Co-curricular Activities for Elementary Students

An after-school activity program is conducted every quarter (8 weeks) for Elementary students. Information will be sent to all parents about how to register. A variety of outdoor and indoor activities will be offered for each session. Limits on the number of students in each activity may be necessary, and enrollment may be decided on a first-come/first-serve basis. Activities start at 15:35 and end at 16:30.

After activities finish, students should be picked up by a parent/guardian or request to go home on the shuttle bus. Parents/Guardians coming to pick up their children should meet them at the ELC Gate. If you are unable to pick up your child at school, we do offer transportation after CCAs but it is limited to one shuttle bus that runs to Issha Station. All children riding the bus must have the ability to contact their families should there be a delay or any unforeseen complication. In Japan, kid’s phones, or kodomo keitai (Example), are widely available. These devices allow familiesto have a direct line of communication without exposing their child to the perils of the outside world. Foreign residents may find purchasing a contract for the kodomo keitai is difficult. If you find that you’re having trouble, please contact the school and we will be happy to assist you.

 

Co-curricular Activities for High School Students

There are a range of co-curricular activities available to secondary students and all students are strongly encouraged to participate in this important part of an NIS education.
 

Service and Special Interest Clubs

At NIS, our service and special interest clubs play an important role in supporting the school’s mission. Through these clubs, students take meaningful action in their communities—both locally and globally—by raising awareness, building networks, and developing real-world skills. Many of these initiatives are student-led and take place on and off campus. It’s also common for Secondary students to lead activities for younger students, such as our annual Halloween celebrations or International Mother Language Day.

Because most clubs are initiated and run by students, the list of offerings naturally evolves over time. As new cohorts of students bring their passions to campus, new clubs are formed, while others may fade out. Students are encouraged to create and lead their own groups, and they are responsible for recruiting members and sustaining interest.

That said, some groups remain a consistent part of school life. Our Middle and High School Student Councils are always active, and well-established clubs like the Home Language Club, Global Issues Network, Model United Nations, NIS Homebuilders, and NIS Plan continue to offer leadership and service opportunities for students.

Participating in clubs allows students to explore their strengths, take on new challenges, and step out of their comfort zones. They learn to plan thoughtfully, work collaboratively, and reflect on the impact of their choices. Most importantly, they gain the confidence and skills needed to make a difference in the world around them.

 

Dolphin Sports (Secondary)

At NIS, athletics are more than just games—they’re a vibrant part of our school spirit and community. With passionate student-athletes, dedicated coaches, and excellent facilities, our sports program is a source of pride and energy throughout the year.

As proud members of the Western Japan Athletic Association (WJAA) and the East Asian International Schools Activities Conference (EAISAC), our Middle School (MS) and High School (HS) teams compete against international schools across Japan and beyond. While WJAA offers opportunities for local competition, including friendly games with Japanese schools, EAISAC allows students to travel internationally to destinations such as Busan (Korea), Fukuoka (Japan), and Ulaanbaatar (Mongolia). These experiences promote teamwork, cultural exchange, and global awareness.

We offer a variety of sports throughout the year to match the interests and abilities of our students. Our lineup includes:

  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Soccer
  • Baseball
  • Softball
  • Badminton
  • Cross Country

Teams are organized by season to allow focused preparation for competitions, and additional activities are available based on student interest. Middle School teams emphasize skill development, teamwork, and a positive attitude, while High School teams focus on healthy competition and goal-setting through tryouts.

Training Schedule:

  • Middle School: Tuesdays & Fridays | 15:45–17:40

  • High School: Mondays & Thursdays | 15:45–17:40

Our program continues to evolve based on student interests and league requirements, ensuring that Dolphin Sports remain dynamic, inclusive, and aligned with the spirit of NIS. Whether competing locally or abroad, our students grow as athletes and individuals—learning the value of teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship.

 

Dolphin Arts

There are many opportunities for students to showcase their visual and performing arts talents in various performances and events throughout the academic year. Students are encouraged to audition and participate in the annual plays and musicals performed throughout the year.