MILESTONES

1948
Tane Matsukata returns to Japan after 17 years in the United States
1949
Classes begin for four students in the Murata home with three teachers
Nishimachi School is founded and formalized by the Minato-ku Government
1951
First school building is completed
1953
First elementary graduation takes place
1955
Nishimachi School is recognized as Jun Gakko Hojin by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government
1956
Primary language of instruction becomes English
Japanese classes begin with two Japanese students
1958
Kindergarten is added
1962
Japanese-language studies become a requirement for all students
1963
Junior high is added
1965
Matsukata House reverts to the Matsukata family from the Venezuelan government
1966
School name is changed to Nishimachi International School
First junior high graduation takes place
Tradition of annual ski trips begins
First Food Fair is held
1970
Student Council (StuCo) is established
Camp Rioichiro Arai is dedicated at Kazuno, Gunma-ken
1973
First Japanese program and speech contest are held
1980
Tomo no Kai (parent association) is formed
1985
Phase I building (Ushiba Memorial Gymnasium) is completed
1986
Nishimachi is accredited by W.A.S.C. (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
Phase II building (primary building) is completed
1989
Founder, Tane Matsukata, passes away
Tane Matsukata Fund for International Education (scholarship fund) is established
1990
New lodge at Camp Rioichiro Arai is completed
1991
Nishimachi-Kai (alumni association) is formed
1993
Japanese presentation program replaces Japanese speech contest
1994
Sister school ties with Kurohone elementary and junior high school are formalized
1997
Phase III building (upper elementary and junior high building) is inaugurated
1999
W.A.S.C. self-study is completed and six-year accreditation awarded
2000
Middle school program replaces junior high school
2001
ERB standardized testing begins
Nishimachi builds and supports Kirivorn School in Cambodia
2002
Kindergarten is relocated to the Moto Azabu Hills complex
2003
Outreach Scholarship for Student Diversity is established
2004
Tokutei Koeki Zoshin Hojin (Special Public Interest Promotion Organization) status is granted by Tokyo Metropolitan Government
2006
W.A.S.C. and C.I.S. (Council of International Schools) joint accreditation awarded
2007
Phase IV building (Yashiro Media Center) is inaugurated
Multi-purpose area, under the gym, is renovated
2009
Reinforcement work of the Matsukata House is proposed