that genuinely interest them, and truly enjoy coming to school.

　　Part of that enjoyment comes from the way learning extends beyond the classroom. The school leverages its surroundings—from the natural greenery of nearby Yoyogi Park to the vibrant energy of central Shibuya—as an extension of the campus. This balance of nature and city life allows students to connect classroom inquiry with real-world contexts, using Yoyogi Park for recess and outdoor studies, while some PE classes are held at the nearby National Olympics Memorial Youth Centre.

　　On campus, facilities include an indoor activities space, library, two music rooms, two art rooms and a science room, as well as advanced educational technology such as VR headsets, 3D printers and interactive robots. These resources give students additional ways to investigate questions, experiment with ideas and apply technology creatively within inquiry-based and project learning.

　　The school aims to be a warm, friendly and inclusive environment, not just for its young learners, but for its wider community as well. That sense of community is reinforced by an active PTA, which organizes regular coffee mornings, family picnics and seasonal events, helping new and established families connect with one another.

Supporting Students and Families

●School bus services:
School buses are available, with routes determined based on the needs of families each school year, helping students travel to and from the school.

● English as an Additional Language (EAL):
Guided by WIDA standards and aligned with the IB PYP approach, the EAL programme provides targeted support for students developing their English proficiency. Support may include small-group instruction as well as in-class collaboration between EAL and homeroom teachers, helping students develop the language needed to participate confidently in classroom learning.

●After-school activities:
Learning and social opportunities continue beyond the regular school day through an extensive programme of after-school activities spanning sports, music, arts and crafts, technology and academic clubs.

If Yoyogi International School sounds like a good fit for your child, more information is available on the school’s website, where families can also submit an inquiry to arrange a school tour.