Introduction to the Compassionate Systems Framework

A three-day, bilingual workshop at Yokohama International School

Yokohama International School is pleased to host a three-day, practice-based workshop introducing the Compassionate Systems Framework, facilitated by Dr. Mette Böll, co-initiator of Compassionate Systems, with special involvement from Dr. Peter Senge.

Offered in English and Japanese, this workshop brings educators, leaders, and community members together to explore how compassion, systems thinking, and mindful awareness can support meaningful change in education and beyond.

 

Why Compassionate Systems & why now?

We are living in a time of profound complexity. Globally interconnected systems—social, environmental, political, and educational—are under increasing strain. Children and adults alike are experiencing rising levels of anxiety, uncertainty, and emotional distress.

An essential question for education today is not only what students learn, but how they learn to understand and respond to complexity—without becoming overwhelmed.

The Compassionate Systems Framework offers tools to:

• Understand the systemic forces shaping behaviour

• Hold complexity and contradiction without judgment

• Respond with care, clarity, and responsibility

• Strengthen relationships within and across systems

At YIS, our commitment to Live, Learn, Lead calls us to engage with these questions thoughtfully and collectively.

 

About the workshop

This hands-on workshop provides an introductory foundation to the tools and approaches developed through decades of work in:

• Living systems change

• Organizational learning

• Systems dynamics

• Social and emotional learning (SEL)

• Contemplative and mindfulness traditions

• Neuroscience

Participants will engage in reflective practices, dialogue, and applied learning that connect individual awareness with collective action. The framework is currently being used in schools and education systems worldwide, as well as in healthcare, governance, and organizational leadership contexts.

A systems view of compassion

Within this framework, compassion is understood not simply as an individual trait, but as a systemic capacity of mind.

To cultivate compassion is to:

• See the wider system influencing actions and outcomes

• Recognize interdependence and unintended consequences

• Hold paradox with care rather than blame

• Support both human and planetary wellbeing

Ultimately, systems change is about relationships—between people, institutions, and the values that guide them.

Who is this workshop for?

This workshop is relevant for:

• Educators and school leaders

• School staff and administrators

• Community leaders and practitioners

• Anyone interested in systems thinking, wellbeing, and collective leadership

No prior experience with systems thinking is required.

Event details

Dates: March 9–11, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Location: Yokohama International School
Language: English and Japanese (bilingual facilitation)

Spaces are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

Accommodation

Yokohama offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and travel preferences. Below is a selection of hotels that are within a reasonable commute to Yokohama International School.

Please note that the hotels listed below have not been vetted by the school, and Yokohama International School has no affiliation with any of them. We recommend checking recent reviews on independent travel websites and conducting your own research before making a booking.

Hotels within easy commuting distance

• Oakwood Suites Yokohama (Serviced Apartments)
  Approx. 30-minute bus ride to YIS

• Hotel New Grand
  Approx. 20-minute bus ride to YIS

• Rose Hotel Yokohama
  Approx. 25-minute bus ride to YIS

• The Westin Yokohama
  Approx. 40-minute bus ride to YIS

• Richmond Hotel Bashamichi
  Approx. 30-minute bus ride to YIS

• Hotel JAL City Kannai
  Approx. 25-minute bus ride to YIS

• Yokohama Royal Park Hotel
  Approx. 35-minute bus ride to YIS

• Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
  Approx. 40-minute bus ride to YIS

• InterContinental Yokohama Grand (Pacifico)
  Approx. 45-minute bus ride to YIS

Getting to Yokohama

Yokohama is easily accessible from both Haneda and Narita International Airports via Japan’s extensive public transportation network.

• From Haneda International Airport:
  Please click here for step-by-step instructions.

• From Narita International Airport:
  Please click here for step-by-step instructions.

You may also use the “File” menu to download a PDF copy of this guide or save it to your own Google Drive for easy reference.

Getting to YIS from Yokohama, Minatomirai, and Tokyo

Japan is known for its efficient and reliable public transportation system. Yokohama International School is served by multiple public bus routes that connect smoothly with nearby train stations, providing convenient access from central Yokohama, Minatomirai, and Tokyo.

Motomachi-Chukagai Station on the Minatomirai Line offers a direct Limited Express connection to Shibuya in under 35 minutes, making travel from Tokyo straightforward.

Details on the main transportation options are outlined below.

Traveling by Train

Minatomirai / Tokyu Toyoko Line

The Minatomirai Line connects directly with the Tokyu Toyoko Line, running from Shibuya Station through Yokohama Station to Motomachi-Chukagai Station. The journey from Shibuya to Motomachi-Chukagai takes approximately 35 minutes by Limited Express. This route is particularly convenient for those staying in areas such as Shibuya, Ebisu, Hiroo, Roppongi, Jiyugaoka, and Denenchofu. (See route map here.)

For travel to YIS:

• Alight at Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Exit 4)

• From the Yamashita-cho bus stop, take bus #8 or #58 to the Kominato bus stop

JR Negishi Line / Keihin-Tohoku Line

The JR Keihin-Tohoku Line runs from Omiya through Tokyo and Yokohama to Ofuna Station. South of Yokohama, this line is also referred to as the Negishi Line. (See JR route map here.)

Travelers coming from Tokyo or Kawasaki may either:

• Transfer at Yokohama Station to the Minatomirai Line, or

• Continue directly to Negishi Station

From Negishi Station:

• Take bus #58 or #101 to the Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop

Traveling by Public Bus

Several public bus routes provide direct access to the school:

• From Motomachi-Chukagai Station (Yamashita-cho bus stop):
  Bus #8 or #58 → Kominato bus stop

• From Sakuragicho Station or Ishikawacho Station:
  Bus #101, #105, or #106 → Kominato-cho bus stop

• From Negishi Station:
  Bus #58 or #101 → Honmoku-Miyabara bus stop

Bus stop locations near the campus are shown on the map below. For additional route details, please visit the Yokohama City Transportation Department website.

Driving to YIS

Parking on campus is limited. If you require parking at Yokohama International School, please contact us in advance by phone or email.

Additional parking is available at Honmoku Front (Sanwa), the shopping complex located next to the campus. This facility offers multi-level covered parking at reasonable rates. Parking fees for up to three hours can be redeemed with a purchase from participating retail outlets. Motorcycle and scooter parking is also available at this location.

Campus Map

Contact Us

Our normal operating hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. When school is not in session, please contact us by email or leave a voicemail message.

Address:
2-100-1 Kominato-cho, Naka-ku
Yokohama 231-0802, Japan

Tel: +81 (0)45-622-0084
Fax: +81 (0)45-621-0379
Email: yis@yis.ac.jp