A Guide to Education & International Schools in Japan

Jump right in:

• The education system in Japan
• Daycare & kindergarten
• Primary & secondary schools
• International schools
• Higher education
• Language schools

The education system in Japan

The education system in Japan is one of the best in the world. When comparing educational quality across the globe, the island country consistently ranks in the Top 10. This feat is thanks in large part to the school system’s emphasis on developing its pupils as “whole people”, rather than being able to simply recite facts and figures.

Expats may be surprised to find that schools, like jobs, often play a more central role in Japanese society than is found throughout other parts of the world. However, while Japan is renowned for its exceptional education system, it also contends with serious mental health challenges among students aged 14–19, partly related to the pressures of academic success.

Education facts in Japan

• The Japanese school system has a heavy emphasis on teaching its pupils good morals and ethics. In fact, morals and ethics are actually taught as a course subject with a textbook and specific class time.
• Students don’t take any exams until they’re ten years old (grade 5). Instead, from grades 1–5 they just have small tests.
• In order to understand and respect the Japanese culture, students take formal courses on Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) and haiku during their schooling.
• Many public schools don’t employ a lot of janitors or custodians. Instead, students are broken up into small teams and tasked with cleaning the school.
• Japan’s high school dropout rate is under 2%, with some years as low as 1.3%, meaning nearly all students complete high school.
• It’s most common for students to have lunch in their classroom with their teacher. This is meant to build a strong rapport between the students and teacher.
• While all public schools in Japan teach in Japanese, private schools often offer instruction in English or other international languages. See more in the international schools section.

What is the education system like in Japan?

Compulsory schooling in Japan lasts for nine years from when the child is 6 years old until they are about 15. This covers grades 1–9 or, in Westernized terms, elementary and middle school. High school / upper secondary school is not compulsory in Japan, but nearly 99% of students attend.

Japanese education places a strong focus on developing well-rounded individuals. This is done by special emphasis on students’ learning to respect nature, animals, and people. They are also taught how to be compassionate, generous, and empathetic, as well as qualities like self-control and justice.

What are the school systems like in Japan?

Education is broken up into three main schooling systems:

• Elementary school: Grades 1–6
• Middle school / lower secondary school: Grades 7–9
• High school / upper secondary school: Grades 10–12

Comparison between private and public schools

The school system at public and private institutions is largely the same. As is true in many countries, one of the main differences between public and private schools is cost: public schools require a few fees, while private schools are nearly five times more expensive.

With public schools, tuition is free, but parents will need to buy materials such as uniforms, backpacks, and specified writing utensils, all of which would cost an average of 300,000 JPY (approx. 1,950 USD) per academic year. While private schools, on the other hand, cost an average of 1.2–1.8 million JPY (approx. 8,000–12,000 USD) per student for annual tuition alone.

Another major difference is language. Classes at public schools are only taught in Japanese, while students attending private schools have the option of receiving instruction in English and other languages.

What is the school year in Japan?

The school year in Japan is year-round. It starts at the beginning of April and goes until late March. The school week spans Monday to Friday, but many schools also offer optional classes on Saturdays.

Because the pressure to achieve academically is so important in Japan, many Japanese students attend Saturday classes, which gives the impression that the school week is six days long. A school year consists of two or three terms. They are separated by short breaks in spring and winter, and a longer break in the summer.

What are the school hours in Japan?

School hours are generally from about 08:00/08:30 until 15:00/16:00, depending on the school and the student’s age. However, Japanese schools offer many extracurricular classes, clubs, and workshops outside of these standard hours. Therefore, it is common to see children returning home from school in the evening.

In some prefectures, especially in rural areas, the official start of school starts before 08:00, so children start walking to school on their own or in groups as early as 07:30 in the morning. There are often volunteer stands run by residents at busy intersections to watch over the children and ensure that they arrive at school safely.

Japanese school levels and structure

Compulsory schooling begins in elementary school. However, many parents enroll their children in nursery/kindergarten/preschool beforehand. Below are the types of schools in Japan and the typical ages at which students begin each level.

The grading scale in Japan

The grading system in Japan may vary slightly from school to school, but on average, this is the grading scale your student should see:

It’s important to note that receiving an A+ is rare.

Exams

One infamous aspect of Japanese schooling is its exams and the extreme importance placed upon them. The exams are nicknamed “exam hell” (shiken jigoku). These exams are crucial for getting into secondary schools and universities and often require students to start preparing one to two years in advance. Many attend afterschool workshops or cram schools (juku), often staying out late to study.

The outcome of these exams can shape future academic and job opportunities. With pass rates around 50–70%, failing means waiting another year to retake the test, making the process highly stressful for students and families.

The pressure to excel in these exams, combined with their difficulty, has sadly led to Japan’s shockingly high suicide rate among students 14–19. Japan has taken strides in recent years to curb this trend. While the number of suicides has decreased slightly, partially due to greater awareness of well-being and reduced competitiveness, it remains a troubling aspect of the country’s education system.

Daycare & kindergarten

Neither preschool nor kindergarten is mandatory, but around 90% of children enroll in at least two years of kindergarten before compulsory primary schooling begins.

How do daycare, preschool, and kindergarten work in Japan?

To begin understanding how daycare, preschool, and kindergarten work in Japan, it’s important to know the different terms and their English equivalent.

• Yochien — nursery, preschool, kindergarten
• Hoiku — daycare
• Hoikujo — nursery/daycare school
• Ninka — government authorized and subsidized daycare facility
• Mu ninka /ninka gai — privately owned/non-licensed daycare facility
• Ninshou — privately owned but government subsidized daycares (these are unique to Tokyo)

Note: The English terms “daycare” and “nursery” are interchangeable, as are “kindergarten” and “preschool”.

There’s no such thing as junior or senior kindergarten. Instead, there’s just the Japanese equivalent of preschool and kindergarten. Parents can enroll their children in whichever they see fit. The educational approach of daycare focuses on play and children learning to socialize with each other.

Yochien/kindergartens focus more on developing a child’s motor skills, mental reasoning, social and emotional development, as well as friendship and responsibility.

It’s also worth noting that a downside to daycares in Japan is that hours may be limited to just four hours a day. However, a small number of kindergartens and preschools may offer extended hours (to approx. 19:00) and may charge an extra fee for this.

What age do kids start kindergarten or nursery?

Children can enroll in hoiku/daycare before they turn one year old. They can stay in daycare until they are five. The word hoiku can also be used to refer to a kindergarten. Children can enroll in a hoiku at three years of age.

Things to know

As a very traditional society, Japan has seen a recent shortage of daycare facilities ever since there has been a spike in working mothers. Therefore, competition to get into daycare is stiff. It involves an entrance exam (identifying shapes and colors) as well as a points-based system to identify those with the greatest need. Points differ from school to school.

Most kindergartens in Japan use Japanese as the primary language of instruction. Expats should keep this in mind if their child’s Japanese skills are limited, though it can also be a great opportunity for children to learn the language from an early age.

Another key thing to note is that municipalities use a uniform point system to assess families’ level of need. Dual-income families are awarded more points, while having live-in grandparents can lower a family’s score since in-house support is available. Single parents typically receive the highest number of points, greatly increasing their chances of getting a spot.

Daycare and kindergarten fees

The cost of daycare and kindergarten in Japan depends on your location since subsidies vary based on municipality and your household income. Public daycare and kindergarten are generally tuition-free while private schools charge tuition.

However, for both types, parents are usually expected to purchase items such as meals, uniforms, and supplies for their child, as well as cover special activity fees. The total monthly cost (including additional expenses and supplies), for both types of schools is as follows:

Primary & secondary schools

If you’re moving to Japan with children, the prefecture and ward where you live will largely determine which public school your child can attend. Research the schools in your desired area before settling in. Academic standards are high throughout Japan, so your child should do well at any school. In regard to the class structure, class sizes tend to be large, averaging about 38 students per class, each with a homeroom teacher.

One thing you should be aware of is that In Japan, school communities often treat families like their own, so expect to be asked to join a committee and to have regular contact with your child’s teacher. Don’t be surprised if school buildings look modest or worn — despite their appearance, the standard of education is very high, the buildings are simply reflecting practical design choices from the 1990s.

Primary school (elementary school)

In primary school, students start learning basic core subjects such as mathematics, social studies, homemaking, and science. They will also learn haiku and Shodo (Japanese calligraphy) as a means to appreciate Japanese culture. In addition, a strong emphasis is placed on morality and community building, so much so that formal courses are given on the subject. Most elementary school students participate in after-school clubs or Saturday activities.

Secondary school (high school)

Secondary schooling in Japan is divided into lower (grades 7–9) and upper (grades 10–12) levels. Grade numbers restart with each level, so grade 7 is called “grade 1” of lower secondary, and grade 11 is called “grade 2” of upper secondary. Upper secondary is voluntary, but nearly 99% of the students attend.

In public schools, subjects become more challenging each year, and with the introduction of English language courses, learning becomes increasingly intensive for students.

Keep in mind that public schools only teach in Japanese. If your child is already proficient in Japanese upon arrival in Japan, enrolling them in a public school is straightforward. Otherwise, an international school is the best option.

Some popular public primary and secondary schools in Japan

• Tokyo Metropolitan Kokusai High School
• Tokyo Metropolitan Asuka High School
• Nada High School
• Nanzan Elementary School
• Nobeyama Elementary School

Public school costs

Tuition for public primary and secondary schools is free, even for foreign students. However, you’ll be required to cover some costs for lunches, school materials, uniforms, and contributions to the PTA. Your school should provide a detailed list of everything that your child needs.

Public schools can total around 70,000 to over 100,000 JPY (approx. 455–650 USD) per year.

Requirements to enroll

Foreign students in Japan have the same rights as Japanese students. To enroll your student, you’ll need to register your address with your local municipal office. Once you’ve done this, you’ll be assigned a specific school in your municipality. The requirements your child must meet are:

• appropriate age for the school year to which they’re enrolling
• enrollment application form
• transcripts from previous school
• residence card

International schools

International schools are easily the most expensive schooling option in Japan, but many expat and Japanese parents choose them for a global education and to keep children aligned with international standards, opening doors to study and work abroad. International schools also don’t come with the same academic pressure that is seen in the traditional Japanese education system.

Schools in Japan for international students

Given Japan’s ever-increasing foreign population, it’s now easy to find international schools in nearly every prefecture throughout the country. In total there are over 100 accredited international schools throughout Japan.

Unsurprisingly, expats will find the greatest number of international schools in large cities such as Tokyo, Yokohama, and Kobe. The cities with fewer options are Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Sendai, and Sapporo.

The benefits of international schools in Japan

One benefit of an international school is the language. International schools in Japan are largely American or British schools. This relates to the offered curriculum as well as the language. Most international schools teach pupils in English, which is another reason some Japanese families enroll their children in the schools.

However, expat families from select non-English speaking countries will also find schools instructing in their native languages such as German, French, or Chinese. Japanese is taught as a subject in every international school and can help foreign children to integrate into Japanese society.

Another benefit is smaller class sizes and learning that can be tailored to a child’s special needs. International schools in Japan accommodate students with special needs, whether emotional, developmental, or physical. Your child will remain with their peers while also receiving individualized support.

Popular international schools in Japan

British schools

• Michael’s International School in Kobe
• The British School in Tokyo
• Three Lions International School

French schools

• Lycée Français International de Tokyo
• The French-Japanese International School of Tokyo

German schools

• Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama
• Deutsche Schule Kobe International

Indian Schools

• Global Indian International School Tokyo
• India International School in Japan Tokyo

North American schools

• American School in Japan (Tokyo)
• Canadian International School Tokyo
• Canadian Academy in Kobe
• Columbia International School
• Axis International School

Catholic schools

• Seisen International School (all-girls school)
• St. Mary’s International School in Tokyo
• Saint Maur International School

International school requirements and admission

The requirements to enroll in an international school will vary from school to school. Many will require students to pass an entrance exam. In addition, you will also need to provide:

• your residence card
• student’s residence card
• transcripts from previous school
• enrollment application form
• your address so that the bus can pick up your child

In addition to these requirements, you’ll also be required to pay a registration fee should your child be accepted. This is usually around 300,000 JPY (approx. 1,950 USD).

International school tuition fees

International schools are by far the most expensive option when comparing schooling options in Japan. Annual tuition averages around 1.5 to 3 million JPY (approx. 9,700–19,500 USD) uniforms, school materials, etc. cost extra. Be sure to also factor in the registration fee.

Higher education

Given the great importance the country puts on qualifying exams, it’s not surprising that many of Asia’s top universities are found in Japan. These institutions can be separated into three major categories:

• traditional universities (daigaku): These are typical four-year institutions that are found throughout the rest of the globe. Universities can be national, public, or private.

• short-term universities (tanki daigaku): These schools are typically only two-years long. They are specialist schools, but with more focus on studies rather than vocation.

• specialist schools (senmon-gakko): These institutions are similar to short-term universities, but with greater emphasis on vocational training. Their teachings range from hairdressing and care-specialists to business. These schools are more affordable and accessible for students with lower high school exam scores.

Similar to primary and secondary schools, higher education institutions in Japan begin the academic year in April and end in March. There are usually two semesters with breaks in September and March.

Top studies for international students in Japan

There are a variety of degrees you can study at Japanese universities, but there are a few specialties that are particularly popular for international students. The most obvious is students looking to study the Japanese language. After that, students interested in the following fields will also find a lot of opportunities at Japanese universities:

• animation
• architecture
• engineering
• business and management
• natural/environmental sciences
• computer science
• game creation
• data science

Requirements for higher education in Japan

If you didn’t already assume this, Japanese universities have one of the most competitive admissions processes in the world. However, Japanese universities are also desperate to diversify their student body (non-Asian students remain the lowest enrollment numbers) and have recently been ranked as one of the most popular study abroad destinations in the world.

The general requirements for a foreign student to enroll in a Japanese university are:

• completion of twelve years of study including primary and secondary education
• valid passport
• knowledge of the Japanese language (the required proficiency level will vary by institution, but most require a minimum of an N2 level)
• English proficiency (some degrees are fully taught in English and require an IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 100 or higher)
• completion of the Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU) exam

The EJU is held twice yearly in Japan and in select foreign cities within Asia. The exam covers topics related to Japan in language, science, social studies, and mathematics. Questions are available in English or Japanese.

Other requirements you’ll have to meet as a foreign student will be dependent on whether or not you are accepted by a Japanese university. These requirements will pertain to obtaining a student visa. In order to qualify, you’ll need:

• an offer of acceptance from a Japanese university
• Certificate of Eligibility submitted by the Japanese university
• proof of financial means to live and study in Japan
• proof of accommodation in Japan
• valid passport
• passport-sized photo

It’ll take about two to three months for this visa to be processed. Student visas will permit you to work and study, but the work will be limited to 28 hours per week.

Best universities for international students in Japan

These are some of the popular universities for international students looking to study in Japan:

Tokyo University Kyoto University Osaka University Tohoku University Nagoya University Keio University Sophia University (Tokyo) Waseda University (Tokyo) Doshisha University (Kyoto) Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University (Beppu)

University tuition fees in Japan

If you’re wondering how much it costs to study in Japan as an international student, you may be surprised to learn that it’s fairly affordable, especially when compared to institutions in Europe or North America. National universities are the largest and federally funded.

Public universities are run and funded by individual prefectures, often offering lower tuition to local students. Private universities receive no government funding, making them the most expensive. Below are the yearly costs for each type of school.

It’s also possible for international students to apply for scholarships to help alleviate costs. In addition to tuition fees, foreign students will need to factor in the living costs of being in Japan.

On average, single-room student accommodations can be found for 40–60,000 JPY (approx. 260–390 USD) per month, which should include basic utilities. Depending on where you live, you may also have to pay upwards of 90,000 JPY (approx. 580 USD), so be sure to look into the living costs when researching Japanese universities.

Language schools

Unless you’re already proficient in Japanese, it’s a good idea to enroll in a language school once you’ve arrived, as the country ranks among the lowest in English language proficiency in Asia.

This has improved slightly in recent years as Japan becomes more and more open to foreigners and international businesses. Generally, though, expats will need to know a decent amount of Japanese in order to live and work in the country.

Many language schools will offer visa sponsorship in conjunction with their courses. This is especially useful for expats who want to move to Japan, but don’t yet have a job, and are also not registered at an institution of higher education.

Language school fees

Fees for language courses will vary depending on many factors such as your individual needs, age, location of the school, and length of study. Below is the national average prices for different time periods: