Position: Founding Learning Guide
Role: Bilingual Learning Guide (English / Japanese)
Location: Niseko, Hokkaido, Japan
Employment Type: Full-time, Year-round
Start Date: Spring 2026 or later (flexible)
Total Compensation: ¥9,000,000 – ¥12,000,000+ annual package
About the School
This newly established microschool in Niseko is reimagining education. The goal is to create a learner-driven environment where children develop independence, take ownership of meaningful projects, and grow into capable, curious individuals.
This school is not built on conventional teaching methods. It is designed around mentorship, inquiry, and self-directed learning.
We are not seeking traditional classroom teachers.
We are seeking learning guides.
Role Overview
As a Founding Learning Guide, you will support and facilitate learning rather than deliver lectures. Your primary responsibility is to create an environment where discovery happens naturally—through strong questioning, thoughtful mentorship, and well-designed challenges.
This is not a standard teaching position.
There are:
No lectures
No traditional lesson plans
No standardized testing
Instead, you will:
Lead Socratic discussions and project-based learning experiences
Mentor learners in setting and achieving personal goals
Design real-world challenges that build practical skills
Demonstrate lifelong learning through your own curiosity
Help establish the culture and foundation of a new learning community
Required Qualifications
Native-level fluency in both English and Japanese
Legal authorization to work in Japan
Strong growth mindset and belief in learning through effort and reflection
Entrepreneurial mindset with comfort navigating ambiguity
Meaningful experience working with young people (formal school experience not required)
Preferred Background (Not Mandatory)
Experience in alternative education models such as Montessori, Acton-style learning, Reggio Emilia, or outdoor education
Background in facilitation, coaching, or professional training
Startup or entrepreneurial experience
Outdoor activity or sports coaching skills (e.g., skiing, hiking, camping)
Genuine interest in the Niseko / Hokkaido lifestyle
Particularly Relevant Backgrounds
We are especially interested in candidates from:
Alternative education environments who understand learner-led models
Corporate learning and development roles with experience designing engaging programs
Startup or community-building roles focused on culture creation
Sports coaching with strengths in goal-setting and resilience
Outdoor education utilizing nature-based learning
Entrepreneurial ventures built from the ground up
This Role May Not Be Suitable If You
Prefer a fixed, traditional curriculum
Believe adult-led instruction should dominate learning
Are uncomfortable with children directing their own learning
Prefer highly structured, corporate-style work environments
Compensation & Benefits
Base Salary: ¥7,500,000
Additional components may include:
Housing allowance
Company vehicle
Comprehensive health insurance (national and supplemental)
Retirement contributions (10–15% of base salary)
Professional development funding
Founding Team Opportunity
As an early team member, you will:
Be eligible for performance-based bonuses linked to school outcomes
Influence school culture, philosophy, and program design from inception
About the Location
Niseko offers more than its globally recognized winter sports reputation. Benefits of living in the area include:
Year-round outdoor lifestyle (skiing, snowboarding, hiking, rafting, cycling, sailing)
An international community blending Japanese culture with global perspectives
Access to mountains, rivers, and coastal environments
A balanced pace of life compared to major metropolitan areas
Strong purchasing power relative to larger cities
Application Process
Required Materials
Resume / CV
Written responses to application questions
A 3–4 minute video demonstrating a mock storytelling session or short lesson (e.g., explaining the Trojan Horse story to children aged 8–10)
Application Questions
Describe a time when a child taught you something meaningful. Why did it stay with you?
What is your natural reaction when you anticipate someone making a mistake?
What belief about teaching or learning have you significantly changed over time?
What is something you have done that most clearly represents who you are?
Which Japanese cultural values should be preserved and passed to children?
Also describe an experience abroad that made you think Japan could adopt a similar practice.
Interview Process
Application review
First interview with the Founder
Second interview with an Advisor
Final in-person meeting (travel expenses covered) with the Founder and prospective families