Understand Our Mission
UWC ISAK Japan’s Mission Statement
UWC ISAK Japan we empower each other to be transformational leaders who explore new frontiers and make a positive impact today and in the future.
We believe not only in the power of education, but also in the power of young people to become catalysts for positive change. We aim to create an environment where students learn to identify what is most important and needed, take action in the face of discomfort, use diversity as a strength, and support others in this practice.
A Shared Mission
UWC makes education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future.
School Motto
One Life.
Realize Your Potential.
Be a Catalyst for Positive Change.
Our school motto reflects our hopes for and dedication to all UWC ISAK Japan students as they journey through one of the most important and exciting times of their lives.
Learn Our History
UWC ISAK Japan opened its doors in 2014 as International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK) after more than six years of preparation. The school’s history began in 2008, when Lin Kobayashi (ISAK founder and Chair of the Board) and Mamoru Taniya (Representative Founder), two individuals who share a long-running passion for education, were introduced. The two were supported by 100 founders who helped make the dream of ISAK a reality.
In 2012, Ms. Kobayashi and newly appointed Head of School, Roderick Jemison, began talks with UWC. With so many shared values between ISAK and UWC, it seemed only natural for ISAK to join the movement. On August 1, 2017, International School of Asia, Karuizawa became UWC ISAK Japan.
Since we launched our school project in 2008 to the day we officially became a UWC school and through to today, each step along the way has only emphasized the importance of and need for schools like UWC ISAK Japan.
We are deeply committed to our pursuit of innovative models of education that will serve the next generation of leaders in a rapidly changing world.
Meet Our 100 Founders
A vital part of our story belongs to our 100 founders. They are the risk-takers who believed enough in the importance of our mission to support us with not only their finances, but their equally invaluable wisdom and experience. Their own personal stories and words of support are an ongoing source of motivation as we pursue our mission together.
Meet Our 100 Founders
A vital part of our story belongs to our 100 founders. They are the risk-takers who believed enough in the importance of our mission to support us with not only their finances, but their equally invaluable wisdom and experience. Their own personal stories and words of support are an ongoing source of motivation as we pursue our mission together.
Meet Our Community
Our mission was never intended to be just for our students, but for the entire community, including faculty, staff, students AND our alumni. So take some time to learn a little bit about who we are as individuals and how we are unified as ONE community behind our mission.
Meet Our Community
Our mission was never intended to be just for our students, but for the entire community, including faculty, staff, students AND our alumni. So take some time to learn a little bit about who we are as individuals and how we are unified as ONE community behind our mission.
