If you’re moving to Japan with children, understanding the school system is one of the most important decisions you’ll face. Japan has world-class education, but the system operates quite differently from most Western countries. This guide explains how it works, what options are available for foreign children, and how to prepare your child for life in a Japanese school.
Overview of Japan’s School System
Japan’s compulsory education covers grades 1 through 9 (ages 6–15), structured as follows:
| Level | Japanese Name | Ages | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elementary school | Shōgakko | 6–12 | 6 years |
| Junior high school | Chūgakkō | 12–15 | 3 years |
| High school | Kōkō | 15–18 | 3 years (not compulsory) |
| University | Daigaku | 18+ | 4 years |
The academic year begins in April and ends in March — the opposite of most Western countries. This is important to know when planning a move.
There are three school terms, separated by summer break (July–August), winter break (late December–early January), and spring break (March–April).
Public Schools for Foreign Children
Foreign children are legally entitled to attend Japanese public schools, and it is free of charge (excluding supplies, uniforms, and lunch). The process to enroll:
- Register your child’s residence at the ward office
- The ward office will issue a school placement notification indicating which school your child should attend
- Contact the school directly and arrange enrollment
Language Support at Public Schools
Public schools vary enormously in their capacity to support non-Japanese-speaking children. Major cities — Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama, Nagoya — often have dedicated Japanese Language Education Support (JSL) programs and teachers. Smaller towns may offer little to no support.
If your child is starting at a Japanese public school with limited Japanese ability, the transition will be challenging. Starting structured Japanese language education as early as possible — including before arriving in Japan — makes an enormous difference.
If your child needs systematic Japanese language support, one approach many expat families use is adult Japanese classes for themselves combined with a structured program for their children. NOVA offers flexible lesson scheduling across 300+ locations nationwide and can serve as a structured foundation for building language confidence — particularly for parents who want to be actively involved in their child’s school communication.
International Schools
For families who prefer their children educated in English (or another language) or following a non-Japanese curriculum, Japan has a wide range of international schools — particularly in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya, and Kobe.
Types of International Schools
- American schools: American curriculum and diplomas (e.g., American School in Japan, ASIJ)
- British schools: British National Curriculum with IGCSE and A-Levels
- IB schools: International Baccalaureate curriculum, recognized globally
- Korean, Chinese, and other national schools: Serving specific diaspora communities
Costs of International Schools
International school fees are significant — typically ¥1.5 million–¥3.5 million per year for tuition. Many families in this situation have education allowances provided by their employer (common for company-sponsored expats). Check your employment contract carefully.
Japanese School Culture: What to Expect
Japanese schools have strong cultural practices that can surprise foreign families:
Kyushoku (School lunch): Most elementary and junior high public schools provide hot school lunches. Students eat in the classroom and often take turns serving each other. There are no vegetarian, halal, or vegan options in most schools.
Cleaning duties (Osoji): Students clean the school themselves every day — classrooms, hallways, and bathrooms. No custodial staff during school hours.
Uniform: Most junior high and high schools require uniforms. Elementary schools vary.
Clubs (Bukatsu): After-school club activities are a major part of Japanese school life, particularly in junior high and high school. Sports clubs, music clubs, and cultural clubs often practice 5–6 days per week.
No shoes inside: Students change from outdoor shoes to indoor slippers at the school entrance (genkan). Bring proper indoor shoes.
School Events and Parent Involvement
Japanese schools hold numerous events throughout the year that parents are expected to attend:
- Undōkai (Sports Day): A major annual event
- Gakkō Sansanka (Open Class Days): Parents observe regular lessons
- PTA meetings: Parent-Teacher Association involvement is expected
School communications are primarily in Japanese, so build your reading ability or find a translation-capable community member to help.
Special Education and Needs
Japan has special education schools (tokubetsu shien gakkō) and special support classes (tokubetsu shien gakkyū) within regular schools. These services are available to foreign children. Contact your ward’s education board (kyōiku iinkai) for guidance.