THREE IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS WEBSITE

1) FIRST, this website was created as a result of a lack of information available about the education system in Japan, particularly for international parents with a child with special needs. This website provides more information, as well as a basis for more support and empowerment for parents.

2) THUS, this website provides almost all of the information that a parent needs to know, including basic information about education in Japan, what the Japanese education system can offer, as well as what alternative schools can offer, including international schools. This website also provides information about additional support available, as well as relevant organizations in Japan. The information provided on this website is based on the research conducted by the website author through interviews with parents, teachers, educational professionals, and some government employees.

3) FINALLY, this website aims to be continuously updated, so if you have any feedback, advice, or comments on something that should be added or changed. Please consult the contact page and contact the author (Nikolai Akira Kawabata Jessen-Petersen). If there is anything that is underlined, it either means that it is an important or key phrase, or that it is a link that can be clicked upon.

* The pictures for the website were taken by the author of the website, and the artwork is the work of the students at Tokyo International Progressive School (TIPS) in Tokyo, Japan, which provided their permission to share the work.

* If you are interested in reading a summary of the written thesis of the author of the website, which was the foundation for creating this website, and which can provide more detailed information about the issues at hand facing double challenged international students with special needs in Japan, please click on the link below:

Six-Page Thesis Summary

 * You can find more information about the author at their LinkedIn page as well: www.linkedin.com/in/nikolai-kawabata-jessen-petersen-908959101

* The author has been presenting and delivering workshops (online and in-person in Japan), on topics related to inclusive education and supporting students with learning differences since 2021. Here are the topics from over the year:

International Christian University Guest Lecture: “Inclusive Education” (October 2026)

University of Tsukuba Guest Lecture: “Learning Differences” (October 2024, November 2025, November 2026 Scheduled)

Seitoku University Guest Lecture: “International Education Focus in One Key Area: Social-Emotional Learning (January 2022)

WERA (World Education Research Association) Paper Submission Acceptance and Presentation: Presentation on Master’s thesis and research: “The Unmet Needs of International Students with Special Needs in Japan: A Double Challenge” (August 2019)

Seitoku University Workshop for English Department Staff: “Learning Differences” (March 2023, September 2024)

Tokyo Association of International Pre-Schools Workshop on “Inclusive Education (October 2026)

• • • November 2026 Conference (Scheduled) Workshop on “Learning Differences, Executive Functioning Skills, and the Transition to Elementary School”

SENIA/JLSN Conference “Fostering a Healthy Self-Esteem for Students with Learning Differences” at SENIA/JLSN Conference (October 2025, November 2026 Scheduled)

Sakura International School Professional Development Workshop for All Staff (October 2026)

TIPS Presentations to Parents and Outside Parent and Outside Teacher Community:

• “Navigating AI and Technology for Students with Learning Differences”
• “Dyscalculia and Math Anxiety”
• “How to Support Students with ADHD”
• “How to Support Students with Anxiety”
• “Promoting Self-Esteem for Students with Learning Differences”
• “Developing Executive Functioning Skills for Students with Learning Differences”
• “Uncovering Neurodiversity”
• “Transition to College (With Learning Differences)”
• “The Teenage Brain (With Learning Differences)”
• “Building Resilience for Teenagers”

(Presented virtually, then recorded and published on Youtube at “Tokyo International Progressive School” Youtube channel

JARIBE (Japan Association for Research into IB Education): “インターナショナルスクールにおけるインクルーシブ教育” Presentation (November 2025)

Kaffeehaus Guest Presentations: “Navigating AI and Technology for Students with Learning Difference” (April 2026)

Presentations for Parent Groups and Organizations

• “Inclusivity” to Yokohama Christian School Parent Group (January 2022)

• “Uncovering Neurodiversity” to St. Maur’s International School Parent Group (January 2023)