Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation Announces New Chairman of the Board

Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation announces that, based on the approval of its board of directors held on May 27, 2026, the chairman has been changed effective June 1, 2026. Ayuchi Takahashi, who served as chairman until now, has retired from the position on the same date and will henceforth watch over the foundation's progress as Honorary Chairman. Also effective the same date, Keita Uchiyama has been appointed as the new Chairman.

The foundation will begin a new chapter in April 2027, transitioning from Fujimura Girls' Junior and Senior High School to the coeducational 'Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School.' Under this new structure, it will inherit the educational history and spirit cultivated over many years while promoting the integrated junior and senior high school education required for the coming era.

Overview of the New Structure

Former Chairman / Honorary Chairman: Ayuchi Takahashi New Chairman: Keita Uchiyama Transition Date: June 1, 2026

This new structure is not merely a change in positions; it is a structural transition for the foundation to further advance the development of the school as Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School, which will begin in April 2027.

Below are comments from the Honorary Chairman and the new Chairman.

Comment from Honorary Chairman Ayuchi Takahashi

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all parents, alumni, and everyone who has supported our foundation.

I have decided to entrust the position of chairman to Keita Uchiyama in order to pass on our journey to the next generation.

The history we have built as Fujimura Girls' Junior and Senior High School and the new journey as Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School are not separate. It is a step forward into the next form while inheriting the educational spirit that our foundation has cherished.

As Honorary Chairman, I will continue to warmly watch over the foundation's progress.

Comment from New Chairman Keita Uchiyama

I have been appointed as the chairman of Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation.

First, I express my deep respect for Honorary Chairman Takahashi's long-standing support of our foundation and the history built as Fujimura Girls' Junior and Senior High School.

I take the responsibility entrusted to me seriously and will manage the school while cherishing its history.

In April 2027, our foundation will begin a new journey as Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School. We will responsibly support, as a foundation, the educational activities that the principal and teaching staff are advancing daily.

We ask for your continued understanding and support for the educational activities of Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation.

Learning Aimed for by Kichijoji Yusui: 'Know thyself, respond to the world.'

The school motto that Kichijoji Yusui values is 'Know thyself, respond to the world.'

At our school, we view students not merely as 'STUDENTS' who receive knowledge, but as 'FINDERS' who discover their own questions, do not overlook what moves their hearts, and expand their learning through interactions with others.

The small feelings of dissonance that children experience in their daily learning and experiences—such as 'I think that's a bit different,' 'It's not working,' or 'Maybe I'm a little different from everyone else'—are important gateways to knowing themselves. By putting those feelings into words, engaging in dialogue, and continuing to think, children confront the question of 'who I am'—that is, who they are and what they want to value. This is the process for 'knowing thyself' as stated in the school motto, and it leads to learning that 'responds to the world,' considering how to use that self for others and society.

Precisely because we live in an era where AI presents many answers, the ability to ask questions, take responsibility, and continue thinking is more important than ever. English, digital, art, inquiry, experience, and the new learning hub 'FINDER BASE' are gateways for students to find their own questions and open their learning to society.

By having students with diverse backgrounds and sensibilities learn together in the same classroom and encounter different ways of thinking and approaches, we will broaden each individual's perspective and cultivate the power to carve out their future.

Future Developments

Our school is preparing in terms of educational content, learning environment, and school management for the name change to 'Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School' and the transition to coeducation in April 2027. We will sequentially promote the following initiatives:

- Renovation of the current school building and start of new learning environment development (FY2026) - Development of active learning classes and experiential programs based at the Mitaka Campus 'FINDER BASE' - Name change to 'Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School' and coeducation (April 2027) - Promotion of a new educational vision towards the 100th anniversary of the foundation (2032)

About Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation / Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School

Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation has been engaged in secondary education for many years, starting with the establishment of the Women's Department of the Inokashira Gakuen Foundation in 1932. Inheriting the philosophy of founder Toyo Fujimura, that 'education is not the injection of others' knowledge but the development of one's individuality,' it has explored the ideal form of education according to the times.

In April 2027, it will transition from Fujimura Girls' Junior and Senior High School to become coeducational and change its name, starting a new journey as 'Kichijoji Yusui Junior and Senior High School.'

At Kichijoji Yusui, under the school motto 'Know thyself, respond to the world,' with liberal arts at its core, it balances collaborative learning and individually optimized learning, valuing an education where each student asks their own questions, dialogues with others, and learns while connecting with society.

Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation

2-16-3 Kichijoji Honcho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0004

Mitaka Campus (FINDER BASE): 3-6-24 Nakamachi, Musashino City, Tokyo

Web: http://kichijoji-yusui.ac.jp

Contact for Inquiries

Inokashira Gakuen Educational Foundation

Contact: Tsubouchi

E-mail: [email protected]