みんなの学び場を守れ！ 冒険教育・野外教育を実践するための木造校舎を修繕したい！

Our Educational Mission and Project Purpose

Before setting sail into the vast ocean of life, young people engage in challenges primarily in nature, gaining irreplaceable experiences that help them reflect on themselves and their peers, ultimately transforming their lives. Outward Bound is a global nonprofit organization that operates in over 30 countries, providing outdoor and adventure education.

Since 1989, Outward Bound Japan has operated the Nagano School, where we utilize Japan's natural environment, including streams and heavy snowfall, for long-term programs—some lasting up to 75 days. Over 35,000 participants have fully immersed themselves in these invaluable courses.

Through the programs offered at the Nagano School, we stimulate participants' sense of adventure and curiosity, helping them feel connected to nature and fostering both physical and emotional growth. Our instructors have extensive experience in outdoor education and a deep passion for youth development. Additionally, the Oami community, where the school is located, is a rapidly aging rural area. Many staff members and program alumni have moved there, contributing to sustaining the community.

The wooden school building is an essential part of this experience, providing a comfortable and inspiring environment. However, it has suffered deterioration over time and through exposure to the elements. To continue delivering high-quality and unique outdoor education programs, we need to repair and enhance our facilities. We sincerely ask for your support in this endeavor.

History and Current State of the Wooden Building

Our Nagano School is located in Oami, a small village at the northernmost tip of Nagano Prefecture. In 1989, we repurposed the wooden building of the former Oami Branch of Kita-Otari Elementary School.

The village of Oami once served as a station on the historic Salt Road between Itoigawa and Matsumoto. It lies between the majestic Mt. Amakazari (a 100 Famous Mountains of Japan) and the Northern Alps. The current building dates to 1951 and sits in a renowned heavy snow area accessible only via a steep road. Teachers once hiked up this route daily through all seasons.

The building retains its original charm, with polished wooden floors and handrails rich in character. Upstairs, there’s even a community exhibit showcasing local artifacts and learning history, created at the request of residents.

The Nagano School is a community hub and fosters interaction between urban program participants and local villagers. For example, we host an annual “Kids Wild Otari” program, bringing together 10 local children and 10 children from donors' families for shared outdoor adventures. It’s always a hit!

A message from a program participant

“We did it!” “We all made it to the goal together!”
Because we faced so many challenges along the way, I was truly moved. I felt a deep sense of fulfillment from following through on what I set out to do. I genuinely realized, “I can do it if I try.”
It was the first time in my life I had ever felt something like that—it was truly life-changing.

In this beautifully preserved schoolhouse, still rich with its original charm, we will continue creating a global environment for learning. Please support us in protecting this place—both a hub for adventure education in Japan and a treasure of the local community.

A Message from the Nagano School Principal

Our school building is now 74 years old. This dignified wooden structure has warmly welcomed countless visitors across the Showa, Heisei, and Reiwa eras. Even the woodpecker-made holes in the outer walls add a rustic charm—though they make winters extra cold!

But this isn’t just a building. It’s a place of challenge and growth. Through programs like Junior Adventure and Self-Discovery, young people confront themselves, bond with others, and take bold steps toward the future. This space supports those transformative journeys—where they prepare, struggle, overcome, reflect, and grow. This is truly a place where people begin to shape themselves.

After weathering the elements for decades, the building now needs repairs—not just to preserve the structure, but to pass on the values and spirit nurtured here to future generations.

Each February, the local community holds the “Snow and Fire Festival” on the school grounds, with our staff and alumni playing a central role. This place supports not only education but also community culture and tradition.

We sincerely ask for your support to preserve this precious space for the next generation.

Koichi Kajitani, Principal of Nagano School, Outward Bound Japan

A Message from the Chairman

My name is Daisuke Nishijima, and I serve as Chairman of Outward Bound Japan.

Outward Bound, founded in 1941, is a global education movement. Our Japanese branch has long contributed to domestic educational initiatives.

Our core educational concept is “adventure.” Our work forms the foundation of what’s known as “adventure education,” benefiting not only schools and communities, but also sports teams and corporate training. Through outdoor challenges, our programs spark self-reflection and self-discovery—nurturing individuals who contribute positively to society.

Due to the aging of our Nagano School, we now seek your support to carry out essential repairs. With your help, we can continue to offer rich, impactful educational programs for years to come.

Thank you for your warm support!

Daisuke Nishijima, Chairman, Outward Bound Japan

Message of Support from Sony Bank

Thank you for participating in "GIVING for SDGs sponsored by Sony Bank."

We deeply value the work of Outward Bound Japan, which supports youth growth through high-quality outdoor, adventure, and environmental education. This project aims to repair the 35-year-old Nagano School facility located in Otari Village, Nagano—a remote community—to maintain a safe and comfortable learning environment.

Sony Bank is proud to support this project and its alignment with the following SDGs:

• No. 3: Good Health and Well-being
• No. 4: Quality Education
• No. 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• No. 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• No. 15: Life on Land
• No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Use of Funds

All funds will go toward repairing the Nagano School facility. While the full repairs would cost over JPY 10 million (around US$67,000), this campaign aims to raise JPY 3 million (around US$20,000).

Repairs include:

1. Replacing the kitchen roof
2. Repainting the roofs of the main building and gym
3. Replacing damaged exterior walls (left, right, and back sides)
4. Repairing collapsed walls and broken floor tiles in the student dormitory
5. Renovating the teacher’s lodging and interiors
6. Installing screens on windows for ventilation and insect control

Though staff and volunteers have handled what repairs they can (e.g., painting), more extensive work now exceeds our capabilities.

Donation Tiers

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- Project report to be sent after the repair work

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- Invite you to online update session after the repair work is done.
- Project report to be sent after the repair work is done.

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- Invite you to our special social event at Nagano school.
- Invite you to online update session after the repair work is done.
- Project report to be sent after the repair work is done.

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- Invite you to our special social event at Nagano school.
- Invite you to online update session after the repair work is done.
- Project report to be sent after the repair work is done.

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- 50% OFF priority ticket to participate in 1-week outdoor adventure program at Nagano school.
- Invite you to our special social event at Nagano school.
- Invite you to online update session after the repair work is done.
- Project report to be sent after the repair work is done.

Click HERE to make your donation with this donation tier.
<Return>
- FREE priority ticket to participate in 1-week outdoor adventure program at Nagano school.
- Invite you to our special social event at Nagano school.
- Invite you to online update session after the repair work is done.
- Project report to be sent after the repair work is done.