Our Vision
Headmaster Shigenari Sugiura
Keio Yochisha, one of the oldest private elementary schools in Japan, is celebrating its 150th Anniversary in 2024. The educational philosophy here at our school is encapsulated in the lyrics of the Yochisha Anthem. When the children sing that “we will put into practice what Fukuzawa taught,” that it, the values of “independence and self-respect,” they are describing the type of people we are raising them to be. At Yochisha Elementary, we see this as a way for students to improve their character, to appreciate their differences, and to help and support one another. In everyday practice, this means that we encourage students to have consideration for others and strive to work to the best of our abilities. In other words, our goal is to reveal their potential, draw out their talents, and provide them with opportunities to develop themselves so that they are prepared to face the world as it is now, and as it will be.
Yukichi Fukuzawa advocated that we should “first cultivate our bodies and then our minds.” In keeping with this philosophy, we have always focused on developing physical coordination, offering a wide range of physical education events and activities from the time students first enroll in school until they graduate.
In addition, the same homeroom teacher stays with their classes throughout all six years of primary school, helping them every step of the way as they grow and learn. To contrast with this, many of our subjects (science, music, arts & crafts, physical education, dance, English, IT, calligraphy, and general studies) are taught by specialist teachers who are dedicated to furthering the pupils’ growth and development in their specific area of expertise.
We have always improved the school environment and curriculum when it could benefit the students. Looking forward to the 150th anniversary of the school in 2024, though we see it as a great opportunity for us to adapt to the future, expanding the ways we incorporate technology and reducing class sizes to allow for even further individualized attention. We are strongly committed to adopting new approaches to education while also respecting our history, traditions, and the teachings of Yukichi Fukuzawa.
By having students participate in a variety of events and activities (both on and off campus), we hope to nurture relationships in which students will not only cooperate, but push and help each other to improve. They must recognize each other as individuals with different personalities and abilities. Through their friendships and interactions with each other, we hope that the students will learn social skills related to “living together in mutual respect” in addition to the individualistic goal of teaching them “independence and self-respect.” In the process, we hope that they will develop the ability to think for themselves, take pride in their achievements, and act on the things that they think are right.
In his book, One Hundred Discourses of Fukuzawa (1897), Fukuzawa wrote that “the dignity of children should be respected.” By providing them with both freedom and discipline, we aim to nurture students so that they are enthusiastic about everything they do, will come together when needed, and will understand the importance of combining their strengths.
All of us at Keio Yochisha Elementary School are committed to supporting our students, helping them develop their individual abilities and learn to treat those around them with compassion and respect.