Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon

Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon

By Alumni Association Launch Comittee

Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon

Founded in 1924 by a small group of expatriate parents, YIS started as a modest institution as the second oldest international school in the world with just six students in the Yamate district, aimed at providing an innovative education to the growing international community in Yokohama. From its inception, YIS embraced a close-knit, family-like atmosphere that still resonates today.

Original YIS students taken in 1925

Original YIS students (taken 1925) on the First Campus

Following World War II, the school saw rapid expansion, adapting to meet the demands of a diverse and growing international population. By the 1950s, YIS had established itself as a leading institution for expatriates and Japanese families seeking a global education. The school continued to innovate throughout the 1960s and 1970s, adding extracurricular programs and bolstering its academic reputation.

Whole School Picture (1930's)

Whole School Picture (1930s)

The introduction of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma in the 1980s marked a turning point, positioning YIS as one of the first schools in Japan to adopt this globally recognized curriculum. Over the next few decades, YIS continued to evolve into a thriving, multicultural hub with students representing more than 40 nationalities. This growing diversity nurtured a commitment to intercultural understanding and a global outlook—key values that remain central to the YIS ethos today.

YIS Yamate Campus

A home for so many students, the Yamate Campus went through many renovations over the years and is dearly missed by many Alumni, but eventually the Dragons needed to leave their nest and explore a new state-of-the-art campus in Naka Ward. This new campus, designed with sustainability and innovation in mind, exemplified the school’s forward-thinking approach to education.

YIS Honmoku Campus

YIS Honmoku Campus

As YIS celebrates its centennial in 2024, the school's motto, “Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon,” captures the essence of what it means to be part of the YIS community. The dragon, the school’s proud mascot, symbolizes strength, resilience, and a deep sense of belonging. For students, alumni, staff, and families, being a "Dragon" extends beyond the years spent on campus; it’s about carrying the values of YIS—integrity, empathy, and global-mindedness—into the wider world.

“Once a Dragon, Always a Dragon” means that the bond formed at YIS is lifelong. Whether through connections made on the soccer field, in classrooms, or in school-wide events like the annual Food Fair, the YIS experience fosters a lasting community. Alumni, no matter where life takes them, remain connected to YIS and to each other, continuing to uphold the school's values in their personal and professional lives. This enduring spirit of camaraderie and shared purpose is what makes the YIS community so special.

As YIS embarks on its next century, the dragon’s legacy grows ever stronger. It reminds us that being part of YIS is not just about education; it’s about becoming part of a global family—a family where once you’re a Dragon, you’re always a Dragon. If you are interested in diving deeper into our rich history, please consider purchasing our special edition 100 Year Chowa where there is a beautiful timeline representation of the last century and a page for each graduating class from 1974-2024.