A new chapter for international education in Japan has officially begun. Under the refreshing, mist-kissed air of Mount Rokko and overlooking the stunning Seto Inland Sea, the NLCS Kobe community gathered for the official groundbreaking ceremony of our upcoming Rokko Mountain Campus. Slated to open in 2028, this visionary campus will soon become the permanent home for our Senior School and boarding students—a place where world-class academics meet the healing power of nature.

Where British Heritage Meets Japanese Tradition

The groundbreaking ceremony was a beautiful reflection of NLCS Kobe’s core identity: deeply international, yet proudly rooted in its local culture.

The event brought together distinguished guests, including Kobe Mayor Kizo Hisamoto, British Consul General (Osaka) Mr. Michael Blyth, and His Excellency Mr. Mario Andrea Vattani (Ambassador of Italy to Japan). In a seamless blend of cultures, a sacred Japanese Shinto ritual to pray for safe construction was followed by a traditional British-style shovel ceremony. It was a powerful reminder of the global community we are building here in Kobe, driven by a shared passion for education.

Michele De Lucchi’s First-Ever School Design: A Forest Coexistence

The buzz surrounding the Rokko Mountain Campus extends far beyond Japan, largely due to its architectural vision. The campus is being designed by the legendary Italian architect Michele De Lucchi (Founder of AMDL CIRCLE).

While De Lucchi’s portfolio includes iconic global projects for major institutions like Deutsche Bank and luxury brands like Hermès, this marks the first time in his illustrious career that he is designing a school.

“Educational spaces should inspire curiosity, creativity, calmness, and a deep sense of belonging,” De Lucchi shared. “They should foster a living relationship between students and the natural world.”

Under his concept of “a school in coexistence with the forest,” the campus is meticulously planned to preserve the existing ecosystem of Mount Rokko National Park, integrating natural waterways and forest landscapes directly into the students’ daily lives.

Why Mount Rokko? Redefining Student Wellbeing

At NLCS, we believe that true academic excellence cannot exist without holistic wellbeing. Designed for students in Grade 6 and above, the Rokko Mountain Campus is engineered to be a sanctuary for growth, featuring:

• Ecosystem-Integrated Classrooms: Inspiring deep focus and intellectual curiosity.
• Warm, Welcoming Boarding Houses: Creating a true “home away from home” for a diverse international community.
• State-of-the-Art Arts & Sports Facilities: Allowing students to explore their passions without limits.

Mr. Daniel Lewis, Managing Director of NLCS International, noted: “Mount Rokko offers one of the most unique educational settings anywhere in the world. This campus represents an extraordinary opportunity to create an environment where wellbeing, curiosity, belonging, and academic excellence can thrive together in nature.”

From Rokko Island to the Mountain Peak

Since opening its doors in September 2025 at the Asia One Center on Rokko Island (currently welcoming Grades 1–6), NLCS Kobe has been growing rapidly.

Reflecting on this milestone, Founding Principal Mr. Matthew Williams looked ahead to 2028: “The Mount Rokko Campus will set a new benchmark for international education in Japan. It combines the rigorous academic ambition of the NLCS family with a deep commitment to Japanese culture and global citizenship.”

As the first shovels hit the ground, the vision of a world-class boarding school nestled in the mountains of Japan is becoming a reality. We cannot wait to welcome our first cohort of senior students to this extraordinary landscape in 2028.