The idea for UWC ISAK Japan began in 2008, when Lin Kobayashi (ISAK founder and Chair of the Board) and Mamoru Taniya (Representative Founder), were introduced. Together, Kobayashi and Taniya embarked on a journey to open a school that would focus on educating future change-makers from Japan and beyond. Eight years later, their dream became a reality thanks to our 100 original founders who, inspired by the mission of ISAK, each contributed $100,000 to start the school. ISAK opened to its first class of young change-makers in August 2014. Today, our original 100 founders continue to support UWC ISAK by participating in annual summits, school management committees, and as members of the board.
Now, our Catalyst Supporters continue the mission.
If you would like to participate in our mission by helping to educate future transformational leaders from Japan and around the world, please consider becoming a Catalyst Supporter. For more information, please contact us.
Catalyst Supporter Messages
The generous contributions of our Catalyst Supporters have opened up doors to a life-changing experience for students from around the globe! Read on to find out why these individuals have made a significant financial commitment to UWC ISAK Japan.
Ryo Abe
Chairman of Abe Ryo Foundation
Radio Personality of “Going Around the World of NGO by Abe Ryo!”, Nippon Broadcasting
Founder of Shiho-shoshi Co., Shinjuku Office
When I was 19-20 years old, I traveled to various places around the world and every time I faced problems, I was offered a helping hand.
Ryo Ohara
CEO, Neuberger Berman East Asia Ltd.
Launching a new boarding school like ISAK was definitely a meaningful step for Japan but by becoming a UWC school, UWC ISAK Japan is transforming every day.
Tamotsu Kosano
CEO, Geek Pictures Inc.
Although, I had questions about our education system, I was deeply grieved for not being able to drive change
Michael Peng
Partner & Managing Director, IDEO Tokyo
At IDEO Tokyo, our mission since the start of the office has always been “to help enable change in Japan by being creative catalysts.