The Japanese education system: An overview

When you think of Japan, you may immediately associate the Asian country with serious meritocracy. Known for achievement-based promotion, Japanese students and adults alike strive for excellence in work and academic achievement, both of which contribute towards general social acceptance.

As such, it's no surprise that Japan consistently ranks highly for academic achievement. In fact, U.S. News & World Report places the island nation at number 10 in the world for education (and number 5 in their "best countries" rankings).

So, how does this elite school system work? This guide details the educational structure of the system in place, as well as the costs, curriculum, and school types available in the country. If you're an expat moving to Japan with children, this is your essential guide to navigating the Japanese education system. We'll also cover how Wise can help you manage the costs of international education.

Educational Structure in Japan

Education in Japan typically begins with pre-primary education, after which schooling becomes compulsory from ages 6 to 15. That being said, most students continue their education through upper secondary school (ages 15-18), and a significant portion go on to higher education.

Note: Although Upper Secondary school is not compulsory, and most are Private, the Japanese government does provide tuition support for lower income families, effectively making public Upper Secondary tuition-free, and offering some support for private school tuition.

Pre-Primary Education (Ages 3-6)

Pre-primary education in Japan is for children aged three to five and is divided into two main types:

• Kindergarten (Yochien - 幼稚園): More academically focused, preparing children for primary school.
• Day Care (Hoikuen - 保育園): More focused on play and social development. Considered a "welfare institution" under the Child Welfare Law.

The aim of pre-primary schools is to foster cognitive, social, and emotional development through interactive play and activities, ultimately preparing children for primary education.

Attendance at pre-primary school is not compulsory. Most pre-primary institutions are privately funded and charge tuition fees.

Primary Education (Ages 6-12)

Primary education (also called Elementary School) is compulsory and begins at age six, continuing until age twelve. This covers grades one through six. Typically, students have the same teacher for most subjects, which include Japanese, mathematics, science, social studies, music, arts and crafts, physical education, and homemaking. In later primary grades (often grades 5 or 6), students may begin learning a foreign language, often English, with a separate teacher.

Both public and private primary schools are available. However, the difference in quality between public and private primary schools is generally less pronounced in Japan than in many other countries, as Japanese public schools are generally very well-regarded. Teachers in both public and private schools are highly trained.

The grading scale in primary school is typically percentage-based, with corresponding letter grades:

Lower Secondary School (Ages 12-15)

Lower secondary school covers grades seven through nine, for students aged twelve to fifteen. While not technically compulsory in the same way as Primary, de facto, almost all Japanese students (over 95%) attend lower secondary school.

As with primary school, both public and private options are available, but the vast majority of students attend public schools at this level. Students have different teachers for each subject. The curriculum typically includes:

• Japanese Language
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Studies
• English (required since 2011)
• Other Foreign Languages (optional)
• Physical Education
• Music
• Art

Extracurricular activities, such as sports clubs and theater groups, become increasingly important during lower secondary school.

Upper Secondary School (Ages 15-18)

Upper secondary school is not compulsory, but again, a very high percentage of Japanese students (over 90%) choose to attend. It covers grades ten through twelve, for students aged fifteen to eighteen.

At this level, curricula become more specialized. Students may choose courses in areas like:

• Business
• Fisheries
• Information Technology
• Accounting
• Technical Fields
• And other vocational areas

Schools are often structured by departments, and students are taught by specialist teachers in each subject area, moving between classrooms throughout the day.

Unlike the lower levels, most upper secondary schools are private, and parents are typically responsible for tuition fees. However, there are public options, and the government provides financial assistance to families with lower incomes to help cover tuition costs.

School Schedule

The Japanese academic year typically runs from April to March. While some courses may run for the entire year, it's more common for courses to be organized by semester or trimester.

Japanese students generally have three main vacation periods:

• Summer Vacation: From late July to late August (approximately 40 days).
• Winter Vacation: From late December to early January (approximately two weeks).
• Spring Vacation: From late March to early April (approximately two weeks).

The typical school day starts around 8:30 AM and ends around 3:30 PM, though this can vary by school and district. Some schools may have slightly different schedules for older and younger students, but this is less common than in some Western countries where staggered schedules are used for busing.

The Cost of Education in Japan for Expats

While public schools in Japan are tuition-free for Japanese citizens and de facto free for lower income families, many expatriates choose to enroll their children in international schools, particularly during the initial adjustment period or if the children don't yet have a strong command of Japanese.

International school fees can be substantial. A rough estimate is around ¥2,000,000 JPY to ¥3,000,000 JPY per year, though this can vary significantly depending on the school and grade level. Some schools may offer discounts for siblings. While textbooks are often included in tuition, uniforms are usually an additional expense, potentially costing between ¥80,000 JPY and ¥100,000 JPY per set (including winter, summer, and sports uniforms).

Managing International Education Costs with Wise

For expat families in Japan, managing education costs can involve significant international money transfers. Traditional providers often come with high fees and unfavorable exchange rates. Wise offers a cost-effective solution:

• Mid-Market Exchange Rate: Wise uses the mid-market rate (the same one you usually see on Google) for all currency conversions, eliminating hidden exchange rate markups.
• Low, Transparent Fees: Wise charges a small, upfront fee that is clearly displayed before you make a transaction.
• Local JPY Account Details: Wise provides you with local JPY account details (as well as account details for other currencies). This allows you to receive payments in Yen like a local, avoiding international transfer fees from your home bank. You can pay school fees directly from your JPY.
• Wise Card: Residents of supported countries can additionally order the Wise card that lets you make payment like a local, in-store or online.

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By using Wise, you can potentially save a significant amount of money on international school fees and other education-related expenses in Japan.

Conclusion: A World-Class Education System in Japan

Whether you choose public or private education in Japan, your child will likely receive a high-quality education. For more information, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology (MEXT) website provides a wealth of resources on school philosophy, policies, curriculum, and enrollment procedures.