SEMBOKU, Akita -- The first international boarding school in Akita Prefecture will open here September, and the local government is pinning its hopes on the positive economic effects of the increased number of visitors and foreigners settling in the city.

The school will be operated by KBH Japan, a Japanese subsidiary of Knightsbridge House (KBH) International School in Singapore, which aims to spread affordable, high-quality education throughout Asia. The school opening in Semboku is the first one to be established by the company in Japan.

According to KBH Japan, the new school will be the equivalent of an integrated junior and senior high school in Japan. For the first three years after opening, the school will use the buildings of local Shiraiwa Elementary School, which will close in March, and a dormitory will be built in the school's courtyard. During the first year, about 40 students in four grades, from year seven (sixth grade in Japan) to year 10 (third year of junior high school), will study and live there.

The number of students accepted will be increased each year, with the goal of having up to 600 students from seventh to 13th grade (third year of high school) learn at the main school building and dormitories to be built on city-owned land near the Heart Herb garden by Lake Tazawa.

On Feb. 17, Edmund Lim, head of KBH Japan, explained the school's educational philosophy and other details to the press online, indicating the "four Cs" that form the axis of education.

The first C is "curriculum," referring to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, or IGCSE. The second is "character." In addition to a sense of responsibility and cooperation, it aims to foster the ability to think from multiple perspectives.

The third is "culture." Local culture such as the "Warabi-za" theater company, traditional Shiraiwa pottery, and Japanese martial arts will be included in the program. Mountain climbing, skiing and activities at Lake Tazawa are also envisioned. The last is "competency." With an emphasis on math, science, technology and AI, they hope to develop students' creativity.

Lim said that the students from diverse backgrounds gather together and learn cultural differences, which will benefit them when they become adults. He added that he hopes the graduates will serve as ambassadors of Japanese culture to the world.

Admission selection will be conducted going forward, including submission of assignments and interviews. Tuition is expected to be 1.5 million yen (about $9,900) per year, and dormitory costs, including meals, 1.8 million yen ($11,900) per year. Tuition fees will be discounted by 20% for Japanese nationals and by 30% for residents of Akita Prefecture.

(Japanese original by Muneo Takahashi, Akita Bureau)