Our story

I founded Kokusaba from personal experience as much as professional purpose.

I was born and raised in Japan, in local communities and schools, before later entering international education. My parents are Malay, and while our family language was English, my early childhood was lived almost entirely in Japanese. I grew up navigating multiple cultures, languages, and expectations—a journey often described as that of a third culture kid.

Because of this, I deeply understand what it means to learn English as a second language, and what it feels like to step into an international school environment for the first time. Learning in English is not only an academic challenge—it is social, cultural, and emotional. Many of the experiences our students face today, whether it be culture shock, self-doubt, and the pressure to “fit in”—are ones I have lived through myself.

Kokusaba was created to support students through exactly these moments. My goal is to provide more than tutoring: it is to create a space where students feel understood, supported, and empowered to grow at their own pace. With each student, our objective is to build confidence, resilience, and the ability to think independently. Through my experience with the IBDP program and further, these skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

What I love most about Kokusaba is the community that has grown around it. Students and tutors form relationships based on trust and empathy, while tutors support one another across cultures and backgrounds. It is a community built on shared learning, mutual respect, and genuine connection.

My guiding philosophy is simple: “I love, therefore I do.”

That belief shapes how we teach, how we communicate, and how we care for every individual in the Kokusaba community. I am proud of what we are building together, and I look forward to continuing this journey with you.

Ishanaz Bahar (Isha)

Founder, Kokusaba