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An international school rooted in Japan.
Japanese Language Program
From Grade 1 through Grade 12, students at Canadian Academy have access to a comprehensive Japanese language program designed for learners at every proficiency level - from complete beginners to fluent speakers. In Japanese class, learners build communication skills in an immersive classroom environment, helping them build meaningful relationships within and beyond campus. Language learning is paired with authentic cultural and seasonal activities that bring Japanese traditions to life, such as:
- Oshogatsu (New Year Traditions): Creating Nengajo (New Year postcards) and practicing Kakizome (New Year calligraphy)
- Ohanami (Cherry Blossom Viewing): Gathering beneath the cherry blossoms on Rokko Island to welcome spring
- Otsukimi (Moon Viewing): Folding origami and listening to traditional folktales connected to the autumn season
Whether new to Japan or connecting to their Japanese heritage, these experiences - just a few among many - help our students connect deeply with life in Japan.
Japan in our Curriculum
Canadian Academy’s location in the heart of Kobe enriches learning in every subject area to create intentional, authentic learning experiences. Teachers weave local perspectives, history, arts, and community connections into class projects and inquiries across the IB continuum. For example:
- Grade 4 students visited Katsuo-ji Temple in Osaka during the unit ‘Who We Are’, exploring how beliefs and values shape communities.
- Grade 8 science students visited a museum dedicated to the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, connecting natural disaster studies to local history.
- Grade 9/10 music students explored Japanese composers in their unit 'Strings in Cultural Dialogue: Global Sounds & Identity', examining how music communicates cultural identity.
In fact, our Grade 9 students take on a comprehensive study of Japanese history and culture with the Japan Experience program, culminating in a meaningful trip to Hiroshima and Miyajima. Even schoolwide traditions - like Sports Day - are shaped by the culture that surrounds us. Here in Japan, our students learn with a richness of context that can only come from engaging deeply with our home country.
Co-Curricular Experiences
Canadian Academy extends learning far beyond the classroom, offering students countless ways to experience Japan through co-curricular activities.
Across all divisions, students can join clubs that celebrate Japanese culture - from origami and taiko drumming in elementary school, to community-based and cultural clubs in middle and high school. Our traditional tea room hosts tea ceremony lessons, one of our longest-running clubs, where students learn the philosophy, mindfulness, and intention behind this centuries-old practice. High school students can also participate in an exchange club with a local Japanese high school, taking turns visiting each other’s campuses to share perspectives, experience daily routines, and practice language skills through authentic interaction.
Exploring Japan through Travel
Canadian Academy students deepen their connection to Japan through local and national travel experiences. From exploring Kobe’s vibrant port city to visiting scenic regions across the country, students encounter Japan’s natural beauty and heritage firsthand. Through our Outdoor Education program, students embark on transformative expeditions across Japan:
- Trekking the sacred Kumano Kodo
- Cycling around Lake Biwa
- Camping in the rugged landscapes of Wakayama Prefecture
These experiences, supported by trusted outdoor education partners, build resilience, teamwork, leadership, and confidence. Boarding students continue this spirit of discovery on weekends and school breaks, with excursions that range from exploring Osaka’s vibrant city streets to making wagashi (tea sweets) in Kyoto. These shared adventures strengthen friendships and inspire a lifelong curiosity and appreciation for Japan.
