Kyoto Perfectural

Nishi-Otokuni Senior High School

Welcome to Kyoto Prefectural Nishi-Otokuni High School - shaping the bright futures of Kyoto.

My name is Takashi Miki, and it is my privilege to serve as the principal of Kyoto Prefectural Nishi-Otokuni High School. Our school is nestled in the southwestern area of Nagaokakyo City--famously known as the beautiful, historic 'Bamboo Village of Otokuni'--our school proudly celebrates its 43rd year of nurturing bright young minds.

We are a community driven by a global vision. In fact, for both the 2024 and 2025 academic years, Nishi-Otokuni was ranked Number 1 in holding the most international exchanges among all high schools in Kyoto Prefecture. True to our identity as 'Nishi-Otokuni of the World,' we offer two premier specialized pathways: the International Advanced Course and the International Liberal Arts Course. Our dedication to fostering global citizens has also earned us recognition as an official UNESCO School and endorsement by the Ministry of Education (MEXT).

Guided by our core values of Soar, Resilience, and Integrity, our educational goal is to empower independent, creative, and compassionate individuals who are ready to face the challenges of a new era.

We are equally proud of our deep roots at home, actively engaging in initiatives that connect our students directly with the local community. As we look to the future, we remain dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our parents, alumni, and neighbors. Thank you for your continued trust, understanding, and support.

Kyoto Prefectural Nishi-Otokuni High School

Principal Takashi Miki

Core Educational Goal

Our goal is to nurture independent, creative, and compassionate individuals who can live actively and resiliently in a changing world, serving as valuable contributors to a peaceful and harmonious society.

Educational Policies

1. Inspiration & Energy: To build a vibrant school environment rooted in hope, passion, creativity, and vitality.
2. Academic Excellence: To enhance each student's academic capabilities and fully support them in achieving their future goals.
3. Holistic Growth: To foster students who are physically resilient, mentally strong, and emotionally grounded.

Desired Student Profile (Our School Motto)

1. Soar

The future belongs to today's youth. We aim to develop proactive individuals who set high ideals, embrace ambition, and boldly challenge unexplored fields.

2. Resilience

True character is forged through overcoming challenges. We aim to nurture individuals who build strength in both body and mind, courageously carving out their own unique paths in life.

3. Integrity

As Aristotle noted, "Man is a social animal." We aim to foster individuals who are sincere, considerate, and capable of building a better world through empathy and collaboration.

School Mission

As a premier high school dedicated to general education and international exchange, we cultivate students with rich global perspectives. Through traditional cultural studies, domestic and international exchanges, and enhanced English language immersion, we empower our students to adapt and thrive in a new era.

School Policies (The Three Principles)

1. Qualities to Be Developed (What We Foster)

• Intellectual Curiosity: Students who possess an innate drive to learn and strive for personal fulfillment.
• Global Competence: Students equipped with the academic mastery, cultural appreciation, and communication skills needed to succeed internationally.
• Inclusivity & Collaboration: Students who respect diversity and work harmoniously with others.

2. Curriculum & Implementation (How We Teach)

• Engaged Learning: Promoting active, interactive, and deep learning experiences through innovative classes and school-wide activities.
• Advanced Communication: Developing well-rounded English language skills through structured speech contests, debates, and discussions.
• Global Exposure: Fostering international awareness through authentic cultural experiences, overseas study programs (such as in Taiwan), and active exchanges with partner schools in the United States.

3. Admissions Policy (Who We Welcome)

• Lifelong learners who are driven by continuous curiosity.
• Students with a genuine passion for exploring foreign languages and experiencing diverse cultures.
• Students who recognize and value diversity.
• Students who play in active role in every day school life.

A Certified UNESCO School

In 2018, our school became only the fourth in Kyoto Prefecture to be officially recognized as a UNESCO Associated School. This prestigious designation honors our commitment to exceptional international exchange and advanced English language education.

1. Academic Excellence: Specialized Pathways

We offer two distinct academic courses designed to prepare students for their unique future goals.

International Advanced Course

Engineered for rigorous academic success and entry into competitive universities.

• Rigorous Academics: Tailored for higher-level studies with specialized humanities and science divisions beginning in the second year.
• Comprehensive Exam Prep: Focused preparation for national, public, and top-tier private university entrance examinations.
• Proven Track Record: Target institutions include major universities such as Kansai, Kwansei Gakuin, Doshisha, and Ritsumeikan (Kan-Kan-Do-Ritsu).

 International Liberal Arts Course

Designed to cultivate practical global skills and well-rounded literacy.

• Broad-Based Education: Focuses on foundational critical thinking and a diverse academic curriculum.
• Practical Communication: Heavy emphasis on real-world English fluency, including advanced conversation, debate, and essay writing.
• Alternative Admissions Success: Strong, targeted support for AO (Comprehensive Selection) and recommendation-based university admissions.

2. Enriched International Education (No.1 in Kyoto!)

We are proud to provide the premier global experience in the region, offering unparalleled opportunities for international immersion.

• Global Immersion Programs: Immersive overseas training and study tours in Taiwan.
• A Truly Global Campus: We regularly host exchange students from all over the world, including the U.S., Taiwan, South Korea, the UAE, Thailand, Australia, Singapore, and beyond.
• Study Abroad Opportunities: Access to both short-term and long-term study abroad programs, primarily based in the United States.
• Multilingual Horizons: Opportunities to study second foreign languages, including Chinese and Korean.

3. Vibrant Student Life

At Nishi-Otokuni, education goes far beyond the classroom. Students form lifelong bonds and discover new passions through dynamic activities.

Annual School Events

• Welcome Event: Integrating and celebrating our incoming first-year students.
• Field Trips & Study Tours: Experiential learning excursions both domestically and overseas.
• Sports & Cultural Festivals: Major annual highlights showcasing teamwork, creativity, and school spirit.
• Nishiotsu Day: A unique tradition celebrating our school's identity and community.

Extracurricular Clubs

Whether your passion is on the field or in the studio, there is a place for you to belong.

• Athletic Clubs: Baseball, Track & Field, Soccer, Tennis, Kyudo (Traditional Japanese Archery), Volleyball, Basketball, Badminton, and Mountaineering.
• Cultural Clubs: Brass Band, Broadcasting, Drama, Photography, Art, Science, Literature, Tea Ceremony, Global Club, JRC (Junior Red Cross), and Light Music.

Student Council Activities

• Morning greeting campaign
• Volunteer activities