First HEI Schools to open in Japan

HEI Schools, a global leader in early childhood education, with its licensee Chubu Electric,  brings the first HEI Schools branded kindergarten, HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae, to Japan, with a scheduled opening in April 2026.

This marks a significant milestone in HEI Schools' global expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality, research-based early education worldwide. HEI Schools Nagoya will be jointly operated by Chubu Electric Power and Alpha Corporation, a respected provider of early education and care services in Japan. HEI Schools Nagoya will be using the world-renowned HEI concept and curriculum and all educators will be trained by HEI Schools' Finland-based pedagogical team. 

HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae is located in the new landmark development, The Landmark Nagoya Sakae, in the heart of Nagoya. The state-of-the-art facility is designed to accommodate up to 51 children, from ages two to five. The kindergarten will offer an international preschool program based on the acclaimed Finnish educational model, backed by global research on how humans learn. This approach emphasizes play-based, inquiry-led learning to foster creativity, curiosity, and holistic child development.

Rendering photo of what HEI Nagoya Sakae will look likePhoto: Design projection of the HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae classroom upon completion

"We are incredibly excited about this new chapter in Japan and the opening of HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae," says Inkeri Aimonen, CEO of HEI Schools. "This collaboration with Chubu Electric Power and Alpha Corporation allows us to bring our unique Finnish educational approach to more children, fostering their natural curiosity and joy for learning. It's a wonderful opportunity to inspire young minds in a new cultural context, and we truly believe it will make a significant, positive impact on families in the region."

The collaboration leverages the strengths of each partner: HEI Schools' pedagogical expertise, Chubu Electric Power's commitment to regional development and creating value for communities, and Alpha Corporation's extensive experience in the Japanese childcare sector. This framework is designed to provide an unparalleled educational experience that exceeds initial expectations and sets a new standard for early childhood education in the region.

The establishment of HEI Schools Nagoya Sakae reflects a shared vision to invest in the next generation by providing a nurturing and innovative learning environment. The partners are dedicated to making a lasting, positive impact on children and families in Japan.

More info about HEI Schools Nagoya Sake, please visit: https://nagoya-sakae.heischools.com/

 

More information: 

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. (Chubu)

Chubu Electric Power Co., Inc. is one of Japan’s largest energy companies, serving the Chubu region and advancing initiatives that contribute to community development beyond the energy sector. Through its new joint venture TCK Global Education LLC with Alpha Corporation, Chubu is expanding into early childhood education to foster regional vitality and support the next generation’s growth.

Alpha Corporation

Alpha Corporation is a Japan-based company specializing in childcare and early education, operating facilities such as nurseries and children’s centers across major cities including Tokyo and Nagoya. Leveraging its extensive experience in the childcare industry, Alpha collaborates with Chubu through TCK Global Education LLC to bring Finland’s world-renowned educational approach to Japanese families.