Meet Yuka sensei, a new YBS preschool principal. With 21 years of experience in early childhood education, she has seen it all. But she describes her last 1.5 years at YBS as “life-changing.” As she steps into her new role on April 1st, we sat down to talk about her journey, the fear of change, and the beauty of “letting go.”
— What inspired you to become a preschool teacher?
It started with my own kindergarten teacher. As a child, I felt out of place and struggled to understand why I had to go to Yochien ( Japanese Kindergarten ). But my teacher opened her heart to me and accepted me exactly as I was. That changed everything. In my graduation picture book, I wrote, “I want to be a preschool teacher.” For 21 years, I’ve never looked back.
— With your 21years journey, is there a specific moment that shaped your philosophy?
Two moments stand out. One was during a relay race at a school I was teaching as a class teacher. I was obsessed with winning and pushed the kids hard. We were the fastest in practice, but on the big day, we lost at the very end. I was devastated and felt a heavy sense of responsibility as their teacher.
But when we got back to the classroom, the kids weren’t blaming anyone. They were saying, “I wish I ran faster!” and “Let’s try harder next time!” I was the only one stuck on being ‘Number One.’ The children had already moved on to something better: teamwork. It was a humbling lesson in my own immaturity.
The second was a student with autism. I had assumed there were things he simply “couldn’t do.” But during the graduation ceremony, he caught my eye, waited for my signal, and performed perfectly. It was my ego that had placed limits on him. Children have infinite potential if we just believe in them.
Facing the Unknown at YBS
— How did you feel when you first joined YBS?
Honestly, I was terrified. I had spent my entire life in traditional Japanese environments. Suddenly, I was in a world of English, diverse cultures, and international staff. I thought, “There’s no way I can survive here.” After years of being a principal at previous schools, I suddenly felt like I didn’t know anything. It was the biggest crisis of my career.
Letting Go of “The Rules”
— How did you change during your time as manager?
It’s not an exaggeration to say my life changed. The biggest shift was letting go of being bound by “the right way” or rigid rules. At first, I tried to force Japanese rules on the international staff. It didn’t work. One day, I asked myself, “Is this rule actually necessary?” When I realized it wasn’t, I became flexible. My heart felt lighter.
The same went for the language barrier. I used “not speaking English” as an excuse, but I learned that if you communicate with your whole heart, you don’t need a translator. Those raw, honest moments built the deep trust I have with my colleagues today.
The Future at YBS
— What is your vision?
I want YBS preschool to be a place where everyone can truly be themselves. In the past, I felt I had to suppress my personality to “be professional.” But YBS is a place that says, “Be yourself!!” . I want our children to grow up proud of who they are and unafraid to live authentically. To achieve that, our teachers must first lead by example and shine as individuals.
And I would like to provide many opportunities for international children to learn Japanese, feel and experience Japanese culture. I already have seen many YBS children becoming bilingual, and I would like to make memories and skills together that they can carry with them wherever they live in the future.
— A final message for our parents and staff?
To Parents: Childhood happens in the blink of an eye. I want to share those fleeting moments of growth with you and involve you as vital members of our team. I am so looking forward to sharing our children’s moments with you. And don’t hesitate to communicate with me if you have any questions even if it’s a little thing.
To Staff: Education is a never-ending “challenge.” There are no easy answers, and sometimes we have to face our own flaws. But let’s overcome them together and build something new! We can do it!!
What is “Early Education” to you?
“It is a Challenge.” You cannot do it alone. It takes colleagues, children, and parents working as one. It requires us to involve others, show our true selves, and constantly outgrow who we were yesterday.
At YBS, I feel I have finally started running as my true self. I am so excited for the moments ahead and grateful to everyone taking this journey with me.
YBS will continue to challenge the status quo, believing in the infinite potential of every child as they prepare to take on the world.