52Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter12Education system in Japan
The Japanese education system is generally called the "6-3-3-4-year system" and consists of
six years of elementary education, three years of junior high education, three years of high school
education and four years of college education. Education is compulsory in elementary schools and
junior high schools. Preprimary education is given at kindergartens etc.1 Chapter 5 Education
Notes:
(1) 
The gray sections are Compulsory education.
(2) 
*indicates advanced courses
(3) 
Upper secondary schools, upper division of Secondary Education Schools, universities, junior colleges, and upper secondary department of
schools for Special Needs Education can have separate courses with course terms of year or more.
(4) 
A child aged from 0 to 2 years old can attend Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care because it functions as school as well as child
welfare institution.
(5) 
Age and admission requirments for Specialized Training College General Courses and Misecellaneous Schools are not defined uniformly.
Diagram of the school system in Japan13181716151413121110987654321Schoolyear24232221201918171615141211109876543
Integrated centers for
Early Childhood
Education and Care
Kindergartens
Kinder.
Dept.
Preschool
Education
Element.
Dept.
Lower
Sec. Dept.
Upper
Sec. Dept.
Primary
Education
Secondary
Education
Higher
Education*Special Needs
Education
Schools
Compulsory
Education
School
(Upper Div.)
College of
Technology (KOSEN)
Specialized Training College
General Course
Miscellaneous
School
Elementary School
Lower Secondary Schools
Part-timeCourses
(Upper Div.)
(Lower Div.)
Secondary
Education
School*Part-time
Courses
Correspondence
Courses*Upper Secondary Schools*(note)
(1) The gray sections are Compulsory education.
(2) *indicates advanced courses
(3) Upper secondary schools, upper division of Secondary Education Schools, universities, junior colleges, and upper secondary department of schools for Special Needs
Education can have separate courses with course terms of year or more.
(4) A child aged from 0 to 2 years old can attend Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care because it functions as school as well as child welfare institution.
(5) Age and admission requirments for Specialized Training College General Courses and Misecellaneous Schools are not defined uniformly.** **Specialized Training Collage
Upper Secondary Courses
Professional and Vocational
Junior College
StandardAgeCorrespondence
Courses
Universities
(undergraduate)
Graduate
School
Professional Graduate School
Professional and
Vocational Universities
Junior
College
Correspondence
Courses
Specialized Training Collage
Post-Secondary Courses
(Lower Div.)
Correspondence
Courses53Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
1-1 Elementary and junior high school
Enrollment in a public elementary and/or junior high school
• Custodian have the obligation to enroll their Japanese child aged from six to 15 in elementary
school, and junior high school or compulsory education school.
• In the case of foreign children, the children can be accepted by Japanese public elementary
and junior high school etc. Tuition and textbooks are free of charge.
• Tell your local municipal office that you wish to send your children to Japanese public school.
• Visit an appointed school with required documents and the Enrollment Permit for
International Students issued by the municipal office.
• In Japan, besides elementary and junior high schools, there are compulsory education
schools which provide compulsory education comprising grade one through nine, and special
schools for physically and/or mentally challenged children.
(See 1-4 for Night Junior High School.)
1-2 High school
• High schools are for those who have graduated from junior high school and wish to continue
their studies. To get enrolled in high school you have to take an entrance examination and pass
it, as a general rule.
• High schools are categorized into schools offering full-time courses, part-time courses and
correspondence courses.
• High school graduates are entitled to apply to university.
1-3 Schools for foreign students
• Besides elementary, junior high and high schools, there are various types of educational
institutes for foreign students, and the facilities aimed exclusively at educating foreign children
are called "schools for foreign students."
• Each school has different background of cultures, ethnicities, languages, curriculums
and post-graduate paths, so you should choose one suitable for your children. (Enrollment
qualifications for those who have graduated from schools for foreign students can be found in
1-7 Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities).)
The below is a website for persons related to schools for foreign students:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/kokusai/gaikoku/index.htm54Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
1-4 Evening Classes at Junior High Schools
• In Japan, there are Evening Classes at Junior High Schools for those have not completed
their compulsory education either in Japan or in their home country.
• 15 prefectures across Japan have 40 Evening Classes at Junior High Schools (as of April
2022) and they accept those who have not graduated from junior high school for any reason.
• If you wish to get enrolled in Evening Classes at Junior High Schools near you, first of all,
contact your municipal Board of Education.
Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology:
"For those who wish to learn at Evening Class at Junior High Schools".
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/yakan/index_00005.html1-5Examination for Granting an Equivalency Certificate
of Lower Secondary School Graduation
• Those who have not graduated from junior high school in Japan can take this test.
• The test is held once a year.
• By passing the test, you will be qualified to take an entrance examination for Japanese high
schools.
1-6 Upper Secondary School Equivalency Examination
• Those who have not graduated from high school can take this test.
• The test is held twice a year.
• If you pass it, you will be entitled for the following:
i. To take entrance examinations for colleges/universities, junior colleges or professional
training colleges in Japan.
ii. To take tests for employment or qualifications which entitles people who have
graduated from high school.
Outline (in English):
https://www.mext.go.jp/component/a_menu/education/detail/__icsFiles/
afieldfile/2019/05/13/1291562_02.pdf55Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
1-7 Higher educational institutes (colleges and universities)
Admission to college and university
• Those who have graduated from "high schools", "middle schools" or an
accredited international schools in Japan (http://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/koutou/
shikaku/07111314/003.htm) are entitled to apply for the following schools:• i. Colleges and universities
ii. Professional and vocational universities
iii. Junior colleges
iv. Professional and vocational Junior colleges
v. Professional training colleges
(post-secondarycourse of specialized training
colleges), etc.
• Those who have obtained one of the following certificates will also be qualified to apply for
the above-mentioned educational institutes:
i. International Baccalaureate
ii. Abitur
iii. Baccalaureate
iv. General Certificate of Education, Advanced-Level
(See a list of accredited international Baccalaureate schools in Japan:
https://ibconsortium.mext.go.jp/ib-japan/authorization/)
• Those who have completed their 12-year education and graduated from an educational
institute that is certified by any of the following groups are also entitled to apply for the above-
mentioned educational institutes:
i. WASC (The Western Association of Schools and Colleges)
ii. CIS (Council of International Schools)
iii. ACSI (Association of Christian Schools International)
iv. NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges)
Other institutes for higher education
• There are other institutes for higher education in Japan as follows and each has its own
application requisites:
i. Graduate schools mainly for postgraduates
ii. Professional and vocational universities mainly for postgraduates
iii. Colleges of Technology mainly for junior-high graduates56Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
1-8 Entrance examination to higher educational institutes
• To get enrolled in a higher education institute, you have to pass an entrance examination or
document screening.
• Some institutes offer special assessments for foreign applicants.
• The Examination for Japanese University Admission for International Students (EJU),
operated by the Japan Student Services Organization, is employed by many colleges and
universities as a special evaluation reference for international students.
The below is a website for foreign nationals:
https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/eju/index.html57Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
Financial support for the education
costs
2-1 Financial support for elementary and junior high students
• There is a system that offers assistance for the expense of school supplies such as uniforms,
school bags, stationery and school lunches.
• Low-income parents whose children go to elementary or junior high school are eligible for
this assistance.
• The requirements for the assistance and the amount to be paid vary on the municipality in
which the applicant resides.
For further information on this system, please visit:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/career/05010502/017.htm
2-2 High School Tuition Support Fund
• High-school students whose annual household income is less than
9,100,000 yen, can receive financial aid to cover the expense of high
school tuition.
• Students who go to national or public high school are eligible to receive
financial aid equal to the amount of the tuition.
• The amount of the aid for private high-school students varies depending
on their household income.
• In order to receive the aid, an application form must be submitted.
• Details will be announced by the school you attend.
For further information on this system, please visit:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1342674.htm
If you want to read it in English:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/20220329-mxt_kouhou02-2.pdf258
Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
2-3 High School Supplemental Scholarship Fund
• Low-income parents whose children go to high school can receive benefits to cover the
expense other than tuition fees, such as the expense of textbooks and school supplies.
• The amount of the benefits differs in the kind of schools students attend.
• In order to receive the benefits, you have to apply for an application form must be submitted.
• Details will be announced by the school your child attends.
For further information on this system, please visit:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/1344089.htm
If you want to read in English:
https://www.mext.go.jp/a_menu/shotou/mushouka/
20220328-mxt_kouhou02-2.pdf
2-4 Scholarship for undergraduate and postgraduate students
• Scholarships are provided by the Japanese government,
local governments and private foundations.
• National scholarships consist of two types:
i. Grant type: you do not need to pay it back
ii. Student loan type: you have to repay it after graduation
* Some student-loan type scholarships have interest charges while others don’t.
• Those who continue with higher education and have one of the following status of residence
are eligible for the scholarships offered by the Japanese government:
i. Special Permanent Resident
ii. Permanent Resident
iii. Spouse or child of Japanese national
iv. Spouse or child of Permanent Resident
v. Long-Term Resident (who intend to live in Japan
permanently)
• There are also grant-type scholarships for those whose status of residence is "Student" and
have satisfied the academic requirements.
The below is a website for foreign nationals:
https://www.jasso.go.jp/en/ryugaku/scholarship_j/shoreihi/index.html59Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
Learning Japanese
Knowing Japanese will make your life easier in Japan. You
can get to know others and make friends with them. They may
help you when you need any help. You may be able to fulfill
your dreams. In order to live your own life in Japan, it is strongly
recommended that you keep studying Japanese.
3-1 About the Japanese language
• Japanese language uses five types of characters: hiragana, katakana, kanji, and English
letters (romaji) and numbers. Both Hiragana and Katakana have 46 characters each and those
written in smaller versions (four characters for Hiragana and nine characters for Katakana). The
special symbols are also used.
• Kanji will be helpful once you memorize them. Some may look complicated. Start by learning
the simple ones.
• Learn about romaji as well, which is often used when you type or text for mails and social
media
• If you live in Japan, it is very important to know the names of local places and streets by
reading and writing characters such as Kanji. Japanese also has many dialects and they have an
important role in your community life. You can learn these dialects at Japanese classes in your
area and through communication with local residents.
• Other than the above-mentioned, there are forms of polite speech in Japanese. It would be
better if you become able to use polite Japanese depending on who you are speaking to.
3-2 Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education
• "Reference Framework for Japanese Language Education" was newly established in 2021 to
make learning Japanese easier for you, with reference to CEFR (Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages; Learning, teaching, assessment).
• This describes learning contents and action targets according to six levels of Japanese
language (A1 to C2) and Japanese language proficiency ("listening," "reading," "speaking
(interaction)," "speaking (expression)," and "writing").
* Please use it as a reference to check your Japanese language level and to study setting the next goal.360
Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 EducationC2Can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read. Can express him/
herself spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of
meaning even in the most complex situations.C1Can understand a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognize implicit
meaning. Can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious
searching for expressions. Can use language flexibly and effectively for social,
academic and professional purposes.B2Can understand the main ideas of complex text on both concrete and abstract
topics, including technical discussions in his/her field of specialization. Can interact
with a degree of fluency and spontaneity that makes regular interaction with proficient
speakers of Japanese quite possible without strain for either party.B1Can understand the main points of clear standard input on familiar matters
regularly encountered in work, school, leisure, etc. Can produce simple connected
text on topics which are familiar or of personal interest.A2Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of
most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping,
local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a
simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters.A1Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases
aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can interact in a simple way
provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.
3-3 Where to learn
By attending Japanese classes, you can not only study the language, but also exchange
information and make friends at the same time. Find a language school or lesson near you.
Nowadays an increasing number of learners choose distance learning through social media
such as Skype or E-learning. Find the method that is suitable for you.
(1) Japanese language school
• There are courses with different purposes: to prepare for school study, for work, or to
prepare for examinations
• There are classes for beginners through advanced learners.
• You can choose to learn in a group or in a private class.
• You have to pay for the classes.61Chapter1Chapter3Chapter2Chapter4Chapter5Chapter6Chapter7Chapter8Chapter9Chapter10Chapter11Chapter125 Education
(2) Japanese classes in local communities
• Japanese classes are organized by local governments, international associations, or NPOs.
• Classes are held in community centers, schools, churches or volunteer centers.
• Teachers are volunteers in many cases.
• Some classes are free of charge. They are more economical than studying at a language
school.
• Generally, classes are held once or twice a week for one to two hours.
The below is a list of responsible departments for Japanese language education in each region and
Japanese classes organized in the region:
https://www.bunka.go.jp/seisaku/kokugo_nihongo/kyoiku/nihongokyoiku_tanto/
pdf/93036701_01.pdf
* Check the following when you search for Japanese classes:
1Name of the class 2organizer 3venue 4contact number 5how to contact 6supported
languages 7course period 8number of sessions 9timetable (day and time) 10qualification
for application 11cost 12 class type (group or private) 13number of students 14level 15who
teaches 16what to learn 17availability of parking, baby-sitting services, etc.
(3) Online classes, distance learning
If you are too busy to go to language school because of working or parenting, you can study
Japanese online using SNS or E-learning. There are various version of tuitions and services, so find
the one that is most suitable for you.3-4Website for Japanese learners: "Connect and
Enhance Your Life in Japanese" (known as Tsunahiro)
This website is for foreign nationals who live in Japan to learn Japanese, aiming to communicate
in Japanese or use Japanese in daily life.
You can choose learning contents in videos and scripts based on your Japanese level, the
situation and keywords that interest you. Study and use Japanese to connect with society and
broaden life’s possibilities.
Available languages: 
Japanese, English, Chinese (simplified), Portuguese, Spanish,
Vietnamese, Indonesian, Pilipino, Nepali, and Khmer (Cambodian),
Korean, Thai, Burmese, Mongolian, Ukrainian and Russian (16
languages)
Situations for learning: 
Scenes from daily life such as greeting people, shopping, using a bank,
using a train, going to a municipal office, and preparing for disaster
and emergency
"Connect and Enhance Your Life in Japanese":
https://tsunagarujp.bunka.go.jp/