Spring bursts with vitality as the Fuji Infinite Kindergarten, nestled outside the mountain, opens its doors after thorough preparations. In a time when diverse cultures embrace one another worldwide, this kindergarten blooms as a global educational beacon in Rizhao, Shandong, offering children a truly unique environment. Many wonder: what new experiences await once the doors open?
In 1946, the education-loving couple Mayumi Furuya founded the Yamanashi College Education Group at the foot of Mount Fuji, Japan. For 79 years, the group has championed the philosophy of nature and equality, guiding generations of children toward healthy growth. By 2018, Yamanashi Kindergarten was honored as “Best Garden in Japan” by Sony Group, and in 2019, it earned recognition as an “International PYP Diploma Recognition School,” becoming an “IB World School” offering advanced education. With over seven decades of success, the arrival of Shanwai Fuji Infinite Kindergarten marks a pivotal step in integrating outstanding educational concepts with local practices, transforming Chinese perceptions of childcare, and fostering children with an international outlook for the new era.
To connect with the world, we must first understand where the world stands. The Fuji Infinite Kindergarten invites us to embrace the global community with an open mind, break through cognitive barriers, and engage in innovative, forward-thinking endeavors.
Why bring Japan’s internationally acclaimed education resources to China?
My first visit to Yamanashi College Kindergarten left me enchanted by the radiant spirit of the children. Every child receives full acceptance and respect here, feeling genuinely loved. The kindergarten buzzes with innocent smiles as children eagerly engage in play, explain rules in their own words, and transform everyday objects into imaginative toys and paintings. Witnessing children freely live and play within this environment was both surprising and heartwarming.
Years of observing early childhood education in Japan reveal its emphasis on deeply understanding children—allowing them to smile, explore freely, and bravely face challenges within a peaceful, open setting that fosters non-cognitive skill development. The educational philosophy of Yamanashi College Kindergarten inspired me profoundly, motivating me to bring high-quality education from Japan to China, so truly excellent early childhood education can take root and flourish here.
— Zhang Hua, Founder of Fuji Infinite Brand
Empowering Every Child to Be the Hero of Their Own Life
From the brand’s inception, there has been a guiding principle: “Every child becomes the protagonist of their own life.” We hope each child finds meaning in their life here. With this vision, the kindergarten creates a space that encourages full exploration and nurtures every individual’s growth in an environment rich with freedom and support.
While ideals are lofty, reality often challenges us. The project team spent a year traveling across China, engaging with diverse communities, drawing inspiration from nature, culture, and history, and personally experiencing educational settings nationwide.
By chance, Deca Architectural Design Center became involved with Fuji Infinite Kindergarten. This partnership sparked inspiration, prompting us to explore creative ideas starting from the campus environment and children’s activity spaces. We integrated consistent concepts to uncover the kindergarten’s essence. Understanding every detail, we infused emotional and spiritual qualities into the educational spaces, rethinking how environment supports education, and creating a unique, warm atmosphere.
A dedicated and persevering team engaged in ongoing discussions, from selecting individual materials to shaping the overall framework. Their goal: to perfect every detail during this precious early childhood phase.
Childhood stories embody growth, innocence, life, and discovery. Time flows like a river, carrying moments between past and future—an interplay of ruins and rebirth, overlap and reconstruction. For everyone involved, this journey is one of inner exploration, adventure, and wonder, demanding both courage and wisdom. We believe that the rich educational content gathered here not only reflects the charm of Fuji Infinite Kindergarten but will also energize and inspire its future.
“Light” weaves through the entire campus experience
Mastering light means capturing time itself. Bold, pure light and shadow interplay enhances both the functionality and artistic imagination of the space, creating an unmatched spatial atmosphere. The learning interiors surround a central activity area and connect to a newly built volume, designed as a learning and reading hub for children of various ages. On sunny days, this central space truly comes alive.
The skylight connects the indoor spaces to natural sunlight, allowing children to feel as though they are reading, learning, and studying outdoors—offering fresh inspiration and aesthetic enlightenment. This educational space is designed for intimate interaction rather than sheer scale. Beyond deeper details found in previous projects, generous humanistic care is embedded throughout, with reading areas and public spaces supporting a variety of activities and participants.
Soft light filters through the ceiling structure, creating a warm, universe-like space surrounded by natural materials. Simplified symbols reshape the poetic nature of the design. This is not merely a kindergarten but a cultural and educational sanctuary. The teaching venue comprises eight functional zones: the Comprehensive Hall, Food and Education Center, Book Fun and Harmony Room, Science Discovery Room, Aesthetics Hall, Woodworking Workshop, and Physical Climbing Area—all integrated within one building.
Upon entering the lobby, visitors meander leisurely along the stairs, embarking on a visual campus tour. This stable, flexible, minimalist yet powerful design perfectly reflects the character of the children here: a place to heal hearts and create lasting memories.
The design complements the teaching philosophy while maximizing land efficiency to enhance educational effectiveness. It improves accessibility between spaces and emphasizes the holistic nature of quality education through a unified environment. The design considers children’s eye level and scale, using pure colors and informal beauty. The spatial visuals are deliberately simplified, helping children balance functionality and aesthetics. Natural wood tones dominate the interiors, fostering intimacy, calm, and relaxation.
A Kindergarten Straight Out of a Hayao Miyazaki Film: Warm and Healing
We believe the most vital aspect of children’s spaces is to spark their imagination and provide a free environment that truly belongs to them. Thankfully, the children here love the space and repeatedly experience the joy it brings.
Today, no one wants to be labeled. The core of education lies in understanding children—not merely instructing but allowing them to freely choose activities that unleash their initiative, creativity, and imagination.
There is no absolute design formula, just as rationality and emotion are not mutually exclusive in spatial design. Function and form, though seemingly opposite, unite through thoughtful design to create unique, multidimensional spaces. Here, the future feels tangible and within reach.
Music and art are integral to children’s lives here, forming the spiritual foundation of the kindergarten’s humanistic and artistic education. Sunshine, innocence, culture, art, and a comfortable, free atmosphere permeate the campus. This nurturing environment guards the pinnacle of “inner beauty,” with an undercurrent of freedom flowing through its subtle essence.
The Science Discovery Room draws inspiration from space science—the mysterious language of exploration. Its rich design reveals previously unseen images, and the use of captivating blue hues sparks strong curiosity. Many children find themselves drawn to this space, reluctant to leave!
Spaces for Children to Run Freely and Unlock Infinite Possibilities
Based on research into children’s spatial perception, the entire outdoor area is connected by an aerial corridor, seamlessly linking three zones: natural exploration, natural play, and free exercise.
The natural exploration area avoids industrial products, favoring organic materials. Children build wooden houses in primitive forest settings, explore natural pits, sandbags, and fallen leaves—discovering the mysteries of life and nature through seasonal changes. These experiences fuel their imagination and creativity.
Interactive devices enliven the space, while varied terrain adds engaging micro-spaces. Children are encouraged to explore, unleash their imagination, and bring their envisioned castles, bridges, and caves to life in outdoor playgrounds.
The natural play area features numerous facilities—sand pits, splash pools, slides, climbing walls, balance beams, swinging bridges, and swings—to develop a wide range of physical skills including climbing, running, jumping, rolling, and crawling.
Designed to stimulate creativity, imagination, and critical thinking, the outdoor spaces allow children to fully immerse themselves in play. Physical activity nurtures their natural tendencies, promoting balanced development of body and mind. Teachers observe children’s behaviors during play, gaining insight into each child’s unique talents.
The vibrant outdoor landscape becomes a lively scene where children run, play, communicate, and laugh freely—the most heartwarming sights at Fuji Infinite Kindergarten. For children still exploring their interests or strengths, expanding boundaries through unstructured play helps discover true passions, deepen thinking, and inspire personal growth.
The power of design lies in our cognitive ability to connect emotion and reason. The pursuit of international education is a shared vision. As old ways fade, new ideas gradually emerge, shaping the future.
The completion of Fuji Infinite Kindergarten represents both a rebirth and a legacy. Here, countless childhood memories will unfold, becoming treasured life stories for every child.
We hope children discover new details in every corner, explore the campus fully to uncover surprises, and cherish every moment spent here. We look forward to watching these talented young minds flourish at Fuji Infinite Kindergarten.
Project Drawings
Project Information
Project Name: Fuji Infinite Kindergarten outside the Mountain
Project Type: Kindergarten Design
Landscape Planning: Deca Architectural Design Center
Interior Design: Deca Architectural Design Center
Architectural Design: Rizhao Planning and Design Institute
Project Design Year: 2020
Year of Completion: 2022
Design Team: Ou Jiyong, Ma Lu, Wang Mudan, Mei Peiwen, Chen Juan
Rendering Development: Cui Yingnan, Chen Juan
Construction Drawing Development: Li Qiang
Project Location: Rizhao, Shandong
Building Area: 5,500 square meters
Photography Credit: Leon
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