New Member: Kyoto International School
The British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) is pleased to welcome Kyoto International School to our rich community.
Kyoto International School (KIS) is a non-profit, accredited international school in Kyoto, Japan, with a proud history of serving the community since 1957. Today, KIS is known for its inclusive, diverse environment, close community, and highly personalised approach to learning, helping every student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. As the only IB Continuum School in Kyoto prefecture, KIS offers an inquiry-driven curriculum that fosters creativity, resilience, integrity, and a strong sense of global citizenship.
Why did you join the BCCJ?
'KIS joined the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan (BCCJ) because we share a common commitment to internationalism, community connection, and future-focused education. The BCCJ provides a trusted platform for building relationships between organisations that value global outlooks, cultural exchange, and high standards, values that align strongly with KIS’s mission to inspire active learners and develop global citizens.'
What do you most hope to gain from your time as a member?
'Through BCCJ membership, we hope to deepen our engagement with the wider international and business community in Japan, learning from organisations that are leading in innovation, sustainability, and people development. We also hope to create meaningful opportunities for KIS students to connect with real-world perspectives that enrich learning beyond the classroom, and to form strong connections that drive opportunities for our school, students, and teachers. Ultimately, we want these partnerships to help place KIS at the centre of educational and business development in Kyoto, and to contribute to the long-term growth of international education in Kyoto, Kansai, and across Japan.'
What makes your organisation unique in your industry or market?
'KIS is the only IB Continuum School in Kyoto, providing a coherent international education pathway from Early Years through Secondary (Pre-school to Grade 12). Our blend of international-mindedness, memberships, and accreditations that reflect international education (International Baccalaureate, IBO, Council of British International Schools, COBIS, Japan Council of International Schools, JCIS, and Western Association of Schools and Colleges, WASC), personalised learning, and a strong community culture make KIS distinctive in the Kansai region.'
What recent achievements or milestones are you most proud of?
'KIS is proud to have completed the authorisation journey to become an IB Continuum School, strengthening the full pathway across multiple IB programmes. We are also celebrating major community milestones, including our 70th anniversary, an opportunity to reflect on decades of impact and look ahead to the future of global education in Kyoto. As the school continues to grow rapidly, we are also proud of our close liaison with Kyoto City authorities regarding our campus expansion plans, ensuring that KIS can serve the needs of internationally minded families and contribute positively to the city’s vision for global engagement.'
What kind of collaborations or connections are you most interested in building through the BCCJ?
'We are especially interested in partnerships that support student and staff learning and wellbeing, such as guest speakers, mentorship and internships, career insight initiatives, and community engagement and CSR projects, as well as collaborations that strengthen international family support, cultural exchange, and innovative educational practice. We are also eager to connect with organisations that share our commitment to developing people and communities, and to co-create opportunities that benefit Kyoto as a city for education, talent, and global business engagement.'
Meet The Principal
Matt Topliss
Principal of Kyoto International School
'At KIS, internationalism and community are central to who we are. Joining the BCCJ allows us to connect with like-minded organisations that value global outlooks, cultural exchange, and excellence, principles that strongly reflect our mission to inspire active learners and develop global citizens.'
To learn more about Kyoto International School, visit their homepage.
Connect with Matt on LinkedIn.
