Children

Navigating healthcare for your child in a country where you don’t speak the language fluently is stressful. Japan’s children’s healthcare system is actually excellent — once you know how to use it. Here’s what every foreign parent in Japan needs to know. Health Insurance for Children Registration Children must be enrolled in Japanese public health insurance (国民健康保険 or 社会保険) at birth or upon arrival in Japan. Register at your city hall (市役所/区役所) within 14 days of birth or arrival Children receive their own 保険証 (hoken-sho) — insurance card Bring: parents’ insurance cards, child’s birth certificate (if applicable), My Number documents Children’s Medical Subsidy (乳幼児医療費助成) This is one of the best benefits for parents in Japan. Most municipalities provide free or heavily subsidized medical care for children: ...

You moved to Japan with kids — or you’re about to — and suddenly education is an equation with no obvious answer. Japanese public school is free, but it’s entirely in Japanese, and your 9-year-old doesn’t speak a word. International schools are available, but they cost ¥2 million or more a year per child. And you need to decide before you’ve figured out the rest of the move, before you know how long you’ll be staying, before you even know which neighborhood you’ll live in. ...

Japan’s school system is structured differently from most Western countries, and foreign parents often find themselves unprepared for how it works. From enrollment to daily routines to the exam culture, the differences are significant. Here’s a clear guide for families navigating Japanese schools. 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. ...