Putting your child in a Japanese school: enrolment, costs and the letters home

Enrolling at a public school

Foreign children can attend public elementary (小学校, shōgakkō, ages 6–12) and junior high schools (中学校, chūgakkō, ages 12–15) on the same terms as Japanese children. Tuition and textbooks are free.

1. 1After registering your address, tell the ward office you want your child to attend school. They'll send you to the board of education (教育委員会, kyōiku iinkai) counter.
2. 2Bring your child's residence card and passport, and your own. They'll tell you which school covers your address.
3. 3Visit the school for an interview. Bring any school records from abroad.
4. 4Start date is set with the school. Children can join mid-year.

Which grade?

The school year runs April to March, and grade is set by age: children who turn 6 by 1 April start first grade that April. Schools usually place foreign children by age, not by Japanese level. Ask if you think a different grade would suit your child better; some boards allow it.

What you do pay

• School lunch (給食, kyūshoku): a monthly fee, though many cities now make it free. Ask about allergies and religious diets.
• Materials and trips: workbooks, art supplies, field trips, the school bag (ランドセル, randoseru) for elementary school.
• Uniforms at most junior high schools.
• Help with costs: low-income families can apply for school expense support (就学援助, shūgaku enjo) at the board of education.

Japanese-language support

Support varies a lot by city and school: some have Japanese classes (日本語指導, nihongo shidō) or visiting interpreters, others very little. Ask at enrolment what's available, and about local volunteer Japanese classes for children.

The letters, forms and PTA

• Letters home (おたより / プリント) come almost daily. Most important: school events (行事), things to bring (持ち物), deadlines (提出期限), and fees.
• The contact notebook (連絡帳, renrakuchō) goes between you and the teacher. Short notes in simple Japanese are fine; translation apps help.
• Indoor shoes (上履き, uwabaki) and a gym kit are needed from day one. Names go on everything.
• PTA: parents usually take on a role during their child's time at the school. You can explain your language situation and ask for a role that suits you.
• Emergency contact forms and health questionnaires: fill these in carefully, with a contact who can be reached in Japanese if possible.

International schools

International schools teach in English or other languages, but they're private and costly, with fees often above ¥2 million a year. Some are recognised by the education ministry, others aren't, which can matter if your child later moves to a Japanese school or university.