Our governance structure provides clear oversight and long-term strategic direction to ensure the school continues to serve its community with purpose and care to uphold the school’s mission to Live, Learn, Lead, honor our values and to create an environment where students thrive in every aspect of their education.
The Head of School and Senior Leadership Team manage day-to-day operations and guide the implementation of school policies that directly support student learning. |
The Board of Directors, elected annually at the Annual General Meeting, provides guidance, oversees the Head of School, and helps shape long-term vision and policy. |
The Board of Trustees acts as a high-level oversight body, approving significant actions such as the sale of assets and ensuring decisions align with the school’s mission. |
The Auditors monitor financial and governance practices, offering independent policy and legal oversight to both boards and the prefectural government. |
The foundational document of YIS is the Act of Endowment, which establishes the legal and operational framework of the school. It outlines the roles and responsibilities of the AGM, the Board of Directors, the Board of Trustees and Auditors. Further procedural details are covered in the YIS Constitution and the Board Governance Manual, which describe operating norms including nomination protocols and voting procedures.
All board members operate under a Code of Ethical Conduct that centers on safeguarding the future wellbeing of YIS and maintaining open, two-way communication with the broader school community.
YIS encourages parents and alumni to play an active role in the school’s governance. Opportunities include serving on the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees and participating in the Annual General Meeting. Held each November, the AGM provides a forum to elect board members and hear updates from the Head of School and Board Chair on the school’s direction and progress, and the Board Treasurer regarding school finances.
We believe leadership is about service to students. Our Head of School and leadership team work across all areas of school life to uphold our values and support our inquiry-driven, student-centered approach. By building strong relationships with students, staff, families, and local partners, they make sure that each decision is grounded in what’s best for our learners today and for the future.
Head of School
Director of Learning
Head of Operations
Secondary Principal
High School Vice Principal/DP Coordinator
Middle School Vice Principal/MYP Coordinator
Elementary Principal
Elementary Vice Principal/PYP Coordinator
| Name & Occupation | Board Title | Term | Home Country |
|---|---|---|---|
Nalin Advani | Chair | Since 2022 | Japan |
Hiroshi Alley | Vice-Chair | Since 2019 | USA |
Carla Marschall | Since 2025 | USA | |
Tetsuyuki Fukui | Since 2019 | Japan | |
Gunter Spiess | Since 2025 | Switzerland | |
Vesna Jarnjak | Since 2024 | Croatia | |
Danelle Kym Sofuku | Since 2024 | Australia | |
Lina Perelshtein Shallom | Since 2024 | Israel | |
Jim Verbeeten | Honorary Secretary | Since 2021 | Netherlands |
| Arthur Yoshinami YIS Alum, 1974 | Since 2023 | USA | |
Fabio Irino | Since 2025 | Brazil |
| Name & Occupation | Term | Home Country |
|---|---|---|
| Grant Mikasa | Since 2017 | USA |
| Rasmus Takechi-Hansen | Since 2023 | Denmark |
| Name & Occupation | Term | Home Country |
|---|---|---|
Board of Trustees Chair John Inge | Since 2005 | Hawaii |
Board of Trustees Vice-Chair Akemi Watanabe | Since 2006 | Japan |
YIS Graduates of at Least 25 Years of Age Natsuko Shibagaki | Since 2023 | Japan |
| Lester Yoshinami-Hitachi | Since 2006 | Japan |
Persons of Knowledge and Experience Katherine Davies | Since 2019 | UK |
| Jesse Lin | Since 2023 | Argentina |
| Joy Eckhoff | Since 2012 | UK |
| Charles Jack | Since 2018 | Australia |
| Dirk De Ruyver | Since 2018 | Belgium |
| Dennis Stanworth | Since 2018 | UK |
Staff Members Walter Peña | Since 2024 | Bolivia |
| Susie Clifford Director of Learning, YIS | Since 2025 | Australia |
Senior Counselor to the Board of Trustees Edward Bernard MBE | Since 2014 | UK |
Our leadership believes that open communication builds trust and ensures accountability. YIS maintains transparency in all governance matters and welcomes dialogue with the wider school community to continuously improve how we lead and support student learning.
