School Life

Student organizations & Clubs

At MBIS we are committed to nurturing well-rounded individuals through a holistic approach to education.

Our FOUR Pillars of Growth

Serve as the foundation for our students' growth and success. These pillars work together to shape the minds, bodies, and hearts of our students, guiding them to achieve their fullest potential both in and out of the classroom.

Academic Excellence

Building knowledge, curiosity, and a love for learning.

Athletics
Encouraging a spirit of participation, healthy competition, and developing resilience and teamwork.
Arts
Inspiring creativity and self-expression.
Service and Character Development
Inspiring creativity and self-expression.

upper school organizations

STudent organizations

Student Council

Student Council

The Student Council at Marist Brothers International School is a student-led organization, democratically elected to represent the voice of the student body. With separate councils for Elementary and Upper School, these councils provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills, collaborate with peers, organize school events, promote school spirit, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our school community. Through their efforts, Student Council members play an essential role in enhancing the school experience for all students.

STudent organizations

Marist Athletic Association (MAA)

Marist Athletic Association (MAA)

The Marist Athletic Association is dedicated to promoting school spirit and supporting the athletic program at MBIS. The MAA organizes and oversees games, tournaments, and intramural events, ensuring their smooth operation. Members of the association take on vital roles, such as linesmen, scorekeepers, and event coordinators. The MAA also plans and hosts school-wide activities like the end-of-year athletic games, barbecues, and athletic assemblies, fostering a strong sense of community and camaraderie among students and faculty.

STudent organizations

National Honor Society (NHS)

National Honor Society (NHS)

The National Honor Society (NHS) at Marist Brothers International School is a distinguished organization that honors students who have demonstrated excellence in Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Character. As one of the premier academic organizations in the United States, NHS recognizes students who excel academically while contributing positively to their school and community. NHS members engage in numerous service activities, including supporting the homeless, participating in charity festivals, and volunteering for local initiatives. The society fosters a commitment to leadership, ethical behavior, and community service, shaping students who are not only high achievers but also responsible global citizens. The Marist NHS motto, “Delectet te tibique satisfaciat ab una actione, quae societati prodest…” from Marcus Aurelius, reminds students to find joy and fulfillment in serving others with a heart focused on the common good.

STudent organizations

Model United Nations (MUN)

Model United Nations (MUN)

The MBIS Model United Nations (MUN) program, established in 1986, is the longest-running MUN in Japan and an integral part of our Social Studies curriculum. Recognized nationally and internationally, the MBIS MUN General Assembly attracts over 100 delegates annually from schools around the world. Students involved in MUN develop critical skills in conflict resolution, public speaking, debate, and diplomacy as they engage in high-level discussions on global issues. Delegates research their assigned country’s political, social, and economic conditions, and represent it during intense debates at the General Assembly, held each February. This event is not only a challenging academic exercise but also a platform for students to demonstrate leadership and problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Outstanding participants are recognized for their contributions, and the MUN program prepares students for success in international MUN conferences throughout the Asia-Pacific region.

STudent organizations

Bulldog Robotics

Bulldog Robotics

Bulldog Robotics provides MBIS students with the opportunity to utilise the VEX V5 STEM learning system. Members design, build, and code metal-based robots using a bolt-together system, with the option to participate in the global VEX Robotics Competition throughout the year. The VEX V5 Robotics Competition is the world’s largest middle and high school robotics program, engaging more than 20,000 teams across 50 countries and introducing a new engineering challenge each year.
In Japan, the V5RC National Championship is held around January, and the VEX Robotics World Championship takes place each April/May. Through Bulldog Robotics, students develop computational thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills, while gaining practical experience in engineering, design, and coding.

MBIS International School students and a mentor working on a VEX V5 robot design for the Bulldog Robotics program.
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A diverse group of MBIS Bulldog Robotics team members with their custom-built VEX competition robot in Japan.

Student-Led Clubs

Headline: Student-Led Clubs at MBIS offer students the opportunity to take initiative, explore their interests, and develop leadership through meaningful, student-driven activities.

Science and Engineering Club

The Science and Engineering Club is an after-school club for students in Grades 9–12, where curiosity turns into discovery. Founded by students, it offers opportunities to explore STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) through engaging, hands-on projects that reach beyond the classroom. From building circuits and investigating electromagnetism to extracting DNA and uncovering the foundations of molecular biology, each activity is designed to ignite creativity and innovation. The Science and Engineering Club encourages students to think and act like real scientists and engineers, driven by teamwork and a spirit of inquiry.

Math Club

Founded and led by Minseo Eom and Yoonseo Eom, the Math Club is Marist Brothers International School’s first student-run academic organization. What began with just three members has grown to more than 35 dedicated participants, supporting over 50 students and helping many improve their math achievement from 5s to consistent 7s.
Under Minseo’s leadership, the club registered Marist for major international competitions such as the University of Waterloo’s CEMC contests, the American Mathematics Competition, and the UK Mathematics Trust challenges. He also launched the Kansai Math Olympics — the first student-organized regional mathematics competition in the school’s 78-year history — which will expand this year to include five leading schools in the Kansai region: Canadian Academy, Osaka YMCA International School, Senri Osaka International School, Doshisha International School, and Marist.
The Math Club has elevated the school’s mathematics culture and sparked a wave of student initiative, inspiring younger learners to create new clubs in science, robotics, and languages.

Language Learning Club

Language is a bridge that connects people and strengthens our sense of community. In today’s interconnected world, individuals encounter diverse cultures and languages, making intercultural understanding and open-mindedness essential skills.
The Language Learning Club is a student-led organization for students in Grades 7–10, offering opportunities to learn and experience the Korean and Chinese languages and cultures. Students in Grades 11–12 participate as instructors, sharing their knowledge while developing leadership and communication skills aligned with the IB Learner Profile.
Through two sub-groups, members explore language alongside cultural elements such as food, literary texts, global issues, and traditional games. The Language Learning Club encourages students to broaden their perspectives, appreciate cultural diversity, and grow as open-minded global citizens.

Photography Club

The Photography Club is a student-organized club at Marist, open to students in Grades 8–12 who are interested in photography, regardless of experience or equipment. The club encourages students to explore their creativity through photography while developing fundamental technical and visual skills.
Through workshops, creative challenges, and hands-on activities, members learn how to observe their surroundings, experiment with composition and light, and express ideas and stories visually. The club also offers sessions led by a supervising photographer, where students gain essential knowledge of photographic fundamentals. Members may also have opportunities to participate in photography competitions, applying their skills in real-world creative contexts. The club provides opportunities for students to share their work with the school community, building confidence and an appreciation for visual storytelling.