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ASIJ School Group Photo from 1903
Our History

Over a century of excellence

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1900s

1902

YMCA Kanda

The Tokyo School for Foreign Children begins classes at rented rooms in the Kanda YMCA building, but soon outgrows the facility. It moves after only four months to the Episcopal Mission in Tsukiji.

ASIJ 1902 YMCA Kanda Campus

1910

#17 Tsukuji

When the land owned by the Episcopal Mission is no longer available the school moves to the Presbyterian Mission and uses the old Union Church building, the foreign residence and playing field at #17 Tsukiji. 

ASIJ Tsukiji Campus from 1910

1918

Episcopal Mission Compound Tsukiji #54–56

Requiring more space, the school moves back to the Episcopal Mission compound at #54–56 Tsukiji, changing its name to the Tokyo Foreign School. With the addition of high school courses the school soon graduates its first seniors.

ASIJ Episcopal Mission Compound Campus from 1918

1920

Frank Lloyd Wright

Renowned American architect Frank Lloyd Wright produces sketch designs for a proposed new school campus. (read more)

Frank Lloyd Wright Sits at a Table

1921

Shibaura

Board Member Everett Frazar constructs a new three-story school building on land reclaimed from Tokyo Bay. The new school opens with a new name, becoming The American School in Japan.

ASIJ Shibaura Campus from 1921

1927

Nakameguro

After an extensive search the Board purchases land in Nakameguro and a new school campus is constructed. Architect and parent Antonin Raymond assists with the re-design and re-construction of several of the school buildings on the new site. 

ASIJ Nakameguro Campus from 1927

1963

Chofu

The iconic elementary school “donut” is the first building completed on the new Chofu Campus, closely followed by the high school, gym and little theater. 

ASIJ Chofu Campus Water Tower Construction from 1963

1973

Nursery-Kindergarten Nakameguro

The Community Nursery School in Roppongi merged with ASIJ in 1968, and subsequently moved to a larger site in a specially designed new building in Nakameguro.

ASIJ Nursery-Kindergarten in Nakameguro from 1973

1977

Imperial Visit

The then Crown Prince and later Emperor of Japan, Akihito and his wife help ASIJ celebrate its 75th Anniversary during a visit to school.

Crown Prince Akihito and His Wife Sit at a Table During ASIJ's 75 Anniversary Celebration

2000s

2002

ASIJ Centennial

ASIJ celebrates its Centennial with a series of events in Tokyo and a reception for 1,000 alumni in San Francisco.

The ASIJ Centennial Logo, Man on Horse Carrying Torch

2004

Early Learning Center

The design of the ELC facility in Roppongi took into consideration the most current research on early childhood programs to create an environment that is warm, inviting, safe and nurturing for our little ones.

A Night Shot of the ASIJ Early Learning Center in Roppongi

2005

ASIJ Theater

The state-of-the-art ASIJ Theater features retractile seats, fly-loft, moveable orchestra pit, advanced lighting and audio system and can be used in numerous different configurations. The Black Box Theater is a flexible performance space that compliments our main theater and is used for smaller-scale productions such as student-directed drama.

The ASIJ Theater

2006

Presidential Visit

George H Bush, 41st President of the United States, visits campus with his wife Barbara and speaks to students.

President George H Bush Shakes Elementary Schoolers' Hands at the ASIJ Campus

2012

Facade & Athletics Facilities

The front of school was transformed with a new entrance and streamlined traffic system. The athletics program now benefits from new multi-use tennis courts and a new building housing a wrestling room, dance studio, fitness center, trainer’s room and the athletics office.

The ASIJ Chofu Campus Front-of-School

2016

Creative Arts Design Center

The Creative Arts Design Center features five design technology labs, a robotics lab, multi-purpose room and a strings room. On the top floor a Japan Center offers additional resources for students to learn about Japanese culture.

The ASIJ Creative Arts Design Center

2016

Presidential Visit

George W Bush, 43rd President of the United States, visits campus and speaks to students. (read more)

President George W Bush, at Podium, Speaks to Students in the ASIJ Theater

2023