Greetings from the Principal
In the small society you encounter for the first time,
Nurturing "the power to live" and "a rich heart"
For children, kindergarten is an important place where they leave the familiarity of home and experience group life for the first time. Through interactions with friends of the same age and their teachers, they develop important qualities for life, such as compassion, cooperation, and independence.
Early childhood is a foundational period of life, when children experience remarkable growth in both mind and body. Playing with friends of the same age, sometimes having differences of opinion, and learning to cooperate with one another provide valuable experiences that cannot be gained at home alone. During this important stage, children develop many essential qualities through their interactions with others, including compassion, patience, the ability to consider others’ feelings, and the ability to express their own thoughts.
At our kindergarten, we provide care and education in a safe and reassuring environment where each child is “loved, cherished, and protected,” while respecting each child’s individuality. We value children’s daily lives and play so that they can develop an appreciation for the preciousness of life and the importance of human connection, while growing together with and supporting those around them.
Since our founding in 1966, our kindergarten has walked alongside the local community for over half a century, watching over the growth of many children. Now, as we celebrate our 61st anniversary, we are once again reminded of the importance of early childhood education and the great responsibility that comes with it.
As a “school” established under Japan’s School Education Act, our kindergarten provides education that nurtures each child’s rich inner development while responding to changes in society and in the environment surrounding children.
In addition, our kindergarten welcomes many children of foreign nationalities each year, including children living at the U.S. Army Garrison Japan – Camp Zama and the Sagamihara Housing Area. They currently make up approximately 40% of our total enrollment, creating an environment where children can naturally experience different cultures and diverse perspectives in their daily lives. By playing and learning together across differences in nationality and language, children develop an international perspective and a respect for others from an early age. Our long-standing commitment to international exchange has been highly recognized, and we have received letters of appreciation from the Camp Zama Headquarters on two occasions.
A diverse international environment broadens your horizons.
Hosen Kindergarten, which has many children of foreign nationality, is an international exchange kindergarten where children can be exposed to various cultures and values through interaction with educational facilities on U.S. military bases.
Through interactions with diverse people, students feel closer to the world, learn about diversity, and cultivate a broad perspective that connects to the future.
educational goals
thought recognition
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A child who thinks carefully and observes closely.
emotion
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A kind and gentle child with a beautiful heart.
cooperation
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Children playing happily and energetically with their friends.
patience
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A child who perseveres and sees things through.
independent creation
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Children who take initiative and create on their own
Learning
Hosen Kindergarten's Playtime
Creating an environment that fosters independence
We create an environment where children can develop an interest in diverse play and activities and have fun on their own initiative.
Building physical fitness through outdoor play
Through outdoor play such as running and playing on playground equipment, children can naturally develop muscle strength and physical fitness.
The balance between "free time" and "group activities"
While valuing time for free-thinking play, we also strive to enrich activities that everyone can participate in together.
Warm interactions with children of different ages and from different classes
We use thoughtful language in our daily interactions to increase opportunities for natural interaction and growth.
Basic lifestyle habits and manners
We cultivate attitudes that allow everyone to live comfortably together, such as greetings, discipline, and polite language, from a daily perspective.
A fulfilling musical experience
To help children experience the joy of singing and harmony, we incorporate a variety of music, including sign language songs, English songs, and nursery rhymes.
Our Kindergarten Environment
School Newsletter
A handmade "nursery school newsletter" delivered with heartfelt care.
We distribute a "nursery newsletter" that is handwritten by our staff.
It contains not only schedules and announcements but also detailed updates on the children—such as their activities in each class, events, and introductions to their friends.
We put our hearts into creating this newsletter every month so that we can share glimpses of the children's lively, spirited selves—moments you might not see at home.
Winner of the Education category at the Asia-Pacific printing competition "PIXI Awards" (the only Japanese recipient).
*Award certificates and trophies are on display at the entrance!
Kindergarten Introduction
To promote the harmonious development of mind and body and to cultivate basic physical strength.
Friends get along well with each other and cultivate kind hearts.
We value good habits (discipline) and cultivate a positive attitude towards life.
During this important period of early childhood, which lays the foundation for life, we believe in the potential of every child and warmly support their growth. Raising a child is most meaningful when families and the kindergarten move forward together with a shared commitment. We will celebrate each child’s growth together with their families, listen to their concerns and worries, and work closely with them to support each child’s development.
All of our teachers and staff are dedicated to providing care and education with warmth and sincerity, so that your child can come to kindergarten each day with a smile, saying, “I love kindergarten,” while gaining a wide range of experiences and growing to their full potential. We sincerely hope that you will take the time to understand our kindergarten’s educational philosophy and welcoming environment, and consider Hosen Kindergarten as a place where your precious child can grow and thrive.
Principal: Toyoaki Sato