As Nepal’s population in Japan continues to grow rapidly, schools offering the Nepali curriculum are expanding across the country. Established to teach the Nepali language, culture and education system, these schools are helping younger generations stay connected to their roots while creating a distinct identity for the Nepali migrant community.
Schools offering the Nepali curriculum or teaching Nepali language and culture are now operating in several Japanese cities. Among them, Everest International School Japan (EISJ) is the leading institution providing education based on Nepal’s national curriculum. Recognized by the Government of Nepal, the school combines the Nepali curriculum with international educational practices to serve children of Nepali migrants.
When Republica visited the school on Guru Purnima on July 29, students were seen honoring their teachers with gifts, following a cherished Nepali tradition. Japanese students also studied alongside Nepali children, reflecting the growing appeal of Nepali art and culture among foreign students.
Just as schools in Nepal organize literary and cultural competitions, Everest students participated in a poetry competition dedicated to their teachers. They delivered speeches, recited poems and attended classes in Nepali, creating an atmosphere that closely resembled a school in Nepal. Students also presented gifts to the Republica team, highlighting the strong emotional and cultural bond maintained by the Nepali community abroad.
Roshan Pathak, who enrolled at Everest in Grade 2, is now studying in Grade 12. After moving to Japan with his parents while studying in Grade 1 in Kathmandu, he says he is grateful to continue his education through the Nepali curriculum.
“Studying with Nepali friends gives me the opportunity to learn our culture and traditions,” Rochak, who dreams of becoming an IT engineer, told Republica. “It’s more enjoyable to study with Nepali friends than in a Japanese school.”
Bikalpa Gurung, who recently moved to Japan with his parents, also expressed relief at being able to continue his studies without interruption. Having studied at Motherland Secondary School in Pokhara, he enrolled in Grade 12 at Everest this year.
“I was worried that my education would be disrupted,” Bikalpa said. “But enrolling at Everest allowed me to continue my studies while remaining connected to the Nepali curriculum and culture.”
Sneha Neupane, another Grade 12 student, has attended Everest since Grade 6. Having experienced both Japanese and Nepali education systems, she appreciates the school’s practical approach.
“The curriculum is the same, but we also gain practical knowledge through visits to museums, universities, embassies, gardens and other places. That makes learning much more enjoyable,” she said.
Founding Chairman Bhupal Man Shrestha said around 600 students, from kindergarten to Grade 12, are currently enrolled at the school. Kindergarten follows the Japanese education system, with nursery, LKG and UKG classes based on children’s ages.
“Although the school is recognized by Nepal’s Ministry of Education, the Japanese government provides subsidies for kindergartens. Therefore, the age criteria must strictly follow Japanese regulations,” Shrestha told Republica.
He added that kindergarten education emphasizes play-based learning, singing and other interactive activities instead of textbooks, with teachers from various countries working alongside Japanese childcare professionals.
Shrestha said he founded the school after recognizing the growing need for Nepali curriculum-based education as Nepal’s migrant population in Japan expanded.
“As more Nepali families settled in Japan, many children either discontinued their education in Nepal or struggled to reintegrate into Nepal’s education system after returning home,” he said. “We wanted to create a school where they could continue their studies without disruption while preserving their language and culture.”
He added that because Japanese schools generally do not offer English-medium education, Everest was established with both English and Nepali as mediums of instruction.
The school began operations in 2015 after receiving approval from Nepal’s Ministry of Education and recognition from the Curriculum Development Centre.
Shrestha said Japanese language is taught as part of the local curriculum, while teachers are recruited through open competition. Of the school’s 82 teachers and staff members, two have been recruited directly from Nepal, while the rest are Nepali educators residing in Japan.
Students first appeared in Nepal’s Secondary Education Examination (SEE) in 2020. Since then, six SEE batches and four Grade 12 batches have graduated, producing strong academic results.
Principal Bishnu Prasad Bhatta said SEE and Grade 12 question papers are sent from Nepal’s National Examination Board. Besides Nepali students, children from several other countries also study at the school. Teachers come from Nepal, India, the Philippines, Singapore and England, while Japanese language classes are taught by Japanese instructors.
According to Bhatta, Everest is the only Nepali school abroad officially recognized by Nepal’s Ministry of Education. It has also been recognized by Japan’s Ministry of Education.
“The Nepali Embassy in Japan supervises SEE and Grade 12 examinations. Answer sheets are sent to Nepal through the embassy, results are published there, and certificates are later delivered to Japan,” he said.
The school also offers Cambridge courses and plans to introduce A-Level and International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes.
“Our students can pursue higher education not only in Japan but also in universities around the world,” Bhatta said. “We combine practical and theoretical learning using multimedia, smart boards, online learning and international guest lectures.”
The curriculum includes the Nepali language, social studies, moral education and cultural activities. Weekend classes are also conducted for children of Nepali origin enrolled in Japanese schools to help them learn the Nepali language and culture.
Bhatta acknowledged that finding adequate playground space remains difficult because of Japan’s high land costs and dense urban environment. While the Japanese government covers kindergarten education, parents pay tuition for higher grades. The school has arranged access to public spaces for sports and outdoor activities.
He also urged the Government of Nepal to establish a dedicated support mechanism for Nepali schools operating overseas.
“Countries such as India, Indonesia, South Korea and Sri Lanka provide financial support to their schools abroad,” he said. “Nepal should establish a dedicated support desk at both the Ministry of Education and the Nepali Embassy in Japan to develop policies and provide institutional support.”
Besides Everest, Nepali communities in Tokyo, Saitama, Kanagawa, Aichi and Osaka operate weekend classes and Nepali language schools that teach the language, history, culture and traditional values.
As thousands of Nepali families have settled in Japan, many children born or raised there have become fluent in Japanese but struggle to read and write Nepali. Schools offering the Nepali curriculum help preserve their linguistic and cultural identity while ensuring a smoother transition if they return to Nepal for further education.
