Education System
Japan ratified the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1994. This agreement

recognizes the rights of the child to education. In Japan, primary education is not compulsory for

children of foreign nationality, but every child has the right to receive education.
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1-1 Japanese education system

(1) 6.3.3.4 system
The Japanese education system consists overall of six years of elementary school, three years of

junior high school, three years of high school and four years of university (or two years of junior

college)

(2) Compulsory education
Among the 6.3.3.4 years of education, every child must enter and graduate from an elementary

school and a junior high school, as this is compulsory education. Compulsory education is an

obligation for Japanese citizens. However, children of age six to 15 with foreign citizenship may

enter or transfer to local elementary schools or junior high schools with same expenses as

Japanese citizens, regardless of their nationality. Looking ahead to your child’s future, it is highly

desirable for your child to be entered/ transferred into a school. Please consult the municipal

administrative office in the area where you reside.

(3) Others
Most students in Japan go on to study at high schools/universities. To be admitted into a high

school or a university, applicants must take an entrance examination.

There are kindergartens for children under school age. There are also specialized training schools

and miscellaneous schools basically for junior high school and high school graduates which teach

them the skills and knowledge necessary for a vocation. Schools for children with intellectual

disabilities, physical disabilities and health impairments are also available.

1-2 Japanese schools

(1) National/public schools and private schools
Schools are categorized into three types according to the management jurisdiction. National

schools are run by the national government, public schools are run by local municipalities, and

private schools are run by incorporated educational institutions.

Entry into public elementary schools and junior high schools as a general principle is determined

according to the school district that students live in, and an entrance exam is not required,

whereas students who wish to enter a private school must pass an entrance exam.

(2) School year, terms, and vacations
A school year in Japan begins in April and ends in the following March.

In most schools there are three terms in a school year.

The first term is from April to July, the second term is from September to December and the third

term is from January to March. Each term is followed by a vacation: around 40 days of summer

vacation, and two weeks of winter vacation and spring vacation respectively.