Education
Expanding real-world Japanese learning for busy foreign families – “YBS Summer School 2026: Japanese Camp” opens June 15!
LaLaLand Education Inc.
May 20, 2026
(Photos courtesy of Yokosuka Bilingual School)
YOKOSUKA, Japan – LaLaLand Education Inc. (Head Office: Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture / CEO: Fumi Inoue), operator of Yokosuka Bilingual School (YBS), will launch “YBS Summer School 2026: Japanese Camp” beginning June 15, 2026. This program is an intensive, immersive summer experience crafted specifically for SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) families and short-term foreign residents who want their children to experience authentic Japanese learning and culture while supporting the busy lifestyles of their parents.
Yokosuka is home to one of the largest U.S. naval installations in the Pacific, bringing a constant stream of American and international military families to the city. However, SOFA-status families often face a unique paradox: they are stationed in Japan, yet the language barrier, unfamiliar school system, and short assignment windows make it difficult for their children to genuinely connect with Japanese education and culture. Many families are eager to give their children real cultural fluency—not just a tourist experience. Yet existing options are either too long-term for short-stay families or do not offer the bilingual support needed for non-Japanese-speaking students to thrive.
(Photo courtesy of Yokosuka Bilingual School)
YBS has spent more than 12 years working side-by-side with international families in Yokosuka. Drawing on this experience, we have created an environment where parents with unpredictable and busy schedules can safely leave their children.
Extended Care from 7 AM to 7 PM: For parents with base duties or demanding work schedules, extended before- and after-program care (7:00 AM – 7:00 PM) is available in addition to the core hours (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM), removing logistical worries from a busy summer.
Flexible Week-by-Week Enrollment: Each of the eight sessions runs independently. Families can register for just one week or multiple weeks, choosing flexibly to suit their schedules (No long-term commitment required).
Bilingual Safety Net from Day One: While activities are primarily conducted in Japanese, expert bilingual staff remain on hand at all times to provide support, ensuring that even children who do not speak Japanese at all can participate securely from the very first day.
(Photo courtesy of Yokosuka Bilingual School)
Guided by the philosophy of experiencing “not just facts, but how to learn, think, and culture,” the program covers the following six core areas:
All-Japanese Immersion Environment & Leveled Lessons: Reading, writing, and speaking skills are developed through a curriculum tailored to each student’s current proficiency, focusing on practical Japanese for school and daily life.
Calligraphy (Shodo): Students learn not only brush technique and correct posture but also cultivate concentration and an appreciation for Japanese aesthetics.
Calculation & Soroban (Abacus): Traditional Japanese calculation training develops number sense, accuracy, and speed.
Japanese Culture, Tradition & History Experience: Approximately two field trips per session bring Japanese history and living tradition to life, helping students feel them firsthand.
Themed Presentations: Every two-week period centers on one theme and concludes with a student presentation (poster, speech, etc.), building confidence and communication skills.
(Photo courtesy of Yokosuka Bilingual School)
Program Name: YBS Summer School 2026: Japanese Camp
Period: June 15 (Mon) – August 7 (Fri), 2026 *8 weekly sessions
Eligible Ages: Kindergarden – Grade 8 (K–G8)
Location: Yokosuka Bilingual School (Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture)
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (*Extended care available from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM)
Capacity: 40 students per session (Small class sizes — early booking recommended)
Fee: From ¥30,000 per session (tax excluded)
YBS’s mission is “Diversity FOR EARTH – Creating a warm place where diversity is embraced to make the Earth a better place.” Based in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, YBS aims to create an environment where both foreign residents in Japan and local Japanese residents in Yokosuka can learn and grow together through school operations and community engagement. Our core business is the operation of Yokosuka Bilingual School, which includes YBS Elementary (elementary school), YBS Pre School (Yokosuka International Preschool), YBS After School (after-school program), and YBS English Class, providing diverse learning opportunities for children in the community.