Japan's School System — A Guide for Foreign Parents (2025)
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: ...