Property Adjacent Episode 3 – International School of Nagano Founder Rie Kuribayashi
- Adam German
- Sep 22
- 1 min read
Earlier in September, Rie Kuribayashi recorded a Teams call with Adam German for a wide-ranging discussion on the inception of the school, how we got here and what the future holds for the impressive educational concern Rie has built in the Nagano prefecture over the last 14 years.
Key Topics Covered
Discover how Rie founded the International School of Nagano after returning from abroad and realizing the lack of international education options in her hometown.
Learn about her background in the UK and Morocco, including degrees in early childhood education paired with an MBA, plus her experience in international banking.
Hear how the school grew from a small volunteer project in Matsumoto to a thriving institution with nine campuses across Nagano Prefecture.
Insights into what was easier than expected when launching, including smooth collaboration with local banks, consultants, and parents.
Find out why Nagano Prefecture is an ideal location for international education, with its natural beauty, family-friendly lifestyle, and strong U-turn migration trend of young families returning home.
How ISN has repurposed an abandoned public school into an international campus, and why this model could shape the future of education in Japan.
The school’s IB curriculum and inquiry-based learning model, adapted to local needs while fostering global perspectives.
Plans for the future of ISN, including middle school programs with real-world business projects, potential expansion into high school, and partnerships with local governments.
Rie’s advice for anyone wanting to start their own international school in Japan, emphasizing government collaboration and mutual community benefit.
A look at ISN’s student body mix, with roughly half international-background families and half Japanese, reflecting growing local demand for bilingual education.
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