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Manila Japanese School

Philippines, Manila

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· Reviewed by · B2C Marketing Manager

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The school at a glance
Instructs in Japanese
Fees ₱434,220 - 447,290
Ages 6 - 15 years
Type Co-educational, Online/Hybrid
Opened 1968
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese, English
Strengths Languages, Academic Enrichment, Sport
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language
Stages Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Manila Japanese School (MJS) follows the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) curriculum, providing continuous education from Grade 1 through Grade 9. Instruction is primarily in Japanese by teachers dispatched directly from Japan, ensuring students maintain parity with their peers back home. MJS leverages its tropical location by offering year-round weekly swimming lessons for all grades. Another distinctive program is their localized language approach: students receive English conversation classes in small groups taught by native speakers, while those from international backgrounds can access specialized Japanese language support. Every classroom is equipped with large display monitors, and each student is issued a personal Chromebook to support daily learning. Parents and faculty frequently reference the "MJS Magic," a recognized campus tradition where the tight-knit community helps anxious new arrivals quickly adapt, find friends, and thrive. (Source: MJS Official Website - Principal's Message & Features)

36th St. University Parkway, Post Proper Northside, Taguig, 1635 Metro Manila, Philippines

The Essentials

Manila Japanese School has instruction in Japanese.

Location
Manila Japanese School is located in University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Metro Manila, Philippines. The campus is in the Bonifacio Global City area and operates under an official arrangement with the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, indicating its connection to the Japanese government. The school serves elementary and junior high students at this Taguig location.

Stages
Elementary school and junior high school.

Type
The Manila Japanese School operates as a Japanese international school. Instruction is conducted in Japanese and follows the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) curriculum guidelines.

Additional learning support
Special Needs support includes one special needs class (intellectual) in the elementary division, typically with about three students per class and open to all elementary grades. The school also maintains resource rooms and has offered special support classes for students with intellectual disabilities for several years.

Country affiliation
Affiliated with Japan; administratively attached to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated.

School day structure
Classes are conducted in Japanese. Elementary students receive two hours weekly of English conversation; junior high students receive one hour weekly. All grades have a weekly swimming lesson, and some elementary students may have additional Japanese language classes (Fridays at 6pm) for language support. A timetable with daily start/end times is published on the site.

Bus service
The school does not directly manage bus operations; families apply to a bus operator after a transfer entrance exam and enter into an individual contract with the operator. Bus routes and seats are not reserved in advance and may be limited by capacity. The school publishes a Bus User Guide, and target areas include Bonifacio Global City, Makati, and the Alabang district (Alabang service currently limited).
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is not provided at Manila Japanese School. The school supports a bus service, but bus operations are not run directly by the school; families must submit a bus usage application after transfer and enter into an individual contract with the bus operator. The target areas are Bonifacio Global City (BCG) and Makati, with an Alabang service listed but currently not available due to insufficient users. Seats cannot be reserved in advance, and routes may be adjusted or waitlisted if a route is full.

Uniform Requirement
Uniforms are required. Formal uniforms for ceremonies are specified by the school, and gym uniforms are used for regular activities. Uniforms and gym uniforms are sold on-site after the school information session, with payment in cash.

Governance and Ownership
Manila Japanese School is attached to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. This indicates governance and oversight by the Japanese diplomatic mission.
Fees

Annual tuition at Manila Japanese School ranges from PHP 434,220 to PHP 447,290 for 2026/27.

Application / Entrance fees

- Entrance fee (one-time, payable at enrollment): PHP 26,000.
- There is no separate numeric “application” or testing fee listed in the school's fee schedule; the one‑time charges required at admission are the entrance fee and the donation described below.

Tuition and related recurring fees (by year group, per term and per year)

- Tuition (monthly):
- Elementary (小学部): PHP 17,000 per month.
- Junior high (中学部): PHP 17,000 per month.
- Facility fee (monthly): PHP 7,000 per month (applies in addition to the monthly tuition).
- How this translates to term and annual amounts (school billing uses 3‑month terms):
- Per term (3 months): Tuition PHP 51,000; Facility fee PHP 21,000; Combined per term PHP 72,000 (for both elementary and junior high).
- Per year (12 months): Tuition PHP 204,000; Facility fee PHP 84,000; Combined per year PHP 288,000.
- Material/textbook fees (年額): set by grade; range PHP 4,220 to PHP 17,290 per year.
- Student accident/insurance fee: PHP 500 per year.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Regular billing cycle: payments are made every three months in advance. Parents pay for three months at a time on the schedule below. Overdue payments incur a monthly late interest charge of 3%.
- March: payment for April–June (3 months) — due by month end (or the preceding weekday if the month end is a weekend).
- June: payment for July–September — due by month end (or the preceding weekday if weekend).
- September: payment for October–December — due by month end (or the preceding weekday if weekend).
- December: payment for January–March — due by December 28 (or the preceding weekday if weekend).
- New or transfer students: tuition and facility fees are collected on the same 3‑month advance schedule described above.

Boarding / residential provision

- The school does not list any boarding or residential fees; there are no boarding facilities described in the school fee schedule.

Other mandatory or one‑time costs

- Donation at admission (treated as a condition of enrollment):
- Personal/individual households (e.g., self‑employed): USD 2,000 (one‑time).
- For families affiliated with government/international agencies: First child USD 500 (one‑time), second child USD 250 (one‑time), third child and subsequent children USD 250 (one‑time). Corporate (company) donation options for employed parents are handled via the school office.
- PTA annual fee: PHP 500 per household (amount referenced for the applicable year and decided at the PTA general meeting).
- School bus: Bus fares are paid directly to the bus company; the school's schedule notes that bus fees are not paid through the school but paid to the bus operator (amount depends on route and provider).
- Uniforms / ceremonial clothing / PE kit: the handbook notes that school‑specified clothing is sold through school channels (for example at orientation or explanation events) and is payable in cash at the sale; specific uniform prices are not listed in the school fee table. Other occasional class or grade collections may be taken by homerooms for specific items or activities.

Refund information (withdrawal / transfer)

- If a student withdraws during a term, tuition and facility fees for subsequent months are refunded on a monthly basis (refunds are calculated monthly; the school does not perform daily prorating). Material/textbook fees are refunded for semesters/terms occurring after the one in which the student withdraws.

Fee payment options and practical notes

- Payment methods accepted by the school office: cash or cheque at the school office, or bank transfer to the school's designated bank account. Parents may choose either method as their payment option.
- Office hours for payments and inquiries: weekdays, 08:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00 (school may be unable to accept payments during school events). Late payments are subject to a monthly 3% interest charge.
Academics

Manila Japanese School teaches Bespoke Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 6 to 15.

Curriculum
The Manila Japanese School teaches in Japanese and follows the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) curriculum guidelines, with most teaching delivered by instructors dispatched from Japan. The school serves elementary and junior high levels, offering English conversation lessons (two hours per week in elementary and one hour per week in junior high) and one hour of swimming for all grades each week. In elementary, there are Japanese language classes at grade level, and an optional after-hours Japanese language program on Fridays at 6pm for children from international families or those needing extra language support. The school provides special support classes for students with intellectual disabilities and maintains resource rooms to address individual needs. It uses digital learning tools (electronic whiteboards, digital textbooks) and provides Chromebooks to students, while also incorporating education for international and local understanding and career guidance. External examinations such as EIKEN and Kanken are available for students to apply to, via dedicated examination links.

Student Teacher Ratio
N/A

Exam Results
N/A

Higher Education Progression
N/A

Gifted and Talented
N/A
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The Manila Japanese School supports Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) through a formal anti-bullying policy and a school-wide commitment to safe, respectful relationships. The policy states that bullying is a human rights issue and never acceptable, and an internal system is established to promote anti-bullying measures with involvement from all staff. It emphasizes building a sense of belonging and positive peer relationships, and includes planned education on information morals and social conduct. The school conducts educational counseling and uses annual educational consultations (four per year) plus biannual counseling, with records kept for three years. Career guidance and work-experience learning in junior high provide opportunities to develop independence and social skills. The School Evaluation section publishes survey results and answers to opinions, supporting ongoing assessment of student experience and wellbeing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
The Manila Japanese School has a Special Needs Education Coordinator as part of its anti-bullying governance, indicating a SEN coordination role within the school's safeguarding framework. The school is described as a general Japanese school in Manila, not a specialist SEN institution. The SEN coordinator is referenced as part of the anti-bullying structure, suggesting some capacity to address SEN needs, but the public materials do not list specific types of SEN or targeted SEN programs. There is no indication the school operates as a dedicated specialist SEN facility. These details imply some SEN coordination exists, but the materials do not disclose a formal, district-level SEN program.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The school provides English language support through a Level-based English conversation class led by a native teacher. This is explicitly described as a Level-based English conversation class, with a native teacher delivering the instruction. Public materials list this EAL provision but do not detail additional EAL programs beyond this class.

Mental Wellbeing
Mental wellbeing at the school is supported through the anti-bullying policy, which promotes warm, cooperative relationships and a safe school environment as a foundation for student wellbeing. The policy emphasizes prevention, early detection, and a structured response to bullying, including a school-wide committee and education consultations to monitor issues. Educational counseling is part of the wellbeing framework, with regular consultations and a process to support students and families. Ongoing wellbeing monitoring is evidenced by the school's public evaluation pages, which publish survey results and opinions. Although no dedicated mental health staff are publicly listed, the anti-bullying and consultation processes constitute formal wellbeing supports.

Safeguarding
Safeguarding at MJS is anchored in a formal anti-bullying policy that declares bullying unacceptable and outlines a comprehensive preventative framework. The policy establishes an internal anti-bullying system and a School bullying countermeasure committee, with responsibilities shared across key staff roles to prevent and respond to incidents. It requires systematic documentation of incidents and a clear escalation pathway, including involvement of the principal, counselors, and coordinators. The policy aligns with the Act on Promotion of Measures to Prevent Bullying, and, if necessary, may involve external agencies such as police or other authorities. Immediate actions, safeguarding of the victim, and guided responses for the offender are specified, with records kept to support ongoing safeguarding.
Parent Experience

History
The Manila Japanese School traces its roots to a prewar Manila Japanese School established in Sampaloc, Manila in 1918, with the first building completed that year. After wartime disruption, the postwar school began in 1968 as a Japanese language supplementary class. Elementary and junior high began full-time classes in 1972, and full-time classes for both levels followed in 1976 after the Philippines approved the school as Manila Japanese School attached to the Embassy. The school relocated over the years—from Manila to Parañaque in 1978 and later to Taguig in 2001—and in 2018 it marked the 50th anniversary of its founding. It is administered as attached to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines.

Community
The Manila Japanese School is located in University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, and aims to nurture children who are internationally conscious by leveraging experiences abroad. Classes are conducted in Japanese by instructors dispatched from Japan, with English conversation available weekly and swimming lessons for all grades. The school emphasizes local understanding education and international exchange to foster intercultural awareness. A cross-school cultural exchange occurred when Year 9 students from The British School Manila visited MJS for a cultural exchange.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Parent involvement at Manila Japanese School is organized through The Japanese Association Manila, Inc. (MJA), which serves as the umbrella for family activities and school-related engagement. The association runs clubs for families, including Tennis, Bridge, Manila Glee Club, Rugby, La Mer, and Handicraft. It hosts annual and regular events such as Bon Odori (Bon Odori festival) and a New Year celebration, and it runs a Sports Fiesta and a general members' assembly. Member benefits include a new membership card with a discount program for participating stores, and the association maintains a library and a medical clinic for members. Leadership is volunteer-based, with a dedicated office and contact details for inquiries and participation.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The Manila Japanese School is located at University Park, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, Philippines. The school supports technology-enabled learning with electronic whiteboards in every classroom and Chromebooks issued to each student, complemented by digital textbooks. It provides special support classes for students with intellectual disabilities and maintains resource rooms to address diverse learning needs. English language instruction is integrated into the curriculum, with elementary students receiving two hours of English conversation per week and junior high students one hour per week. In line with Manila's warm climate, all grades participate in swimming lessons for one hour each week throughout the year.

Academic Facilities
Academic facilities include Chromebooks for every student, electronic whiteboards in every classroom, and access to digital textbooks. The school offers special support classes and resource rooms to support students with diverse learning needs. The curriculum is delivered largely by instructors dispatched from Japan and follows the Japanese MOE guidelines. English conversation classes are provided as part of language support within the curriculum.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Manila Japanese School offers Japanese language instruction by grade level in elementary school, with Friday evening sessions at 6pm for children from international families or those needing language support. An English conversation class is available, taught by native speakers to support practical English language development. The school emphasizes international and local understanding through structured programs and opportunities for international exchange. In junior high, career guidance includes work-experience learning and regular information sessions about high schools, with individual career interviews held three times per year.

Cultural & Language
The school provides enhanced Japanese language education, including grade-level classes and additional Friday evening sessions for learners from international families. English conversational skills are supported by a native-teacher program, contributing to language development. The curriculum highlights fostering international understanding and local understanding through international exchange and cross-cultural activities.

Leadership & Professional
Junior high prepares students for post-secondary options through career guidance, including work-experience learning and school information sessions for students and parents. Individual interviews are conducted three times a year to support students' career planning.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
All grades receive one hour of swimming lessons each week year-round, with swimming classes divided into three ability groups. A swimming meet is held annually for students in third grade and above, and younger students participate in an observation day for parents to observe their progress.
Languages

Language Provision
Languages taught include Japanese and English. Japanese language education is provided for elementary grades with language classes held for each grade level; they take place on Fridays at 6pm for children from international marriage families and other students who are unsure about their Japanese language skills. An English conversation class is offered to develop students' English language ability. The school also provides education for international and local understanding to help students engage with different cultures.
Reputation

Accreditations
Attached to the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines. This signifies a formal relationship with the Japanese government and its diplomatic presence in the Philippines.
Admissions

Admissions
1. Admissions overview and eligibility. The Manila Japanese School (MJS) uses a handbook to outline admission requirements and eligibility. There are two practical categories for new admissions in 2026: Category 1 covers families currently living in the Philippines with a senior kindergarten student; Category 2 covers families currently residing in Japan or elsewhere who plan to move to the Philippines after graduation from kindergarten. Category 1 has an application deadline of Wednesday, December 17, 2025; Category 2 has an application deadline of Friday, March 20, 2026. Please refer to the handbook for the exact eligibility criteria and any conditions attached to each category.

2. How to apply. To begin the process, read the MJS Handbook and confirm you meet the admission requirements before you submit the New Enrollment/Transfer Enrollment Application Form. After you submit, the school office will send an email with details on the transfer procedures. Prepare a passport (photo page of student and guardian) and a Manila Japanese Association membership card as part of the application. These steps and document requirements are specified in the admissions guidance.

3. What happens after you apply. Once the application is received, the school will email you with information on the transfer procedures and next steps. MJS states that transfer students may be admitted throughout the year, independent of the official school year or semester start. If you would like to transfer, you should contact the school office to coordinate timing and requirements.

4. Schedule and information sessions. The upcoming schedule includes a school entry test (for certain older kindergarteners) on Thursday, January 29, 2026; a School Information Session (in person and online) on Monday, February 16, 2026; and, in early April 2026, new enrollment and transfer examinations for families moving to the Philippines after completing kindergarten elsewhere. Mid-April 2026 is listed as the (tentative) entrance ceremony. These dates are published in the new-admission information.

5. Entrance examination content. For Category 1 (families in the Philippines), the entrance exam contents include a written test (Japanese and arithmetic) and an interview; for Category 2 (families moving from abroad), the entrance exams are conducted in early April 2026 and test similar language/learning abilities with a written component and an interview. In all cases, the emphasis is on assessing language ability and learning aptitude appropriate to the student's age and grade level.

6. Results and start date. The results of the transfer entrance examination are released after the exam is completed. The handbook also notes that the transfer date is the start date of the school year. If admitted, you will receive further information and be guided on the next steps and orientation.

Scholarships
Manila Japanese School does not publish a school-run scholarship program within its admissions materials. The available public materials focus on admission eligibility, application steps, and fees, with no mention of scholarships. External government or foundation scholarships exist in the region (for example, Japanese government scholarship programs administered through the Embassy and related channels), but these are not administered by MJS. Prospective families should consider external scholarship avenues if applicable.

Waitlist
There is no published waitlist system for admissions at Manila Japanese School.
School Events
The school has not added events
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