It looks like “Kids Duo International Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi”, a huge preschool located along the Nakatsuhama Line in Nagatacho, Nishinomiya, will be holding its first admission information session for April 2027 enrollment on Saturday, May 23.
Shachomi got to take a look inside KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi back in 2024, and I still remember how impressive it was. The career-experience area was seriously authentic.
I’m sure there are quite a few parents in Nishinomiya thinking, “I want my child to attend a preschool where they can learn English, but an international school feels like a bit much.”
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What kind of place is “KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi”?
KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi is Hyogo Prefecture’s first bilingual preschool, which opened in April 2024.
Apparently, it’s the second KDI in the Kansai area after “KDI Toyonaka” in Toyonaka City, Osaka.
Here’s Shachomi’s article from when she covered it back then↓
The key point is that it’s a little different from an international school. At KDI, the curriculum is designed so children can naturally acquire both English and Japanese.
Exactly. And it’s not just English. Their education is built on three pillars.
Immersion education for young children, where they spend their preschool day in English with native-speaking teachers.
Apparently the kids get really excited about doing career experiences in English.
🧠 Intellectual Education
A program that stimulates cognitive factors using around 100 types of educational materials, including pattern blocks.
They also seem to have IQ tests.
🏃 Physical Education
A KDI specialty! “Ninja Play,” where children learn nine basic movements while having fun.
They even have three physical education teachers.
KDI is a preschool run by Yaruki Switch Group, which operates various schools such as “Kids Duo,” “Child Eyes,” and “Ninja Nine.”
It makes sense that people say, “You don’t have to send your child to a bunch of extracurricular lessons.” There are plenty of families doing the marathon of English, abacus, gymnastics, and more.
So what’s it actually like?
We asked parents whose children currently attend
We spoke with several parents whose children attend KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi.
1. What made you choose KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi?
“I thought it was helpful that they provide Japanese education as well as English.”
“The fact that they offer not only English, but also full-fledged intellectual education and physical education.”
“The school bus service is a big help. I’m glad there’s a stop in a convenient location.”
“We decided after meeting the teachers at the information session! The atmosphere was really nice.”
2. What are you glad about after enrolling?
“I’m amazed by my child’s English ability. They’ve learned much more than I expected.”
“My child has learned not only how to switch between English and Japanese, but also how to understand cultural differences.”
“My child’s running form changed! Ninja Play seems to have given them confidence.”
3. What worries were resolved after enrolling?
“We’re not constantly chasing after extracurricular lessons, so both my child and we as parents can make better use of our time.”
“The bus is convenient, so it’s easy to attend even while working. My child enjoys it, so I can leave them there with peace of mind.”
“The school lunches are also excellent: handmade, additive-free, and made with domestic ingredients, which fits our family’s values.”
In this spacious kitchen, it looks like they make sweets in English. That definitely sounds fun.
We also spoke with English Director Nick
KDI Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi’s English Director, Nick
He’s a veteran teacher who has been teaching since the very first year of KDI Toyonaka, the first KDI in Kansai, which opened in 2020.
He’s cheerful, seems to be very popular with the children, and is apparently well regarded by parents who have attended the information sessions. His English pronunciation is said to be very easy to understand.
We asked Nick a few questions.
Q. What’s amazing about KDI?
“While staying here in Japan, children can immerse themselves in a wide range of fun and rewarding activities and grow into globally minded individuals. At the same time, they also acquire the cultural values and behavioral norms needed to live in Japanese society.”
“Seeing children naturally switch languages depending on who they’re speaking with is truly moving.”
Q. Do you have a message for parents?
“As Japan’s future continues to change, please give your child the chance to succeed. We sincerely look forward to welcoming you!”
Every day here is a lifetime treasure.
(Every day at KDI will become a lifelong treasure.)
Nick is also scheduled to speak at the information session on Saturday, May 23, so we recommend meeting him in person and getting a feel for the atmosphere.
